Scooter Braun Speaks Out On Justin Bieber's "Swag" Album After $31.5M Settlement

Scooter Braun has come out to cheer up Justin Bieber's new album, "Swag," in a surprising turn of events after they finally buried the hatchet over their finances earlier this week. Braun, formerly the man on top when Bieber's meteoric ascent was in motion, posted on Instagram on July 12 to say how much he admired the album, describing it as "without a doubt, the most authentically Justin Bieber album to date."

His effusive praise followed reports that Bieber shelled out $31.5 million to clear his financial slate with his ex-manager after years-old financial issues, including unpaid commissions and nixed appearances, between the two were settled since their professional breakup in 2013. Though the final turn of their business relationship had been fraught with tension, Braun's message contained no bitterness. Only it wasn't, it was all complete and utter support and awe. "It's beautiful, raw, and truly him. And that matters," Braun wrote. "He poured his soul into this project, and you can feel it in every single run."

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Braun, who has been involved in Bieber's life and career since discovering the Canadian-born singer on YouTube in the late 2000s, has played a pivotal role in guiding Bieber's worldwide career for nearly two decades. Their collaboration defined the pop music world for decades, as they shared iconic hits and unforgettable experiences. Their relationship soured, but Braun's statements reveal that more profound respect still remains today. "I've had the privilege of witnessing his growth for almost two decades," Braun said. "Along every journey, there comes a time when an artist fully steps into their own, and that's what he's done here."

"Swag, a return to the artistic core that made Bieber famous, feels bigger than the two-thirds of a musical statement it provides. Instead, it feels like a reclamation of self after years of intense public scrutiny and industry shifts. The album has already generated a level of fan passion, but Braun's unlikely endorsement serves as an extra boost.

Despite their personal careers going in separate directions, Scooter Braun's comments provide a poignant reflection that respect can extend beyond business fallouts. And for Justin Bieber, "Swag" could be the album that doesn't just reinvent him, but gives him the applause that matters, save for a certain someone who's been there from the beginning.