Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, known professionally as Saweetie (/səˈwiːti/; also pronounced as simply “sweetie”), is a prominent American rapper and singer. Her journey in the music industry has been marked by notable achievements and hit releases.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 2, 1993, in Santa Clara, California, Saweetie hails from a diverse heritage. Her mother, Trinidad Valentin, is a video vixen of mixed Filipino and Chinese descent, while her father, Johnny Harper, is of African-American heritage. Growing up, Saweetie split her time between Hayward and Sacramento, attending Merrill F. West High School in Tracy and later graduating from Monterey Trail High School in Elk Grove. Her passion for music emerged early, with her starting to write songs at the young age of 13.
Saweetie’s pursuit of higher education led her to San Diego State University, where she initially studied communication and business. Later, she transferred to the University of Southern California, where she successfully earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in communication. Following her academic achievements, she made a pivotal decision to channel her talents and dedication into her burgeoning rap career.
Musical Milestones
Saweetie’s musical journey took off with the release of her debut single, “Icy Grl,” in 2017. This breakthrough led to her signing with Artistry Worldwide, a subsidiary of Warner Records, under the guidance of her then-manager, Max Gousse. In the same year, she unveiled her debut extended play, “High Maintenance.”
Continuing her ascent, Saweetie released her second EP, “Icy,” in March 2019. The EP featured the hit single “My Type,” which achieved recognition by charting in the top 40. Building on her success, Saweetie’s highly anticipated debut album, “Pretty Bitch Music,” is on the horizon. This forthcoming album has been preceded by the singles “Tap In” and “Best Friend” (featuring Doja Cat), both of which soared into the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Grammy Recognition
Saweetie’s contributions to the music industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she received two nominations for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, including a nomination for the esteemed category of Best New Artist.
Saweetie’s journey from her early roots to her current stardom is a testament to her talent, dedication, and continuous musical evolution. Her music resonates with a broad audience, and her future in the industry looks promising as she continues to make waves in the world of rap and R&B.