DeVante Swing Archives - New Hip Hop News

Jodeci’s Devante Swing Accused Of “Aiding” Diddy In Teen Girl Rape

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The snowball effect has really been thematic in the Diddy federal racketeering/ sex trafficking saga and now more accusations are piling up with another Bad Boy artists attached to the drama.

Jodeci member/producer Devante Swing has been accused in the rape of a 16-year-old in which DIddy and Guy front man Aaron Hall have already been implicated earlier this year. The rape charge, which allegedly occurred in 1990, has has added Swing to the list of defendants for being in the same room.

The suit, which was obtained by Rolling Stone, states, “Unbeknownst to Ms. Gardner at the time, Defendant Swing was in the room when this assault took place and did not take any steps to prevent this abuse from occurring.” A sworn statement given by a witness also states that Swing was “leaning against the wall or furniture or something, watching whatever Puffy was doing to Liza.[Gardner].”

The R&B producer was reportedly Gardner’s co-guardian at the time of the alleged rape.

The lawsuit claims Swing “had a duty to protect [Gardner] as her parents entrusted him with her safety. He trafficked and or coerced the child [to] travel across state lines from North Carolina to New York and New Jersey with the hidden intention of providing the child with alcohol, and marijuana and prostituting the child to his A&R Combs [Diddy].”

Swing nor any of his representatives have responded to these allegations.

Liza Gardner was one of the first people to file rape charges against Diddy following the very public lawsuit filed by Cassie, which has spawned into the Bad Boy mogul’s current rape, racketeering and sex trafficking charges that he his faced with in federal court.

“At the time Combs assaulted Ms. Gardner, she recalls feeling the side effects of the alcohol. She recalls Combs mounting her, and forcing up her skirt, pulling her underwear to the side and forcefully penetrating her,” her lawsuit says.

Diddy’s attorneys have denied these claims and scoffed them off as a mere “money grab”. Diddy’s trial date has recently been forecasted to take place in April or May of 2025.

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Jodeci’s DeVante Swing Named Co-Defendant In Diddy Assault Lawsuit

October 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

DeVante Swing was arguably the most important member of Jodeci. He was the writer and producer behind the group’s biggest hits in the 90s. He was also an in-house producer for Uptown Records, the label Diddy worked for prior to founding Bad Boy. Diddy is credited with helping to refine Jodeci’s image as the rebelliousness alternative to Boyz II Men. Unfortunately, the mogul’s association has now landed DeVante Swing in hot water, legally speaking. He has been named as a new co-defendant in a lawsuit involving Diddy and fellow artist Aaron Hall.

Liza Gardner filed a lawsuit against Diddy and Aaron Hall back in November 2023. She alleged that she was sexually assaulted by both men in 1990, when she was only 16 years old. She claimed that they took advantage of her after providing her with alcohol at Hall’s house. Now, Gardner is adding DeVante Swing to the list of defendants. She alleges that Swing was not only at the residence where the alleged assault took place, but alleges that the Jodeci star was in the room with Diddy and Hall while it took place. The revised lawsuit was obtained by Rolling Stone, who provided crucial quotes.

DeVante Swing Allegedly Witnessed A Diddy Assault

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“Unbeknownst to Ms. Gardner at the time,” the court documents read. “Defendant Swing was in the room when this assault took place and did not take any steps to prevent this abuse from occurring.” Another woman who claims to have been present for the alleged assault weighed in. She claimed the Jodeci singer was “leaning against the wall or furniture or something, watching whatever Puffy was doing to Liza.” The allegations become even more damning. Gardner claims that the artist was the person who brought her to Hall’s home in the first place.

She identified DeVante Swing as her “co-guardian” at the time, as she was a teenager and he was 21. She also claimed that the singer “had a duty to protect the child as her parents entrusted him with her safety.” The amended lawsuit further castigated DeVante Swing for “providing a child with alcohol, and marijuana and prostituting the child to his A&R Combs.” Swing has not responded to these allegations. The artist is currently on a European tour with Jodeci.

[via]

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DeVante Swing Net Worth 2024: What Is The Jodeci Icon Worth?

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

DeVante Swing is the renowned musician, producer, and founding member of the influential R&B group Jodeci. He boasts a net worth of $1 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. This figure reflects his significant contributions to the music industry, both as a performer and a producer. DeVante, born Donald Earle DeGrate Jr., helped to define the new jack swing era with his smooth melodies and complex productions, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

The Rise Of Jodeci: Pioneering New Jack Swing

In the early 1990s, DeVante Swing rose to fame as a member of Jodeci. He formed a group with his brother Dalvin DeGrate and the Hailey brothers, K-Ci and JoJo. The group’s debut album, Forever My Lady (1991), was a massive success. This was largely thanks to DeVante’s work as the chief songwriter and producer. His ability to blend soulful vocals with hip-hop productions created a groundbreaking sound that resonated deeply with audiences. Jodeci’s success continued with albums like Diary of a Mad Band (1993) and The Show, the After Party, the Hotel (1995), each produced under DeVante’s visionary direction.

Masterful Production & Influence On Music

Beyond his achievements with Jodeci, DeVante Swing became known for his prolific production work for other artists. His signature style, characterized by sultry beats and layered vocals, helped shape the careers of numerous R&B and hip-hop talents. DeVante’s influence extended beyond his own productions as he mentored and inspired a new generation of artists and producers, including Timbaland and Missy Elliott, who both cite him as a critical influence in their early careers.

Ventures Beyond Jodeci: A Lasting Legacy

After Jodeci’s peak years, DeVante continued to make waves in the music industry through various collaborations and solo projects. His ability to adapt to the changing landscape of music kept him relevant, and his legacy in R&B remains influential. Contemporary artists have sampled DeVante’s work, cementing his place as a foundational figure in the genre. His involvement in music education and production technology also illustrates his commitment to influencing the industry beyond just creating hits.

DeVante Swing’s journey from a breakout star with Jodeci to a respected elder statesman in the music industry encapsulates his profound impact on R&B and music production. His net worth, though modest compared to some contemporaries, underscores a career rich in artistic achievements and enduring influence. As 2024 continues, DeVante’s contributions to music remain a testament to his talent and vision, ensuring his legacy will resonate with future generations.

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