Saweetie: Everything you NEED to know about the 'Best Friend' rapper
We're still waiting for that debut album!
Saweetie has really taken the rap scene by storm in recent years, as well becoming a TikTok sensation! She's already got a slew of hits under her belt and has collaborated with artists such as Doja Cat, DaBaby and Little Mix. She's even won a highly prestigious Billboard Gold Music award!
As we await her highly anticipated debut album, here's everything you NEED to know about Saweetie, from her career beginnings to her HUGE 2021 collaboration with Doja Cat, 'Best Friend' and viral track 'Birthday', with rappers YG and Tyga...
Who is Saweetie?
Saweetie is a rapper from California. She started writing music at the age of 13 and started recording music at the age of 15. She first started making waves after rapping on Instagram and releasing songs on SoundCloud. Her breakthrough hit was the song 'Icy Grl' a remix of Khia's 'My Neck, My Back (Lick It)' released on SoundCloud in 2017.
'Icy Grl' went on to get released as a single and is Platinum certified. The popularity of this track marked the beginning of a successful career for Saweetie. It was followed by a slew of hit singles, five EPs and her debut album 'Pretty B*tch Music', which is finally set to be released in 2025.
How old is Saweetie?
Saweetie was born on 2nd July 1993, meaning she is currently 31-years-old.
What is Saweetie's real name?
Saweetie's real name is Diamonte Quiava Valentin Harper. Her stage name comes from a nickname her grandma gave her as a child.
Does Saweetie have a boyfriend?
Saweetie has been linked to multiple celebs, including an on-off relationship with rapper YG. In May 2023, Saweetie appeared to confirm their relationship, as the pair enjoyed a loved-up holiday to Cabo. But there were rumours in January 2024 that it was all over. The couple since appear to have rekindled things, but an alleged row involving the police in August 2024 has left us unsure if they're still together.
In June of 2021, Saweetie was romantically linked to professional basketball player James Harden. This followed a number of tweets claiming the two were dating. Neither party confirmed the relationship.
Saweetie also dated Migos rapper Quavo between 2018 and 2021. Things seemed to be going well for the pair until Saweetie announced in March 2021 that her and Quavo were no longer together, alleging he had been unfaithful to her.
In the statement, released on Twitter, she said: 'I’m single. I’ve endured too much betrayal and hurt behind the scenes for a false narrative to be circulating that degrades my character. Presents don’t band aid scars and the love isn’t real when the intimacy is given to other women.'
In the past she was rumoured to have dated rapper Lil Baby and Justin Combs, son of P Diddy. She dated actor Keith Powers from 2010 to 2014. According to Powers in an interview with Hollywood Unlocked two years after they broke up, they "separated because it was just too toxic."
Is Saweetie friends with Doja Cat?
If the song they collaborated on, 'Best Friends', is anything to go on, the pair are certainly close. In an interview with ExtraTV's YouTube channel Saweetie elaborated on her friendship with Doja Cat. She said: "I love Doja Cat, I met her about two years ago. I've always been a fan of her work, she works super hard, she's talented.
"I think this record fits perfectly for us because it reminds me of independent women but in a different way. It's empowering, it's fun, it's sexy but it still talks about some real stuff, and I feel like we're missing a best friend anthem so I think me and her just fit perfect for it."
The chemistry they have on the song is honestly just unparalleled, and we hope it marks the beginning of many more in the future 🤞.
'Best Friend' (2021)
In January of 2021 Saweetie released 'Best Friend', her first collaboration with rapper and singer Doja Cat. The song was a big success for both rappers, reaching 313 million views on YouTube and 610 million plays on Spotify at the time of writing.
The song was released prematurely on streaming platforms in December of 2020 by Saweetie's label Warner. Saweetie slammed her label for releasing the song without her permission.
She tweeted: 'I am extremely disappointed in my label WBR for prematurely releasing a single I was so excited about. I feel disrespected. I’m hands on with ALL of my creative & had such a dope rollout for “best friends”. The thirst for clout & $ is real & it overrides the artists’ art.'
