F.L.Y. (Fast Life Yungstaz) “Swag Surfin” Is Now Officially Certified Platinum
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F.L.Y.’s (Fast Life Yungstaz) timeless party record “Swag Surfin” has officially been certified platinum. According to The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), as of March 24, 2024, the record has earned 1 million sales. The song earned this distinction just two days shy of its 15th anniversary.
Speaking with Christopher A. Daniel of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, group members Mook, Vee, iMcFli, and guest artist Easton discussed how their song reflecting on Atlanta’s party scene took over the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and eventually stadiums across the country.
“I’m glad that everyone keeps having a good time, and we can continue to bring good vibes and create memories with that song,” detailed Vee.
The group was formed “over a 10-piece wing from American Deli in South Dekalb Mall,” Mook revealed after his uncle suggested they give it a shot, citing the chemistry between the friends during a family outing on Thanksgiving night at Club Crunk. F.L.Y.’s first gig, in College Park, GA. was where they witnessed their audience participating in the dance that came to be synonymous with their best-selling track.
“They were just going from side to side, and the dance didn’t have a name attached to it,” Vee detailed. “We were thinking about something we could do to make our music different.”
After recording “Swag Surfin” at Mook’s uncle’s south-side residence, they came up with the song’s title and official dance. According to AJC, in August 2008, DJ Pretty Boy Tank was the first to play “Swag Surfin” which took nearly a month to resonate with fans.
Through shows at HBCU campuses and word-of-mouth, “Swag Surfin” evolved into a southern Hip-Hop party staple. The song has been interpolated or remixed by the likes of Fabolous, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and Beyoncé, and gained fans in former President Barack Obama, the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Hawks, and the Washington Mystics. It is played at various sporting events, and just about every college campus, HBCU or not, across the country.
Earlier this year, Taylor Swift attended a Kansas City Chiefs game in support of her boyfriend Travis Kelce and once “Swag Surfin” echoed through the stadium speakers, the top-charting artist, and everyone else automatically swayed from side to side. According to the group, the viral moment resulted in “Our streams across all platforms is up 700 percent, our YouTube numbers done went up, we done gained 20,000 subscribers in like two weeks.”
I'M SWAG. I'M SURFING.
It's a party in KC. pic.twitter.com/iams28jD54— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 14, 2024
The Atlanta natives plan to celebrate their success with a tour, a documentary, and a platinum plaque presentation later this spring.
“The song has put us in different rooms to shake hands with people that we haven’t before,” Mook elaborated.
Take a look at the original video for “Swag Surfin” below.
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