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Scooter Braun and Justin Bieber’s professional relationship may have ended, but it seems the respect between them still lingers. After years of managing Bieber’s career from its very beginning, Braun has now taken a step back, allowing the pop star to take full control of his creative direction—and that decision has resulted in Bieber’s new album, Swag, which dropped unexpectedly on July 11, 2025.
The surprise release took fans by storm, especially since there had been minimal buzz or formal promotion leading up to it. Yet despite the low-key drop, the album has already generated millions of streams worldwide. And perhaps even more surprising is the fact that Braun, Bieber’s longtime manager-turned-distant acquaintance, took to Instagram to publicly praise the project, calling it “the most authentically Justin Bieber album to date.”
In his statement, Braun noted how raw and personal the music feels, acknowledging the growth Bieber has shown since stepping away from his management. He emphasized that Swag stands out because it’s entirely Bieber’s vision—created without commercial pressure or outside influence. Braun admitted he had no involvement in the making of this record, but still took the time to share how proud he was of Bieber for embracing this new chapter with courage and vulnerability.
The music executive, who has been both credited and criticized over the years for how he’s handled high-profile artists, also revealed that his favorite track on the album is Daisies. He called it a powerful example of Bieber’s vocal tone and emotional depth. In closing, Braun encouraged fans to stream Swag, describing it as a body of work that deserves recognition for its honesty and integrity.
Behind the scenes, the closure between Braun and Bieber seems more than symbolic. Reports confirm that Bieber has recently paid off a significant $31.5 million debt owed to Braun, which stemmed from advances and financial backing related to his canceled 2022 Justice tour. With that financial tie officially settled, the two have now ended their business relationship completely.
Even though the partnership that helped make Bieber a global sensation has now concluded, Braun’s comments make it clear that admiration remains. Swag is not just a milestone album for Justin Bieber—it’s a declaration of independence, a display of growth, and a full-circle moment after years of public ups and downs.