Saweetie may be closely related to Gabrielle Union, with the actress being her first cousin, but she still finds herself in awe of her. At a recent Smirnoff Lemonade’s Paint & Sip with Saweetie event, the 31-year-old rapper admitted that she used to feel incredibly shy around Union when she was younger.

“Honestly, I didn’t really connect with her until I was older, but I have to say, when I was a young girl, I would be so shy around her,” Saweetie revealed. “Because she’s always been so beautiful. So bright.” Saweetie fondly recalled admiring Union from a distance at family events, even having a “big crush” on the actress, known for her role in 10 Things I Hate About You.

Saweetie said Union has always had a “bright light about herself,” and she feels lucky to call her family. Despite their close connection, the two only began to bond more as Saweetie grew older. The singer has also opened up about the valuable advice Union has shared with her about navigating the entertainment industry.

In a 2021 interview, Saweetie explained how Union compares her experiences in the industry to when she first started. “She drops as many gems as she can,” Saweetie said, adding that Union often reflects on the greater privacy she had when entering the industry. “Sometimes I feel like I was born in a different time period because I love my privacy,” Saweetie admitted.

Their close relationship has also been seen on social media. In 2023, Union posted a video of herself preparing a meal inspired by Saweetie. After finishing the dish, Union FaceTimed Saweetie to show it off, and the singer gave her stamp of approval.

Outside of her family bond with Union, Saweetie is continuing to work with Smirnoff Lemonade, including her recent event in Los Angeles. She will also be hosting a pop-up event in New York City on December 7. Reflecting on her college days, Saweetie joked that she’s “drinking responsibly,” while emphasizing how much she appreciates Smirnoff for its connection to her college memories.

Saweetie also took time to reflect on her college experiences, mentioning her time at San Diego State and USC. She recently returned to SDSU’s homecoming, where she danced with her old dance team, cherishing the “priceless” moment and the sisterhood she built during her college years.