Remembering A Philly Legend: DJ Kid Swift

Rest in Power: DJ Kid Swift, A Freedman’s Legacy Lives On
© Ogbonna Paul Hagins for Philly Word Magazine and Freedmen’s Journal 2.0

Today, Philly came together to celebrate the life of DJ Kid Swift, a true legend behind the turntables. He wasn’t just another DJ—he was a force in the city’s music scene, someone who put in the work and made his mark without ever needing to chase the spotlight. His passing hit hard, but the love and respect in the room today proved that his legacy is cemented.

DJ Slick Rick of Mad Sound, who rocked with Swift back in the ‘90s, reflected on their time together at WP EB FM. “Man, we used to hold down the station at 40th and Market,” he said. “It was a four-hour set, but if someone didn’t show up, you might get an extra hour. You always hoped they didn’t show, because that meant more time to do your thing.”

The vibe at WPEB FM was all about keeping hip-hop’s roots alive. “We never played what was hot at the moment,” Slick Rick recalled. “We only played the classics—Spoonie G, Love Raps, Tough Crew. If it was clean and real hip-hop, we spun it.” That’s how they moved. It wasn’t about trends; it was about respect for the culture.

But Swift wasn’t just a DJ; he was a stand-up guy. If he had something going on and needed backup, he knew who to call. “Swift would hit me up like, ‘Slick, I need help setting up in Mount Airy.’ No hesitation—I was there,” Slick Rick said. “It was never about clout or money. If he needed me, I had him.”

That’s the kind of person Swift was—someone who built real bonds, no gimmicks, no games. Today’s celebration wasn’t just about mourning; it was about honoring the life of a man who gave to the culture and his people without ever asking for much in return.

DJ Kid Swift may be gone, but his impact? That stays. Forever.

Rest in power, DJ Kid Swift. A Freedman legacy lives on.

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