Hip-hop artist Terry Jones is back and tearing up the pavement with his electrifying new single, “Swervin Like Swayze.”
Fueled by high-speed energy and cinematic swagger, this track isn’t just a song—it’s a movement. Inspired by the effortless cool of Hollywood legend Patrick Swayze, Jones channels that same untouchable confidence, weaving through each verse with precision, style, and an unshakable presence.
Produced by Xyber Beats, the mastermind behind both “Swervin Like Swayze” and Jones’ previous hit “10PM in Thunder Bay”, the production is nothing short of hypnotic. Hard-hitting drums, sleek synths, and a pulsating bassline create the perfect backdrop for Jones’ razor-sharp flow, mirroring the intensity and thrill of a high-speed chase. The beat doesn’t just set the pace—it commands it.
“This track is all about being in your lane—moving confidently, making bold moves, and never looking back,” says Jones. “Patrick Swayze had this way of making everything look effortless, whether it was in Ghost, Road House, or Point Break—he owned every scene. That’s the energy I wanted to bring into this record.”
The “Swervin Like Swayze” music video takes the listener on a visual adrenaline rush. It features high-performance cars, sweeping aerial shots, and an open-road aesthetic that screams freedom. Unlike the shadowy tones of “10PM in Thunder Bay,” this visual embraces daylight, motion, and limitless possibilities, perfectly mirroring the song’s unstoppable drive.
Terry Jones has built a reputation for blending cinematic storytelling with immersive soundscapes, and “Swervin Like Swayze” further proves he’s carving his lane in hip-hop—full speed ahead. With Xyber Beats steering the production, this release is an undeniable statement: Terry Jones isn’t just here to ride—he’s here to take over.
In "Swervin Like Swayze, you channel Patrick Swayze’s effortless cool and confidence. What was it about Swayze’s presence that inspired you, and how did you personally connect with that energy when creating the song?"
Patrick Swayze was the ULTIMATE man. One of my favorite movies that is just pure toxic machismo is Roadhouse. What made Swayze special was his ability to adapt; he was able to star in Roadhouse, Ghost, Dirty Dancing, Point Break, and Too Wong Fu. He played football, did martial arts, and danced ballet and traditional all while living in Houston, Texas, with no one batting an eye.
He was confident and never had to prove his masculinity by doing so many cool things, which is a big inspiration to me. He could also sing, and ‘She’s Like the Wind’ is a banger. Swayze also stood firm for Whoopi Goldberg to play a specific role and said he would not play in the film unless she was cast, leading to her winning an Oscar. He was a stand-up guy, R.I.P. to a G.O.A.T.
You have this unique ability to mix humor with deep, reflective storytelling in your music. How do you personally balance those elements in your songs, and what do you hope listeners take away from that mix in "Swervin Like Swayze"?
Super interesting observation! So, I was in stand-up comedy for a long time, and the pandemic kind of ruined comedy. So, I started making music as an outlet, and people said I was good, so I kept going. I think just like those multifaceted comedians before me who made music, we have a way of using our comedic talents and natural humor in our lyrics.
For example, if someone laughs while listening to a few lyrics, it’s most likely designed to make you laugh. Childish Gambino and Jamie Foxx are good at doing the same thing. I honestly hope people just take a good vibe from the song, no deep thinking, just fun and something to blast in their car with the windows down for spring and summer. I felt like this is a more mainstream type song next to my song “They Call Me El Guapo.”
"Looking back at your musical journey, from your earlier tracks to now, how would you describe your personal growth as an artist? And when you listen to Swervin Like Swayze, what does it say about where you are right now?"
I would say taking risks has been the biggest growth. I remember a blog owner who telling me I should take more risks. So, taking that advice, one of my favorite artists, Dashius Clay, whom I was a fan of before getting into music. I approached him; I had just met the phenomenal young producer Xyber Beats, who heard my song “Roomful” feat. $avvy and Mayce and reached out.
He posted the beat that is now “They Call Me El Guapo,” and I hit up Dashius about it. He agreed to do the song with me, and I went and recorded my part, and he got excited. The song changed everything for me, it was a Latin blend track. We ended up doing an EP together and it made me push my boundaries. All the music and future music I have is produced by Xyber Beats and mixed and mastered by Dashius Clay, that pushes my skill set.
So, when I listen to ‘Swervin Like Swayze’ it just shows me pushing myself with different sounds, flows, and topics. You can hear elements of songs I started creating early, blending into my unique sound. I want people to hear me and say, “That’s Terry’s signature flow and sound.”
Pittsburgh is such a key part of your identity and music. How has the city shaped not only your sound but also the way you approach life and music?
I’m actually the complete opposite of Pittsburgh artists, while I joke and enjoy my Steelers. The city molded me in the sense of wanting to be more cultured. Pittsburgh is such a black and white city that taught me survival.
I grew up seeing so many parts, so many hoods, and some nice suburbs. I didn’t want Pittsburgh to be my identity, like a lot of artists from here, so that I could get bigger opportunities. I always wanted people to hear me as an artist. A lot of Pittsburgh music all sounds the same because of the accent and dialect.
I think I rap about a lot of my experiences of life, seeing traumatic things as a kid, experiences with love and women, and family. When I was strictly doing comedy and making parody songs, I would perform and host hip-hop shows.
I remember meeting Mac Miller when he was a teen, and I still have the first mixtape he gave me. We would do a lot of hip hop shows together and see each other. It was amazing watching him and Wiz blow up from Pittsburgh. Mac had a unique sound that transcended the city.
So, my city experience is more about life experiences; I don’t even like mentioning the city in my music. My identity is bigger than one place; I want the world to love me and receive my music.
The idea of 'owning your lane' is central to Swervin Like Swayze. How do you make sure to stay true to yourself in an industry that often pushes artists to follow trends? And now that Swervin Like Swayze is out, what’s next for you on your journey?"
I think maturity has a lot to do with identity; I sent my music over to a really good A&R so it really helped me know my music sounded good. The thing is, I am who I am, and I am proud of it. I fought long and hard to be myself. I feel like a lot of pressure comes from social media telling you what to do and be. It’s the reason so much music sounds the same; everyone has the same flows, hooks, style, accents, etc. I love being myself.
Even what I post online, that’s me, and I want people to know me. I am a dad first and everything else next; I am proud of that, which is why my kids do small ad-libs in my songs. So many people try so hard to follow trends, hoping to be seen or heard in the trend, but trends fade while souls last forever. We live in a day and age where you used to listen to music and want to know if the artist was cool.
Instead, people have to like you as a person first to decide if they want to even listen to your music. So, I like to be upfront; stay or don’t, the choice is yours. But I have found people support and appreciate me as a person, so it makes them support the art. Always be yourself. My uncle once told me, “Always be yourself and the world will love you for it, because I do.” That has been my Mantra.
My last singles, “10 pm in Thunder Bay” and “Swervin’ Like Swayze,” are part of an Upcoming six-track EP. I am excited to be releasing more singles soon. I look forward to people hearing it; I am also releasing a live EP / live online concert. I am looking forward to releasing more art.
Also, I have a film I’m in coming out this year and another called Bigfoot the Movie; The Sequel (Bigfoot: The Movie 1 is on Tubi now) out now on Fandango, YouTube Movies, and Tubi soon. I look forward to “Swervin Like Swayze” all 2025.