Stevie J. dropped some massive bombshells about his time working with producer/singer, Devante Swing’s (of Jodeci), then Swing Mob artists: Missy Elliot, Jodeci, Ginuwine, Tweet, Timbaland, and others. In case y’all haven’t heard by now, Stevie J. is a dope producer, one of the best in the game. Throughout his career, his work has contributed to the sales of 100 million records sold and 5 Grammys.
In the ’90s, before Missy Elliot and the rest of Devante’s artists went solo, Stevie J was working with Devante on production. But he says their killer producer-combo came to a screeching halt one day in a Rochester, NY studio. In a 2017 interview with Drink Champs, Stevie J detailed what went down that day, and why he says he ended up having a brutal fist fight with three dudes, stating “I had a fight with Jodeci.”
Word on the Old School curb is that only one Jodeci member –reportedly K-Ci Hailey– threw hands during the fight. And according to Stevie J, the other 2 brawlers were Devante’s cousin and bodyguard. However, Stevie’s not sure if Devante actually took a swing at him during the brawl, because he said it was mayhem and that punches were coming from every direction.
According to Stevie J.- or as his baby momma, Joseline Hernandez, refers to him, ‘Steebie’- Devante Swing was a close friend to Suge Knight when Death Row was poppin.’ But apparently, Devante tried to mimic Suge Knight’s known style of ‘managing’ his artists…at least that’s what Stevie described. [Watch his full interview at bottom of page]
Stevie J. On What He Saw Devante’ Swing Do To Missy, Ginuwine, & Timbaland
Stevie said that one day they were all in the N.Y. based studio –himself, Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Jodeci, and others– when Devante Swing walked in with his cousin, bodyguards, and two pitbulls on a leash, like some straight “Nino Brown” type of stuff. At that point, Stevie said what happened next shocked the hell outta him…
According to Stevie, Devante walked up to each of his artists and started aggressively smacking them, one by one. Stevie said he watched Devante smack Missy Elliott really hard in the face, then Ginuwine, Timbaland, and so on! Then he said Devante’s cousin went behind him and smacked them again, while they each stood there and did nothing.
What in the “New Jack City” hell was happening there?!! Anyways, Stevie had more to say…here is where the mayhem broke out…
Fight Erupts…
Stevie J. also said that Devante knew not to try that with him, but apparently Devante’s cousin didn’t get that memo. So according to Stevie, the cousin walked up to him like he wanted to deliver a smack down and Stevie was like, ‘You better not put your hands on me potna’…
Stevie and Devante’s cousin started arguing…that’s when the two others (allegedly K-Ci and Devante’s bodyguard) jumped in. Stevie says he started trading blows with all three of them at the same damn time! The fight got so vicious that Stevie said someone hit him over the head with a bottle, and that he still has the scar over his eye to prove it. There’s more…
Missy, Ginuwine, Timbaland & Others Left Devante’s Label Thanks To Stevie J.
As soon as the fight was over, Stevie J told Ginuwine, Missy, and Timbaland that they were ‘stupid’ if they stayed with Devante’s label and continued to let him mistreat them like that. Stevie’s words must have affected them, because he said soon after that talk, they all left Devante’s label and started their own thing.
Well I’ll be damned! It sure would be interesting to hear Devante’s side, or at least his former artists’ version of the story. That was some foul stuff right there!
See What Else Stevie J. Revealed About His Fight With Devante’s Crew Below (he starts at the 39:50 mark) *graphic language*
