Biography

A fruity cocktail mix of Ska/Hop Swagga is the lovechild of Essex rapper/songwriter Ray Gudge. Fusing 2 of his favourite styles of music hip-hop and ska, Ray with the support of the Swagga boys have created a unique sound that sounds equally classic and contemporary, mining a rich vein of musical heritage and mixing it in a modern day style.

Lyrically Ray follows in a long line of witty and thought provoking wordsmiths such as Ray Davies, Madness and The Streets. Whilst each song tells a story with bittersweet narratives on such subjects as teenage pregnancies, the murky underbelly of gangsters, the Americanization of British culture and the quizzical question of where did it all go wrong? Swagga are the future of British Ska hip hop and have supported some of the best Ska bands in the world Such as the Selecter, The Beat, Bad manners, The Aggrolites, Don Letts and most recently King Hammond. So sit back, buckle up and let the boys take you on a unique musical journey.

Who’s got the Swagga then?

Florence from Florence and the Machine has got the Carnival Swagga, Jason Orange (Take That.) has the Swagga, Notting Hill publishing Have the Swagga, DJ Semtex (Radio 1 extra) knows the flame boy Swagga. The N.M.E Radio hears the Swagga, WARNER MUSIC Is loving the Swagga. King Hammond he gets the shuffle to Swagga. Bomber records have got interest in da Swagga.

Goldie (Metalheadz) has the Twitter Swagga. Adam Perry drummer of “A” and the Blood Hound Gang He’s got the Swagga groove. Strummerville (The Joe Strummer foundation) has a wicked Swagga. XFM plays the Swagga. Sim from Kidbritish has got da Swagga. The News at 10 featured Swagga, Gill Mills Best of myspace, Radio1 and icast.uk.com has got Ska hop to Swagga, Shaun Parks (Actor) and original bad bwoy has nuff love for the Swagga, Levi Roots (Dragons den entrepreneur and musician) puts the Swagga in his Sauce.

Gail Porter (T.V Presenter and manager) got the Holly bush twitter Swagga. BMI love the Swagga, Manchester radio online has the northern Swagga. Huey Morgan (Fun Lovin Criminals) has soul and Swagga. Big City 89.1 fm thinks Swagga are amazing. Lee Thompson (sax player for Madness) has the nutty Swagga. (Live and unsigned) biggest UK music competition is getting the Swagga and with over 24,500 plays on myspace and 30,000 hits on you Tube, it’s time for you to hear and witness Swagga!

Completing the line-up is Alberto “The Don” Danelli Guitar, Horn master general Ian Richards who has played with Sugg’s, Smokey Robinson and the Spice girls, Bass punisher “Lucky Luke” and Jase aka Flameboy whose drums and samples would turn Jesus into a bad boy.

For bookings, press / media requests and band info head over to our contact page.