Sweetie Reveals Struggles Before Fame: Homelessness to Hip-Hop Stardom. Saweetie, the “Icy Girl” rapper known for her chart-topping hits and glamorous lifestyle, recently shared a surprising and inspiring story about her rise to fame. During a press stop at Power 106 in Los Angeles, the USC graduate revealed that before she became a household name, she experienced homelessness and had to navigate numerous challenges to pursue her dream of a career in music.
Saweetie, whose real name is Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in communications. However, her post-college life was far from the typical graduate experience. Instead of immediately finding a job and settling into a stable lifestyle, Saweetie found herself without a permanent place to live.
“I remember I was too proud to tell my friends and family that I had nowhere to stay. I was literally couch surfing, but it was cool because people always wanted me around,”
Saweetie explained. Despite the uncertainty and instability, she maintained a positive outlook, focusing on the support and camaraderie she found among her friends.
Her reluctance to burden others meant that she often kept her belongings in her car and moved from place to place. “My homegirls knew what was going on, but I never wanted to take up space in someone’s house. So I would keep my closet in my car,” she added.
While many of her peers were entering the workforce, Saweetie made the bold decision to chase her dreams in the music industry. She knew that committing to a full-time job would hinder her ability to focus on her music career.
“I could either get a job, but as a graduate, most of us are looking for full-time jobs. But if I’m full-time, I’m working 40 hours a week, and if I’m doing 40 hours a week, that’s the same thing as going to school, so if I’m doing that, I’m not doing music,” she said.
Faced with this dilemma, Saweetie set a deadline for herself to make significant progress in her music career. This self-imposed pressure pushed her to work tirelessly on her craft, ultimately leading to her breakthrough.
Saweetie’s gamble paid off. Her debut single, “ICY GRL,” went viral in 2017, garnering millions of views and putting her on the map as a rising star in the hip-hop world. Since then, she has released a string of successful tracks, collaborated with major artists, and built a brand that resonates with fans worldwide.
Her journey from homelessness to fame is a testament to her resilience and determination. Sweetie’s story is not just about overcoming financial hardships but also about staying true to one’s dreams despite overwhelming odds.
Sweetie’s recent media appearances have been in support of her new summer anthem, “NANi,” which she previewed in April. The song, true to Sweetie’s style, is a fun and energetic track about enjoying life and having a good time with friends.
In addition to her music, Saweetie has also been addressing rumors about her personal life. Speculations about her relationships, particularly involving Chris Brown and her ex-boyfriend Quavo, have been swirling in the media. Saweetie responded with a freestyle on Instagram, where she bluntly told people to mind their own business, stating, “They tryna figure out who I’m f****** girl it’s none of ya concern.”
Sweetie’s story serves as an inspiration to many, especially young women facing similar challenges. Her message is clear: perseverance and self-belief are crucial to achieving one’s goals. By sharing her past struggles, Saweetie hopes to encourage others to remain steadfast in their pursuits, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
As Saweetie continues to rise in the music industry, she remains a symbol of strength and resilience. Her journey from couch surfing to topping the charts exemplifies the power of hard work, determination, and the unwavering belief in oneself.
