Swagg, known professionally as Swagg Dinero, was born John Coleman, Jr. to an African-American father and a Mexican mother. Emerging from Chicago, Swagg is a prominent rap artist whose name often appears as '$wagg,' with a dollar sign replacing the 'S.' His music is predominantly categorized as drill or trap, a gritty genre that mirrors the harsh realities of urban life. Swagg is widely recognized as the brother of Lil JoJo, a fellow Chicago rapper who tragically lost his life in 2012, a casualty of the city's rampant gang violence.
Swagg Dinero has amassed a significant following on platforms like YouTube, with one of his most notable tracks being "Have It All," a collaboration with his late brother Lil JoJo. This song has garnered millions of views, underlining Swagg's lasting impact on the music scene. In the aftermath of JoJo's untimely death, Swagg has continued to pursue his music career, releasing numerous tracks and maintaining the contentious rivalry his brother had with Chief Keef and the Glo Gang affiliates.
Lil JoJo's Tragic Death
In 2012, Lil JoJo met a violent end on the streets of Chicago, an incident widely believed to be an extension of the ongoing feud with Chief Keef and the Black Disciples, adversaries of JoJo's own Gangster Disciples. Contrary to rumors that JoJo was on a bike when shot, Swagg has repeatedly clarified online that this was not the case. Swagg and his mother have publicly discussed the loss, emphasizing their belief in the purpose behind JoJo's life and death. Just a few months later, Chief Keef's stepbrother, Ulysses 'Chris' Gissendanner III, was also shot dead, prompting Swagg to acknowledge the shared grief, stating, "I ain't the only one who lost a bro either."
Lil JoJo vs. Chief Keef Rivalry
Following his brother's death, Swagg has been vocal in his ongoing dispute with Chief Keef. On Twitter, Swagg has made allegations against Chief Keef and his crew, insinuating their involvement in illicit activities. These claims, although unverified, were seemingly validated by a suggestive tweet from Chief Keef himself, hinting at his involvement with paid companions.
Swagg vs. Cashout Dispute
In 2013, tensions escalated when Cashout, a rapper from the Fly Boy Gang (FBG) and a member of the Gangster Disciples, released a diss track aimed at Swagg Dinero. The song "Phone Call" includes the line "I know you ain't about that life," directly challenging Swagg's credibility. Despite misconceptions, Cashout and Lil JoJo were not related by blood but were connected through their gang affiliations, often referring to one another as brothers within their community.