SAWEETIE
Photography : Tyler Patrick Kenny
Creative Director : Deborah Ferguson
Stylist : Willyum Beck
Interview by Stella Hofferman
Saweetie doesn’t need you to tell her she’s “that girl” –she knows she’s “that girl.” Since her debut in 2017, the rapping powerhouse has continued to defy expectations and push boundaries. With her first single “ICY GRL” going double-platinum, and multiple entries on the Billboard Hot 100 with hits such as “My Type,” “Tap In,” “Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat),” the Grammy- nominated artist has been on a roll for nearly a decade, with no sign of slowing down. Her most recent single “Is It The Way” is a slick and smooth mood-boosting banger, featuring the California-based rapper spitting over a delicious sample of Jill Scott’s “The Way.”
Dress: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Sleeve: CHET LO , Shoes: MCQUEEN ,
Sunglasses: POPPY LISMAN , Bracelet & Earrings: COSTANTE
Dress: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Sleeve: CHET LO , Shoes: MCQUEEN ,
Sunglasses: POPPY LISMAN , Bracelet & Earrings: COSTANTE
A self-described ICY GRL, Saweetie is a fan of all things fashion and glamour. A frequent Fashion Week invitee, Saweetie has most recently attended shows at Knwls, Richard Quinn, Courréges, and Alexander McQueen. This past holiday season, the rapper also released a festive collaboration with Forever 21 called “Forever Naughty, Forever Nice,” delivering luxurious and classy-but-spicy looks at an affordable price.
Amidst the hustle of preparing her highly-anticipated upcoming album, as well as other projects and collaborations, Saweetie sits down to discuss her process, inspirations, and personal style.
Bra, Jacket & Skirt: ERIK BARSHAI , Shoes: ZELLOUS ,
Necklace: KASPER , Rings & Earrings: COSTANTE
Bra, Jacket & Skirt: ERIK BARSHAI , Shoes: ZELLOUS ,
Necklace: KASPER , Rings & Earrings: COSTANTE
What is your creative process? How do you prepare yourself–either physically or mentally–for a session in the studio?
Actually, there’s a new practice that I like to do. I’m going back to my old style of writing in areas that inspire me. When I go to the studio, my energy and mind can feel constricted because of the walls and no natural sunlight. I like to write in my car. I like to write in nature and other spaces that ground me, so I’m able to focus. Sometimes when I’m in the studio, it feels very contrived because I feel like I’m under a deadline. I actually prefer to have my verses written before I go to the studio.
Jacket: AREA , Skirt: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Shoes: ZELLOUS ,
Jacket: AREA , Skirt: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Shoes: ZELLOUS ,
Your recent single “Is It The Way” samples a song from singer-songwriter Jill Scott. What inspired this reference to her work?
I feel like Jill Scott is a one-of-a-kind woman and what she did with that record inspired me to tap into the frequency she created and make it my own. I’m very honored and grateful that she allowed me to do that with her baby. Because at the end of the day these songs are our kids. I’m really happy that I’m able to provide a record for women that helps them tap into their inner goddess. It’s my theme music when I’m working out or doing my makeup or when I need a wake up call to know I’m that girl!
Bra, Jacket & Skirt: ERIK BARSHAI , Shoes: ZELLOUS ,
Necklace: KASPER , Rings & Earrings: COSTANTE
Dress: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Sleeve: CHET LO , Shoes: MCQUEEN ,
Sunglasses: POPPY LISMAN , Bracelet & Earrings: COSTANTE
You’ve spoken about how being raised in an artistically-inclined household was a part of what inspired you to start making music. Which musicians that you listened to growing up inspire you, and who inspires you now?
The musicians that I rapped to organically as child were Slick Rick, Biggie, Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, and of course 2Pac because I’m a Cali girl. My parents were really big Hip-Hop Heads.
When I would be at home alone, I would enjoy spending hours going through their CDs. I feel like people don’t really have those anymore. When I got older, I discovered Trina, Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Wayne on my own. These are people who I had a connection to. It’s really different when you discover music on your own. It feels very special. I’m grateful for those who have come before me and who have shown me what art is. As far as what inspires me now, I’m inspired by every genre–other artists’ truths and the stories they tell. It makes me want to tap into a deeper level of what I’d like to share. What else is there besides what the world already knows about Saweetie? I feel like when people meet me, they ask, “Why don’t you share this side of you in your music?” I like to allow myself to be more vulnerable; whereas, I had all these walls up before. I feel like when I came into the game, there was really never a safe space for me. But since I created a safe space for myself, I’m ready to be more vulnerable with my messaging.
Jacket: AREA , Skirt: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Shoes: ZELLOUS ,
You’ve released a series of Christmas music, including “I Want You This Christmas” and “Big Santa,” this past holiday season, alongside your holiday collection in collaboration with Forever 21. What was the decision-making process behind that?
You know I’m the ICY GRL so it was time to tap into the season that I thrive in the most festively. Although, I do thrive in every season. I know that’s right!
I love the holidays, and it just made so much sense, especially since I was going on the Jingle Ball tour. I’ve gotten such a positive reception, and I can see myself doing these more in the years to come.
Bra, Jacket & Skirt: ERIK BARSHAI , Shoes: ZELLOUS ,
Necklace: KASPER , Rings & Earrings: COSTANTE
Dress: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Sleeve: CHET LO , Shoes: MCQUEEN ,
Sunglasses: POPPY LISMAN , Bracelet & Earrings: COSTANTE
How does this collection reflect your personal style, as well as your music?
This collection was a dream come true because I grew up shopping at Forever 21. I think this collection represents every part of my personality. There are chill clothes, fabulous clothes, and everything in between. I think there’s an outfit for every woman out there. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a brand that I’ve supported since I was a little girl.
What is the most rewarding part about making music, and where do you hope your music takes you in the future?
The most rewarding part about music is when I meet fans and hear how my song got them through a heartbreak. Or, they tell me my song is what they listened to while studying for an exam that they passed. Also, hearing how they were listening to my songs while applying for college, and they really felt like my affirmations motivated and helped them get through the process. I love that my songs can make people happy, and that’s what it’s all about. Music is very spiritual. When I meet my fans, it makes me want to take my craft even more seriously because of the fact that I’m changing lives in a positive way. It makes me feel like I have purpose, and purpose is important for everyone.
I hope music takes me across the world and to places I’ve never been to. I love exploring and traveling, as well as immersing myself in other cultures. I always feel like I thrive more when I’m learning. I’m excited for 2025 because I’ll definitely be on the road more internationally.
Dress: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Sleeve: CHET LO , Shoes: MCQUEEN ,
Sunglasses: POPPY LISMAN , Bracelet & Earrings: COSTANTE
What are you working on now that you can share with us?
I’m working on this freaking album, and I promise it’s coming! I’ve also been working on my live performance a lot and had the honor of tapping in with LaRussell and other talented musicians who are also from the Bay. I feel like that synergy really inspired me to take my art to another level. I’ll be tapping into more traveling and more live experiences in 2025.
Jacket: AREA , Skirt: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Shoes: ZELLOUS ,
Jacket: AREA , Skirt: MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN , Shoes: ZELLOUS ,
Photography
Tyler Patrick Kenny
Creative Director
Deborah Ferguson
Interview
Stella Hofferman
Stylist
Willyum Beck @saintlukeartists
Makeup
Dee Carrion @paradisenyc
Hair
Dhairius Thomas @factorydowntown
Web layout
Aarav Narain
Location compliments of
Videographer
Dametreus Ward
Fashion Assistants
Kristin Hellsund & Adrian Dia
Thank you