Saweetie Talks ‘HELLA PRESSURE,’ Social Media and Mental Health

Saweetie is opening up about what it’s like to navigate the pressures of celebrity and career on the heels of her latest EP, HELLA PRESSURE. In an interview with Billboard, the Icy Girl explains how her persona doesn’t convey everything that she is as a person. She also talks about the impact social media has on young artists and how to preserve her mental health. 

“It’s such an interesting juxtaposition to be a confident woman but an insecure artist, and I think that came from being thrown into the industry so quickly,” Saweetie shares. “I didn’t know ICY Girl was going to take off the way it did. Although it was a blessing, the challenges that came with it were very difficult, because I had a hot song but was being thrown on stage with no artist development. While I was just happy to be there, the first time I hit those stages, I was getting torn apart online. I was like, wait, hold on, I’m just happy to be here, let me get there.”

Saweetie says that social media contributes to the stress young artists are under. Growing pains play out publicly–and people don’t hesitate to take verbal jabs for likes and shares. 

“Especially with the times we’re in, people may not realize they’re really affecting your mental health,” she explains. “They’re just trying to get a hit tweet or create a humorous moment, but it can really impact a young person’s mind. When I first started, I was confused. Even though I had made it, the success didn’t come with the emotions I thought was attached to it. I expected to be happier, more fulfilled, but instead it left me feeling very empty because I didn’t feel respected.”

Born Diamonté Harper, Saweetie says that she had to endure criticism as she came into her own as an artist, but it never made her doubt where she was going. 

“It threw me off,” she admits. “But one thing I will pat myself on the back for is that I never backed down from a challenge. So if anything, it just made me mentally tough.”

She’s scored hits like “ICY Girl” and “Tap In,” and landed high-profile guest spots with everyone from Doja Cat to Salt-N-Pepa, but she also had to deal with going viral for awkward reasons. 

“It gave me a lot of mental strength. Now, when I see things, it just brushes off my shoulder. I’m happy that I never brought those emotions to Twitter or Instagram, oh my gosh, I would be a mess. I do deal with those struggles and challenges internally, but I really just alchemize it.”

“I turn negatives into positives and build myself up to be a stronger woman.”

She has grounded advice for young artists dealing with the pressures of being connected via social media. You have to navigate the landscape because there are benefits to building your brand with your fans. 

“Honestly, I feel like with any new artist coming in, it’s all about connecting with your fans, talking to them, and building a real relationship because that’s all they want, they just want to get to know you,” she says. “Shout out to those new artists and shout out to the doors being opened.

“Yes, the internet comes with a lot of negativity, but it also comes with a lot of positives. It’s allowed so many artists who probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise. I’m hoping for the best in their careers, but connecting with your fans is really important because those are the people who are going to support you throughout your career.”