Since its release in 2009, "Swag Surfin'" has grown in popularity, especially among the black community, and has been played at weddings, graduations, parties, homecoming events, and others. The dance is well-regarded as it encourages friends and strangers to connect with each other by linking arms and swaying from side to side. Brianna Younger of
The New Yorker stated that "there are no strangers when those horn blasts sound, only you and a crowd of people who have suddenly become your closest friends—your brothers and sisters." The song and dance are commonplace at celebrations at
HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). The song was sampled by
Beyoncé for her Coachella performance
Homecoming: The Live Album with the song
Drunk in Love. The song has also been played at the
White House. Khalila Douze of
uDiscoverMusic wrote that "["Swag Surfin'"] is an embodiment of black fellowship and faith, and that's what makes it so timeless." == Usage in sports ==