skaiwater releases #mia – A Genre-Bending Journey Through Love, Excess, And Rebellion

SKAIWATER RELEASES #MIA – A GENRE-BENDING JOURNEY
THROUGH LOVE, EXCESS, AND REBELLION – LISTEN HERE

PRAISE FOR SKAIWATER:
“Introduces listeners to an expansive universe that widens what’s possible within hip-hop.” –Rolling Stone
“skaiwater is just getting started.” – HighSnobiety
“surfs between moods and soundscapes at a moment’s notice, omnivorous in a way that’s reminiscent of a young Kanye West.” – Pitchfork
“found a way to push the genre forward while keeping it fresh and accessible – Complex

February 14, 2025 – Today marks the release of skaiwater’s sophomore album, #mia(Manic in America), an eight-track journey through love, excess, and emotional instability. With sharp lyricism and genre-blurring soundscapes, skaiwater explores the cycle of romantic indulgence and detachment. Stylistically, Manic in America mixes the chaos of fame, gritty underground culture, and internet-fueled rebelliousness. As skai embodies the spirit of both an outsider and a pop icon, they craft an unpredictable, effortlessly contemporary style and narrative of sound and stardom. Listen to #mia via GoodTalk/Capitol Records HERE.

#mia opens with “pop,” co-produced by skaiwater, Elkan, and anca trio plus one. The track’s irresistible rhythm and skai’s signature staccato flow pull listeners into a whirlwind of tumultuous relationships and infectious grooves, set against an ever-evolving and frenetic backing track. “pop” was later named one of Pitchfork’s “Best New Tracks” and earned praise from Billboard, Hypebeast, Complex, The FADER, and more. On “feral,” skai bares their truth with silky vocals, navigating the tension of a toxic but magnetic relationship over dreamy production by t.y.jake. “wolf ft. RADA,” dives into a fast-paced, hedonistic lifestyle where love, money, and substances blur together, finding skai searching for meaning in fleeting highs. British singer RADA’s vocals bring depth before the track culminates in a thumping electro beat. #mia closes with the title track, “manicinamerica,” a raw, poetic reckoning with obsession, addiction, and self-destruction. Though the production gives the feeling of a peaceful movie ending, the song’s lyrics hint at a less idealistic, more haunting reality. Manic in America is a bold, boundary-pushing ride, showcasing skaiwater at their most unapologetic and electrifying.

2024 marked a breakout year for the Nottingham native, with the release of #gigi, an album that earned critical acclaim and solidified skaiwater’ s place as one of the year’s most compelling artists. #gigi was named The FADER’s “Album of the Year” and earned spots on numerous “Best of 2024”lists, including those from Rolling Stone, Complex, and Pitchfork. #gigi features several standout tracks, including “light!” with Lil Nas X and produced by 9lives, a poignant exploration of young love and hidden toxicity; “bleach,” a dynamic blend of energetic rap and smooth vocals showcasing skai’s resilience and vulnerability; and “wna Torture Me Tn?” featuring rising Atlanta rapperKarrahbooo. Listen HERE.

In addition to the album’s success, recent years have marked a transformative shift in skaiwater’s career trajectory. Key milestones include collaborating with Skepta in the studio, joining PinkPantheress as a special guest during her North American tour in Los Angeles, touring with BKThaRula, performing at Rolling Loud, and being named one of Our Generation Music’s “Artists to Watch” in 2025. With these accomplishments shaping the path ahead, skai is poised to keep pushing boundaries and making infectious waves.