Citi Under Siege has opened up about his role in the cultural explosion that was Fast Life Yungstaz’s 2009 hit “Swag Surfin'” — watch the video above.
Speaking to HipHopDX, the Run It Up Records CEO explained how the song went from local hit to one of the most recognizable songs of the decade.
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Citi first heard the song at a college bar when it was a bubbling underground cut and instantly recognized its potential to be something greater. “As soon as the beat drops every kid in the club jumps up,” he recalled. “I promise you the roof lifts off the club. It was the most magical music moment I’ve ever seen in my life.”
After witnessing its power, Citi promised himself he would make it his mission to get more ears on the song. “I’m going to make sure that everybody in the world sees what I just saw,” he recalled saying to himself.
Eventually the track landed Citi a meeting with record industry icon LA Reid, who instantly wanted a part of its distribution.
“The record comes on. Them infectious horns. The crackrock of horns,” Citi explained, speaking of the moment he played “Swag Surfin'” for the legendary record executive. “LA Reid tells the staff, ‘What y’all think about that record? I don’t give a fuck what y’all think about that record. We taking it Number One!'”