Whilst the release didn't go quite as planned, the song quickly became a fan favourite and is one of Saweetie's most famous and ICONIC songs. It was even nominated for a Grammy Award in 2022, with Saweetie also getting a nomination for Best New Artist that year.
WATCH: Saweetie - 'Best Friend' (feat. Doja Cat) Official Music Video
Debut album - 'Pretty B*tch Music'
'Pretty B*tch Music', Saweetie's debut album, is expected to be released in 2025, after a couple of delays. The album will feature the singles 'Tap In', 'Back to the Streets' with Jhené Aiko, 'Best Friend' with Doja Cat, 'Fast (Motion)', and 'Closer' with H.E.R..
The album was originally set to be released in 2021, however Saweetie delayed the release to reconstruct the songs. It is unclear when in the year it will be released, but it is definitely something to be excited about.
Talking to Galdem about the album, Saweetie said it will focus on 'exponential growth and producing artistry'.
What did Saweetie do before she was a rapper?
Before she was a full fledged rapper, Saweetie attended San Diego State University, where she studied communications and business. She went on to transfer to the University of Southern California, where she completed her degree, receiving a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in communications. After graduating from University she decided to prioritise her rap career (a good move for sure).
Talking to Galdem, Saweetie discussed how she had a hustler mentality due to the jobs she had worked in before the release of her first single. She said: 'I was an office assistant, I was a waitress and I was also selling t-shirts online.'
At one point Saweetie used to work as a server at a strip club. She revealed this in an interview with The Shade Room in 2020. In this Interview she criticised the way people view strippers in society.
She said: "I think people have a misconception of strippers, and the reason why I say that is 'cause I used to work at the strip club myself.
"All I'm saying is, I've seen that conversation and I don't like when people uplift me by putting down another woman because while I was a server at the strip club, I realised that strippers are regular people."
Who are Saweetie's family?
Saweetie has some famous family members. Her grandad, Willie Harper, played football for the San Francisco 49ers and her cousin-twice-removed is actress Gabrielle Union. On top of this she is a cousin of trap producer Zaytoven and her uncle is none other than rapper MC Hammer.
What is Saweetie's net worth?
As of 2024, Saweetie's net worth is reportedly $4 million.
How tall is Saweetie?
Saweetie is 5 feet 6 inches, or 170 cm.
Here's a breakdown of Saweetie's extraordinary career:
2016 -2017: Career beginnings
Saweetie had been posting short raps on her Instagram account since 2012. However it wasn't until 2016 that she really started making waves. She posted a video on Instagram of her rapping over the beat to Khia's 'My Neck, My Back (Lick It)'.
The freestyle went on to become 'Icy Grl', a song Saweetie released on SoundCloud the following year. This was Saweetie's breakthrough song and brought her to the attention of Max Gousse, a well-known producer and A&R executive, who became her manager.
Febrauary 2018: Saweetie appears in Fenti Beauty ad, gets signed and starts her own label
February of 2018 was a big month for Saweetie. She got further exposure when she was featured in an ad for Rihanna's cosmetics company Fenty Beauty in 2018 that aired during the Super Bowl LII.
Shortly after this she was signed to Warner Records and Gousse's record label, Artistry Worldwide. If this wasn't enough, that same month she also launched her own record label, Icy Records - wow talk about a strong start to the year!
March 2018: Saweetie releases her debut EP 'High Maintenance'
In March of 2018 Saweetie released her debut EP 'High Maintenance'. It featured 'Icy Grl' this time released as an official single. The release of this EP and new version of 'Icy Grl' saw Saweetie propelled to new heights. By June of 2018 'Icy Grl' was certified Gold, and by September of 2019 the single was certified RIAA multi-platinum.
2019: Saweetie releases her second EP 'Icy'
In March of 2019 Saweetie released her second EP 'Icy'. It featured the single 'My Type', which debuted at Number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first song to enter the Hot 100. It went on to peak at Number 21, becoming her first top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. This was a big moment for Saweetie, marking her biggest mainstream success at that point in her career.
