Hailey Bieber Helped Justin Bieber “Trust Himself” On New Album, “Swag”

Justin Bieber just dropped his most personal project yet and he’s celebrating it the only way that feels right: with his biggest supporter, Hailey. After more than four years without a solo album, Justin’s new record Swag is here, and it’s not just another chart play. This one is different. It’s raw, emotional, and fully him. And according to a source close to the Biebers, that’s exactly how he wanted it.

“Hailey was by Justin’s side for the whole creation of the album,” the source revealed to PEOPLE. “Everyone knows Justin as a star and performer. They now get to know the artist that Hailey has known all these years.”

Justin, now 31, took full control of Swag, according to sources. After stepping away from longtime manager Scooter Braun in 2023, a major move after 15 years of working together, he finally had the freedom to make music on his own terms.

Gone are the days of chasing the “perfect” pop single. With this new record, he handpicked his producers, recorded live vocals and instruments, and created a stripped-down, genre-blending sound that pulls from R&B, pop, and experimental styles. The result is a 21-track journey that’s darker, more vulnerable, and entirely authentic but not depressing.

Speaking further of the creative freedom Justin enjoyed while making the new album, an insider stated, “Having full creative freedom, sadly, is something new for him as an artist. Not having to stress about creating the perfect single, or perfect album, allowed for him to create the best body of music he’s ever made.”

“This album is a huge milestone for Justin in so many ways,” another insider shared. “It’s the first solo album he’s released since becoming a father, and it’s the first time he’s produced sound that’s all his own.He was so excited for everyone to listen to his new music.”

And Hailey, 28, has been his anchor through it all. As the insider shared: “Hailey supported Justin to follow his artistic instincts. She helped him to trust himself and do what Justin knew he wanted to do as an artist.”

The timing couldn’t be sweeter. The couple spent the weekend together, celebrating Swag’s release and this new chapter in Justin’s career. Even Scooter chimed in to show support by sharing on Instagram that Swag is “beautiful” and “raw.”