FKA Twigs has found herself genuinely impressed by North West, and not just because of her famous parents. The British singer recently collaborated with the 12-year-old on her third studio album Eusexua, where North delivers rap verses entirely in Japanese on the track “Childlike Things.” But it’s what happened outside the studio that really caught Twigs off guard.
The 37-year-old artist, born Tahlia Debrett Barnett, sat down with Rolling Stone UK and spoke candidly about her experience working with the eldest daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. What started as a professional collaboration evolved into something more meaningful, with the two sharing dinners and conversations that revealed North’s surprising depth.
Beyond her years
Twigs describes North as possessing emotional maturity that seems almost impossible for someone so young. Their dinner conversations weren’t typical preteen chatter. Instead, North made observations about humility and human nature that stopped Twigs in her tracks. These weren’t rehearsed lines or borrowed wisdom. They were genuine insights that mirrored lessons Twigs herself only learned through adult experiences.
Growing up surrounded by fame, media attention and the entertainment industry’s complexities has given North a perspective that most kids her age simply don’t have. She’s witnessed situations that would challenge anyone, regardless of age. But rather than becoming jaded, North seems to have developed a thoughtful understanding of the world around her.
A personal journey
The collaboration meant something deeply personal to Twigs. She originally wrote “Childlike Things” when she was around 12 or 13, making this partnership feel like returning to an old friend. Back then, Twigs was struggling. She faced bullying at school and never had that close girlfriend she desperately wanted. She describes herself as a bit of a loner, isolated and searching for connection.
Working with North became a form of healing. Here was this tenacious, confident young artist, exactly the kind of friend her younger self needed. Bringing North into this song felt like giving her childhood self a gift, a chance to rewrite those lonely moments with companionship and creative joy.
The art of precision
Eusexua represents something special in Twigs’s artistic journey. She talks about the album with reverence, describing every sound as crystallized, like perfectly formed ice. Each element exists with purpose and precision, creating what she calls the most distilled version of her message. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is accidental.
But Twigs also understands that perfection is temporary. Ideas can be complete and beautiful in one moment, then grow and transform into something else entirely. She embraces this fluidity, recognizing that both she and North are constantly evolving as artists. Their collaboration captures a specific moment in time, a snapshot of two creative minds meeting exactly when they needed to.
Breaking new ground
Having North rap in Japanese wasn’t just a novelty choice. It demonstrates both artists’ commitment to pushing boundaries. For a 12-year-old to perform in a language that isn’t her first shows dedication and seriousness about her craft. It adds texture and intrigue to the track while proving that North approaches her artistry with genuine intention.
This partnership also challenges how we think about young artists in the industry. Twigs doesn’t treat North like a celebrity kid making a cute cameo. She treats her as a real collaborator whose contributions shape the album’s emotional core. That level of respect speaks volumes about what Twigs sees in North’s abilities.
Looking forward
The relationship between FKA Twigs and North West offers something refreshing in an industry often criticized for being superficial. Their collaboration proves that creativity can bridge age gaps and create space for unexpected connections. North’s maturity isn’t about acting older than her years. It’s about being genuinely present, observant and willing to engage with the world thoughtfully.
As Eusexua continues reaching audiences, the story behind “Childlike Things” adds another layer to an already compelling artistic statement. Sometimes the most profound partnerships come from the most unexpected places.