SHWOLE

Born and raised on the Pueblo of Laguna reservation, Shwole’s story is one of survival, resilience, and transformation through music. From an early age, life threw obstacles in his path—his mother battled alcoholism, his father was rarely around, and he spent much of his childhood in and out of social services. Stability was a rare luxury, but one constant in his life was his grandfather, who became his anchor in a world that often felt uncertain.

The Introduction to Music

At the age of 10, Shwole was introduced to music by his uncle. It wasn’t just hip-hop—his uncle played everything, from country to metal and everything in between. What seemed like casual exposure at the time would later become the foundation for his love of hip-hop, the genre that would give him the words he needed to express the pain, ambition, and hunger burning inside him. As he navigated the foster care system, music became more than just something to listen to—it became an escape, a dream, and eventually, a purpose.

Loss and Growth

By the time Shwole reached high school, he was living with his Aunt Ann. It was during these years that he met others who shared his passion for hip-hop. Watching them create their own music sparked an idea—if they could do it, so could he. Inspired by their drive, he started writing, experimenting with his own lyrics and flows.

But just as he was finding his rhythm, tragedy struck. The news of his mother’s passing hit him hard, shaking his world once again. With nowhere else to go, he stayed with Aunt Ann until graduation, carrying the weight of his loss while pushing forward. From there, he moved in with his Aunt ES, where he continued refining his craft, pouring his emotions into every word he wrote.

Stepping Into the Booth

At 20 years old, Shwole made a life-changing decision—he moved to Albuquerque, determined to take his music seriously. Writing had always been an outlet, but now, it was time to bring his words to life. His first official release, “What You Want,” marked the beginning of his journey as an artist. The song was a statement—SHWOLE had arrived, and he wasn’t stopping anytime soon. More tracks quickly followed, each one a testament to his dedication and growth.

The Smoke Shed Era

As Shwole continued developing his sound, fate aligned him with Smoke Shed Records. What started as a passion for music turned into something bigger—a brotherhood, a movement, and a platform to amplify his voice. Here, he found more than just label mates; he found a team that understood his struggles and shared his hunger to be great.

Now, Shwole stands as a rising force within Smoke Shed, turning pain into purpose and lyrics into legacy. His journey is far from over, but one thing is certain—no matter how many obstacles stand in his way, he will keep pushing forward, proving that nothing can silence his story.

This is Shwole.