After more than 15 years under Scooter Braun’s management, Justin Bieber now enjoys creative independence—an evolution he embraced on his latest album Swag.

A Long-Awaited Breakaway

July 13, 2025: Insiders have revealed that Justin Bieber had wanted to part ways with Scooter Braun and his team for a long time, and now that he’s finally made the break, he’s feeling “fully free” creatively. The Grammy-winning singer, now 31, officially ended his professional relationship with Braun in 2023 after working together since Bieber’s rise to fame at age 13.

Creative Freedom on Swag

Bieber’s seventh studio album, Swag, released as a surprise on July 11, marks his first fully independent project. For the first time, he owns his masters and has complete control over the album’s sound, message, and rollout. Those close to the project have described it as his most vulnerable and artistically authentic body of work yet.

Scooter Braun Reacts with Support

Despite the highly publicized split, Scooter Braun responded to Swag with nothing but praise. He shared on social media that the album was “beautiful,” “raw,” and “the most authentically Justin Bieber album to date.” Braun acknowledged that watching Bieber step fully into his own creative space was a powerful moment, especially after nearly two decades of working together.

Resolving Financial Disputes

The separation also included a major financial resolution. Bieber agreed to repay around $26 million to Braun’s company for advances made during the canceled Justice tour, along with approximately $5.5 million in commissions. The deal reportedly resolved all pending financial disagreements and finalized their professional separation.

A Reintroduction on His Own Terms

With Swag, Justin Bieber offers a reintroduction of himself as an artist. The 21-track album dives into deeply personal themes including his marriage, faith, mental health, and self-discovery. Free from external management, the album has been celebrated by fans and critics as his most genuine and evolved work to date—a powerful comeback on his own terms.