Bay Swag: One of my fave rappers bodied his Vevo DSCVR 2026 ‘Artists to Watch’ performance

It’s safe to say one of the best rap artists of the past couples years has to be Bay Swag. His signature sound, his unique flex and of course New York City roots make him a standout. So it’s a no-brainer he delivered with a Vevo DSCVR 2026 ‘Artists to Watch’ performance.

Pure glowing and showing with ‘Matte Black’ and ‘Skirt’ for your viewing pleasure? You already know.

Vevo released two live performances from Queens rapper Bay Swag for "Matte Black" and "Skirt" for its “DSCVR Artists to Watch” 2026 campaign.

“Being named one of Vevo’s Artists to Watch 2026 means everything to me. It’s more than recognition — it’s reassurance that all the long nights and sacrifices are paying off. I don’t take this moment for granted; it just fuels me to go even harder and keep proving why I’m here," shares Bay Swag.

Now in its twelfth year, Vevo’s DSCVR ATW program is a hand-picked, highly curated selection of global artists who Vevo has tipped to break through to the mainstream, and is sponsored by Boost Mobile, as a part of a wider campaign on Vevo in which select DSCVR performances integrate Boost Mobile Branding. Starting Wednesday, November 12th, Vevo’s DSCVR ATW will showcase high-quality live performance video content from the class of 2026, with each artist delivering two custom performances.

"We’re excited to welcome Queens born drill rapper Bay Swag to our DSCVR ATW 2026 class. He’s helping define the Sexy Drill movement which blends the hard-hitting beats of drill with the smooth, soulful feel of R&B. His debut album really stood out to me because it’s raw, introspective, and gives a real glimpse into his world. You can tell he’s got that star quality and drive to take things to the next level," says Mika Sunga, Director of Programming.

Born out of Vevo’s taste-making DSCVR series, “DSCVR Artists To Watch” is one of the most highly anticipated and competitive lists in the emerging music space. Selected artists and bands receive invaluable exposure through Vevo’s extensive global network, including promotional support, playlist placements, and editorial features that help accelerate their careers.

"Vevo’s DSCVR program and annual Artists to Watch list is a critical part of our ongoing commitment and support to tomorrow’s icons. Vevo offers emerging artists the critical opportunity to build, monetize, and promote their visual catalog, no matter their genre. From Ireland to Puerto Rico, the 2026 DSCVR Artists to Watch come from various corners of the world, representing many scenes and cultures,” says JP Evangelista, SVP, Content, Programming & Marketing, Vevo. “Using a combination of art and science, data and gut, we can proudly advocate for this group of artists and their future success. Our biggest congratulations to the Class of 2026!"

Vevo has a long history of supporting and introducing emerging artists to new global audiences. ATW alumni are a long list of musical success stories, including Sam Smith (2014), James Bay (2015), Raye (2017), Billie Eilish (2018) Lewis Capaldi (2018), Remi Wolf (2021), Ice Spice (2023), Chappell Roan (2024) and more.

Vevo’s 2026 DSCVR “Artists to Watch” are: 

Aaron Rowe (Columbia Records)

aron! (Verve Records)

Alessi Rose (Capitol Records)

Audrey Hobert (RCA Records)

Bay Swag (UnitedMasters)

kwn (RCA Records)

LaBlackie (Universal Music Spain)

LeoStayTrill (0207 Def Jam)

Luz Gaggi (Sony Argentina)

RnBoi (Because Music)

ROA (UMLE)

Royel Otis (Capitol Records)

SAILORR (Bu Vision/10K Projects)

Sayf (Atlantic Records Italy / Warner Music Italy)

Sekou (EMI/Republic Records/NWS Music Group)

Sienna Spiro (Capitol Records)

Ty Myers (RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records)

Waylon Wyatt (Darkroom)

Zeddy Will (Power Moves, Inc./Vydia)

About Bay Swag:

Hailing from the hustle of Queens, Bay Swag has emerged as a genre-bending force. With over 23 million global streams and co-signs from icons like Justin Bieber, Young Thug, Lil Baby, and Meek Mill, Bay has cemented his status as a certified star. His leap to global recognition was fueled by the gold-certified hit “Fisherrr.” Originally a party-fueled collaboration with fellow New York rapper Cash Cobain, the track's infectious beat quickly became a viral sensation online, and soon had an official remix featuring Ice Spice that climbed the Billboard charts. Bay’s early work was deeply influenced by growing up in Queens and losing the guidance of his father—a pain he channelled into his breakout hits, “Rumors” and the melodic “Saucin’.” Bay Swag's rising influence carried him to major stages, including the Hot 97 Summer Jam and the legendary venues of Madison Square Garden (Rema, Davido tours) and Barclays Center (Future and Metro Boomin’s We Trust You Tour). In 2024, he opened for A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on select stops of the "Better Off Alone" global tour alongside NLE Choppa, Luh Tyler, and Byron Messia. He has also notched major collaborations with artists like Lil Durk, Rob49, NTG, and 42 Dugg. Most recently, Bay Swag released his new album, Swiggity.