Tag: SZA

The ‘SOS’ songstress shares an emotional moment, recalling tough times during quarantine

SZA, the superstar behind the hit album SOS, took a moment to reflect on her journey after a fan shared an old video from the early days of the pandemic. In the clip, the singer quarantines at her childhood home in New Jersey, happily sharing some cool items she discovered in her mom’s closet.

After retweeting the nostalgic moment, SZA responded with an emotional message about her mental health struggles during that time. “Covid was hard … my granny had just died .. I was hella depressed n masking,” she wrote. “Not eating. Over working out. but I always had my childhood home to n get lost. Still do. Grateful to be in a much better mental space now. [heart emoji] s/o to those days tho.”

While those challenging moments seem far behind her, SZA’s career thrives. Her 2022 album SOS recently re-entered the top of the charts following the release of its deluxe edition, Lana, on December 20. In just one week, the project has moved 178,000 equivalent units, solidifying SZA’s place as one of the most significant artists today.

Singer slams fan entitlement over postponed track releases

SZA has come under fire after failing to update her SOS deluxe album with new songs and mixes, despite previously announcing plans to do so. Fans have expressed frustration after the project, which was released just a month ago, has yet to see the promised additions.

Taking to social media on January 16, SZA vented her frustration, telling fans: “I used to think sharing snippets, personal info + music tea would build connection but it actually just made ppl entitled ungrateful and disrespectful. It’s time to restore the boundary.”

The Grammy-winning artist further stated, “No more explanations/updates. No back n forth. All further questions hit punch. Thanks.”

SZA also fired back at a fan who criticized her remarks, alleging that the delay was due to sample clearance issues and wildfires that impacted the album’s collaborators. She continued to express her discontent, revealing that she had ignored the advice of her longtime manager, Punch, to stop sharing snippets.

The situation has sparked speculation about a potential split between SZA and Punch, despite his continued role as her manager. The singer had previously hinted at the end of their professional relationship over Christmas but clarified there was no animosity between them.

The TDE singer reflects on the personal impact Drew Barrymore

SZA recently had an emotional and meaningful conversation with Drew Barrymore on The Drew Barrymore Show about the inspiration behind her song “Drew Barrymore” from her critically acclaimed album CTRL. Contrary to what Barrymore initially thought, SZA revealed that the song was more than just a nod to the famous actress’s name; it was deeply inspired by the energy and authenticity Barrymore has carried throughout her career.

SZA shared that she had written a letter to Barrymore that she never sent, explaining how, as a young Black woman, she found it challenging to find role models. Despite the lack of representation, Barrymore stood out as one of the few white women she admired for her uniqueness and vulnerability. SZA praised Barrymore’s imperfect smile, quirky nature, and laugh which reminded SZA to embrace what made her different, even her speech impediment. This connection with Barrymore gave SZA the permission and courage to be herself.

In a separate interview on Sherri, SZA also revealed that she would love to collaborate with Kendrick Lamar on a joint album. When asked by host Sherri Shepherd if she and Kendrick would consider doing a duo project, SZA expressed enthusiasm, saying, “I would love that. I think that would be amazing.” She continued, praising Lamar as a genius, noting how his elusiveness and mysteriousness have helped shape her creative process. SZA referred to Kendrick as a mentor figure, fondly calling him “Sensei,” and expressed how much she learned from his guidance during their collaborations, particularly on tracks like “Luther” and “Gloria.”

The thought of a joint album between the two stars has fans excited, as their past collaborations have been widely praised for their synergy and artistic depth.

Despite the success of ‘SOS’ and the deluxe ‘Lana’ edition, she hinted at retiring from music

Although SZA’s SOS and the deluxe Lana edition have had massive success on the charts, she is thinking of hanging up the mic as part of her plans, she exposed the posting on X (formerly, Twitter) on Sunday (January 4).

“Before I go be a farmer n give the produce away to communities in need, I am positive that I will want to make more soothing kids’ music after completing the last two album requirements,” she wrote.

This shook the fans because SOS had recently shot to the top of the week-long Billboard 200 era, a demonstration of her art’s gravity. The quite open statement from on high lends credence to the word that suggests even phenomenal success has not altered her wish for a quieter, purposed life.

Some fans were saddened by the fact that she would no longer be performing, while others lauded her vision of making children’s music and giving back to the community through farming.

The pivot might say something deeper in that it still talks about being fulfilled outside the label of the music industry, and as SZA continues to carve out an enduring legacy, so might this pivot. Whether she follows through with this or not, her contribution to music is undeniable.

The hype is now on, and fans cannot wait to hear what the two albums are all about before she exits the scene.