In an exclusive revelation that bridges family ties and Hollywood glamour, rap sensation Saweetie shared heartwarming insights about her relationship with cousin Gabrielle Union while also addressing her journey through the entertainment industry’s challenges.
During a recent Smirnoff Lemonade event in Los Angeles, Saweetie, born Diamonte Harper, opened up about her early interactions with Union. “I would be so shy around her,” the 31-year-old artist admitted, describing how she would admire her accomplished cousin from afar at family gatherings. Union’s presence left such an impression that young Saweetie found herself starstruck by her cousin’s “bright light.”
The family connection runs deep—Union, 52, is actually Saweetie’s father’s first cousin. Despite their blood ties, Saweetie revealed their relationship blossomed later in life. “I didn’t really connect with her until I was older,” she shared with Us Weekly, adding that Union now actively mentors her through the entertainment industry’s ups and downs.
Their bond has evolved into a supportive professional relationship, with Union sharing valuable insights about the changing landscape of fame. Saweetie particularly values Union’s perspective on how the entertainment industry has transformed. “I love when she compares this industry I’m currently in to when she broke in,” Saweetie noted, pointing out how celebrities enjoyed more privacy in Union’s early career days.
Beyond her family connections, Saweetie bravely addressed the obstacles she’s faced in her career. The “Best Friend” singer revealed to Allure magazine that she’s consistently faced underestimation throughout her life. “There’d be moments in classes when teachers would question my abilities,” she recalled, describing encounters that only fueled her determination to succeed.
The rapper also took a stand against industry pressures, sharing how music executives tried to shape her image. “They advised me to twerk more on my Instagram,” Saweetie revealed, resolutely rejecting advice that didn’t reflect her true self. Instead of conforming, Saweetie chose to stay true to her values, declaring, “That’s not going to be my marketing.”
Currently, Saweetie is channeling her success into new ventures, including a partnership with Smirnoff Lemonade. The collaboration completes her journey, bringing her back to her college days at San Diego State and USC. At a recent SDSU homecoming event, she reconnected with her former dance team, celebrating the lasting friendships that supported her journey to stardom.
Saweetie’s journey from a young girl captivated by stardom to a self-assured artist who recognizes her value is portrayed in this tale of familial ties, personal development, and professional integrity. While she may have once been shy around her famous cousin, she now stands as a role model in her own right, proving that staying true to oneself is the ultimate path to success.
The article demonstrates how family connections in Hollywood can provide both inspiration and guidance while highlighting the importance of maintaining authenticity in an industry that often pressures artists to conform. As Saweetie continues to build her legacy, she does so with the wisdom gained from both her own experiences and the valuable insights shared by her cousin, Gabrielle Union.