Making Waves with “Sidepiece”: Drew Splash The Big Swimma Swims Real Rap Back to NYC
- Alexandria Anglade
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Written by Alexandria Anglade
Drew Splash The Big Swimma knew he had something the moment a freestyle line kept looping in his head: “My new bitch she a dimepiece, but you know I gotta keep a sidepiece.” Trading bars with his cousin over a bouncy instrumental, he realized the hook was not only catchy—it was relatable. “Sidepiece,” featuring Kev Skrilla, spun out from that raw session, tapping into a situation almost everyone has experienced from one angle or another.
Splash’s influences stretch across genres, a habit that both fuels his imagination and challenges him to stay rooted in his own identity. By soaking up rock, R&B, even indie pop, he keeps expanding his palette—searching for untapped concepts, unusual beat choices, and melodic twists that push past typical rap boundaries. Yet no matter how far he wanders sonically, authenticity remains the anchor.
His writing process is deliberate, almost old-school. Lines are crafted one at a time—often during commutes or on the road—until each bar snaps perfectly into place. Every lyric must connect, striking the ear as well as the mind. That patience shows: the verses feel lived-in, layered with sly wordplay and everyday observations.
Growth is non-negotiable. Over the years Splash has refined everything: flow patterns, fashion choices, stage presence, and beat selection. He treats artistry as a full-spectrum evolution—recognizing that audiences don’t just hear artists; they see them, scroll them, and stream them in countless contexts.
Collaboration happens sparingly and by design. For Splash to link up, the other artist needs comparable skill and a compatible vibe. If the chemistry isn’t apparent, he’d rather swim solo than dilute his sound.
The grind behind the scenes, however, is anything but glamorous. Funding videos, studio sessions, marketing campaigns—and still holding down a day job—can feel overwhelming. Without a full team, he doubles as promoter, videographer, booking agent, and photographer. Motivation comes from multiple currents: loyal “Swimmers,” his kids, the buzz of live shows, award-season inspiration, and even skeptics who doubt he can break through. Spinning his own tracks in the car often adds another jolt: This is better than half the songs on the charts—why slow down now?
Ultimately, Drew Splash wants to help usher real rap back to the forefront of NYC. He hopes listeners hear his bars and think, I’ve felt that too, or rewind a tricky punchline just to decode it. By laying his struggles and solutions on wax, he aims to remind fans that everyone faces rough waters—but with the right stroke, anybody can stay afloat.
Instagram: @iamdrewsplash
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