In out latest Snob & Answer, we chat with British rapper/singer/producer Skaiwater prior to the release of their latest single,“wna torture me tn?” and upcoming collaborative projects to speak about their ever growing relationship with fashion and their segmentation into their own new genre of sound.

When Universal Music Group removed its music from TikTok in February 2024, many artists felt defeated — but Skaiwater used this to their advantage and was rapidly able to build attention around themselves, one TikTok at a time. Unlike others with industry backing to push their music out in what seems like an overnight success , Skai’s approach seemed more gradual.

 What started with casual lip synching and stitch reply videos openly thanking UMG for this "opportunity", has slowly allowed for a new demographic to discover their catalog of music. They created a conversation surrounding their sound which left many questioning, “Who is Skaiwater?”. As a result, their music became heavily requested, as some of it was unreleased on Apple Music and Spotify during the ban’s peak (And the comment section made sure it was known until it was published.)  They are able to successfully offer a sense of relatability with each project that optimizes social media experiences with real ones.                

Skaiwater’s music, which blends genres like pop, rap, Jersey club, and dance, brings out something special in people. Already, the artist has worked with Lil Nas X (he did his first-ever feature on Skaiwater’s “light!”) and  Lil Uzi Vert on “miles.”  Skai is also building a community of new-gen artists, working closely with people they’ve come up with like Riovaz and Kanii.  

Although the rap industry isn’t always the most welcoming, Skaiwater, a non-binary artist, isn’t afraid to be themselves. Rather, they want to break through the noise —  and they have quite a lot to say. As they work on their upcoming album, Skai is perfecting their signature sound and finding themselves in music, style and fashion. Between experimenting with nail art and discovering a new favorite brand, Skaiwater is just getting started.

What is one word that describes your personal style?

C**t and camp. [I prefer] the first one.

Where do you get style inspiration from?

I find myself in different places a lot of the time. I'll go from one city to another every two or three months. I like looking at different shit in different places and curating to figure out my own way of doing things. I try not to pay too much attention to my phone when it comes to clothes. 

My dad introduced me to a lot of the shit I embrace now: Pharrell, Wayne. I took a lot of influence from [the 2008 era]. 

How do you define your category of music and its relationship with your style?

​​The definition I think of is fluid. It reflects in my art — not really sticking to one space. I just try being honest. 

#Skaicore is starting to trend. What items would be part of your starter pack?

Maybe a Pandora bracelet. Definitely fur boots, a crop top. And big, wide pants.

Nails are a Skaiwater staple. Do you have a favorite set? 

This [current] one is my favorite. This is my first time doing white. I've been a fan of silver. I've been testing more campy ideas, like loud or multicolored. [White] is a little bit more me. 

Nails are an extension of me, the same way I wear a necklace every day. They’re like the necklace of my hand, if that makes sense. 

Noah Gonzalez

Do you have any favorite designers?

When I was trying to focus on finding my space in music, I kind of fell off with paying attention to fashion. I’m trying to get back into shape. I've always been a huge fan of Vivienne Westwood and was introduced to her very young. I like Marc Jacobs’ vibe right now, his Met Gala look was cute. I don’t like saying Rick Owens, because everyone says that, but I wear Rick Owens way too much.

Music is similar to fashion in the sense of it being  a communication or an expression. I know the history of older streetwear shit. I think that's why I want to understand where [new designers] are coming from.

Do you have a favorite collaborative project so far? What’s it like working with artists who have different styles than you? 

[Working with] Lil Nas X did a lot for me in terms of growth and expression. Art is meant to help you express yourself and evolve. Even though we all have different styles, the world is very connected… We all kind of grew up on the same shit.

Speaking of art, you have amassed a growing tattoo collection. Do you have a favorite one? 

I have a tiger on my face, for the nickname my mother gave me. I love all my pieces. A lot of them aren't super personal type shit. I'm trying to build a big collection, you know?

What are some places in LA and the  UK, where you’re from, where you like to shop?

In LA, I be shopping at H Lorenzo, Second Street. Heaven. I feel like I’m giving away the sauce right now.

I think London is the fashion capital. There are  a lot of places in Shoreditch… I like the Lab Store. If I'm trying to find something boujee I go to Selfridges I kind of just go out to find what I’m looking for type shit. 

What is the most unique item in your closet currently?

I have a big, black fur tail — that's probably the most unique one. I got it a year ago and it's huge. I got matching ears. You’ll definitely see the tail, it’s comin’!