June 2020: Saweetie releases 'Tap In'
In June of 2020, Saweetie released 'Tap In', the lead single from her debut album 'Pretty B*tch Music'. The single peaked at Number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first Top-20 single and her first song to enter the UK Singles Chart, peaking at Number 38. In August she released a remix of the single, 'Tap In Remix' with rappers Post Malone, DaBaby and Jack Harlow making guest appearances. In August the song was also nominated for the MTV VMA Song of the Summer .
November - December 2020: People's Choice Award nomination and Forbes 30 Under 30
Saweetie ended 2020 strong. She was nominated for The New Artist of 2020 at The People's Choice Awards in November and included as part of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list released in December. These accolades marked the most esteemed Saweetie had received at this point in her career.
In December Saweetie also collaborated with Pretty Little Thing, releasing a capsule collection with them.
January 2021: Saweetie releases 'Best Friend' with Doja Cat
2021 was a BIG year for Saweetie and she kicked it off strong with the release of 'Best Friend' with Doja Cat. The song was a big hit for both artists, going viral on TikTok and reaching 199 million views on YouTube and 358 million plays on Spotify at the time of writing. The single also marked the third from her upcoming album 'Pretty B*tch Music'.
April 2021: Little Mix collab and release of third EP
In April of 2021 Saweetie collaborated with Little Mix appearing on the remix of their song 'Confetti'. The song was a big success for the rapper, peaking at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart. In the same month she released her third EP 'Pretty Summer Playlist: Season 1'. It featured the singles the singles 'Risky' with Drakeo the Ruler, and 'Talkin' Bout' with Loui.
August 2021: Saweetie collaborates with McDonald's
In August Saweetie collaborated with McDonald's to release the Saweetie Meal. The meal included a Big Mac, 4-Piece Chicken McNuggets, Medium World Famous Fries, Medium Sprite, Tangy BBQ sauce and Sweet 'N Sour sauce (which McDonald's affectionately renamed 'Saweetie 'N Sour sauce').
September 2021: Saweetie attends the 2021 MET Gala
Saweetie turned heads on the red carpet of the MET Gala in her pink sparkly gown. Many were excited to see what look the rapper would bring to the event, and Saweetie did not disappoint.
November 2021: Saweetie is nominated for two Grammys
In November 2021 it was announced that Saweetie had been nominated for two Grammys at the 2022 ceremony which will take place on the 4th April 2022. She's been nominated for Best Rap Song for 'Best Friend' with Doja Cat and Best New Artist. These mark Saweetie's first Grammy nominations, a big moment in her career.
January 2022: Saweetie collaborated with MAC Cosmetics
Saweetie started 2022 off strong appearing as the star of MAC Cosmetics' 'Challenge Accepted' campaign alongside full-fledged superstar Cher.
Talking to InStyle on the collaboration, Saweetie said: "It just lets me know that whatever I'm doing, I'm doing it right because the fact that MAC thought of me to be a part of a campaign that is so iconic just means a lot to me so I'm just really grateful, and to share a screen with Cher was so fun. She's also just full of so much wisdom."
2023: Saweetie releases 'Birthday' with Tyga and YG
In September 2023, Saweetie joined forces with current beau YG and Tyga to release 'Birthday'. Fans were really feeling it, and it received 6million views on YouTube, as well as becoming another TikTok sensation.
2024: Saweetie releases new music
The rapper released tonnes of new music throughout 2024, including 'Nani', 'Is It The Way' and 'My Best' which was filmed in Saweetie's old high school. 'Nani' went to Number 1 in the US Rhythmic chart. It's not known if the tracks will appear on her upcoming album.
What's next for Saweetie?
2025 is set to be a big year for Saweetie. Her long awaited debut album 'Pretty B*tch Music' is set to be released at some point in the year. It features the singles 'Tap In', 'Back to the Streets' with Jhené Aiko, 'Best Friend' with Doja Cat, 'Fast (Motion)', and 'Closer' with H.E.R.. And we can't wait to hear it.
Is Saweetie on Instagram?
She is - you can follow her @saweetie.
Is Saweetie on Twitter?
She is - you can follow her @Saweetie
Read more:
Doja Cat: Everything you need to know about the 'Say So' rapper
Doja Cat collaborations: From The Weeknd to Ariana Grande
Little Mix: Everything you need to know about the UK's biggest girl group 💕