Soon after their settlement, Scooter Braun praised Justin Bieber’s new album, Swag.
Bieber’s former longtime manager expressed his support for the album in a lengthy message shared to his Instagram Story. “This is, without a doubt, the most authentically Justin Bieber album to date,” wrote Braun. “It’s beautiful, raw, and truly him. And that’s what matters.”
“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his growth for almost two decades,” Braun continued. “Along every journey, there comes a time when an artist fully steps into their own — and that’s what he’s done here. He poured his soul into this project, and you can feel it in every single run.”
Braun’s post continued by admiring Swag’s almost-surprise rollout. “The way he chose to release it is just as intentional as the music itself — and I’m happy to see him do it this way,” wrote Braun. “I have played no roll in this one, but as someone who’s always believed in him, I’m incredibly proud and impressed and genuinely enjoying the music.”
Braun wrapped up his thoughts by admitting that “Daisies” is his favorite song on the album.
Ahead of Swag’s release, reports surfaced that Bieber and Braun had settled their financial dispute.
The situation stemmed from Live Nation’s parent company, Anschutz Entertainment Group, paying out a $40 million advance to Bieber for his 2022 tour in support of his Justice album. Bieber decided to end the tour early — meaning that the company wanted $26 million of the advance back.
Braun’s company, HYBE, agreed to pay the money that Bieber owed, and Bieber was supposed to repay that back in installments. However, Bieber had reportedly made only one payment.
Separately, Bieber reportedly owed Braun as much as $9 million in unpaid commissions, which he is also allegedly paid back.
Sources familiar with the situation claimed that Bieber and Braun came to an agreement about the money that the former owed the latter.
Braun isn’t the only person praising Bieber’s sound on his new album. Druski, who is literally on the project, has given the singer his flowers. On Swag’s “Soulful” skit, Druski says to him, “You got some soul on this album. You kinda sound Black on this muthafucka, man.”
“You played that last song, I said, ‘Damn.’ You got a ‘lil, I’m tellin’ you. You more than two percent,” he continued. “On this album right here, I can hear the soul. Your soul is Black. Your skin white, but your soul Black, Justin. I promise you, man.”
