Justin Bieber Hits Back at Breakdown Rumors on New Song 'Speed Demon'

Justin Bieber addressed speculation about his mental health on his new album, Swag II — and didn’t hesitate to call out critics.

“They try to say I’m out of my mind / But now they singing every line,” the Grammy winner, 31, sings on “Speed Demon,” which opens the album. “I got a lot of mountains to climb / Had to leave some beggars behind.”

Justin goes on to hint that his wife, Hailey Bieber, is largely responsible for keeping him grounded, singing, “And there’s something that’s stronger than me / That’s paving me a new lane and giving me an energy / And there’s something in the way she made me certain I’m enough / Everyday she put the loving on me / And all the people that be doubting on me / They gave me witness my redemption, now they up on my seat.”

Justin surprised fans on Thursday, September 4, when he announced that Swag II would be dropping at midnight, less than two months after he released Swag on July 11. The album ultimately didn’t appear on streaming services until the wee morning hours of Friday, September 5, causing some consternation among Beliebers who’d stayed up late to listen.

The “Baby” singer updated fans in real time, sharing screenshots of texts between himself and his manager about why Swag II wasn’t online. “It’s comingggggg,” Justin promised in an Instagram caption. In another post, he added, “Me waiting with u, not baiting u not sure wut the f***yyy is going on clicking refreshhhhhh.”

Justin also poked fun at the situation by sharing screencaps from his famous “it’s not clocking to you” moment, writing, “It’s not clocking to Spotify and Apple Music. … 🫣🫣🫣🫣 I’m sorry for the wait [they’re] telling me any second.”

Us Weekly previously confirmed in July that Justin was already planning a sequel to Swag, which was well-received by fans and critics alike. Prior to Swag, Justin hadn’t released an album since 2021’s Justice.

Last month, an insider told Us that Justin was delighted by the positive response to the album, especially after months of speculation about his mental health and his marriage to Hailey, 28. (The couple share 12-month-old son Jack Blues.)

“There’s a sense of relief on both sides,” the source explained in August. “Justin’s behavior has been more relaxed. He felt a lot of pressure hanging over him and has been in a better mental headspace these last few weeks. He is very happy there have been positive reviews of the album and that fans like it.”

Swag II is out now.