SZA

{{Infobox person

| name = SZA

| image = Glaston2024 2806 300624 (158 of 173) (53836776232) (cropped).jpg

| alt = SZA looking towards a crowd while singing into a microphone

| caption = SZA in 2024

| birth_name = Solána Imani Rowe

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1989|11|8}}

| birth_place = St. Louis, Missouri, US

| occupation = Singer-songwriter

| years_active = 2011–present

| works = {{hlist|Discography|songs}}

| awards = Full list

| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes

| genre = {{flatlist|

}}

| instrument = Vocals

| origin = Maplewood, New Jersey, US

| label = {{flatlist|

}}

| website = {{URL|szactrl.com}}
{{URL|szasos.com}}

}}

| signature = SZA sig.svg

}}

Solána Imani Rowe (born November 8, 1989), known professionally as SZA ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|ɪ|z|ə|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-SZA.wav}} {{respell|SIZ|ə}}), is an American singer-songwriter. Known for her diaristic lyrics and alternative R&B sound incorporating multiple genres, she is a significant figure in influencing contemporary R&B music.

SZA first garnered attention with her self-released extended plays (EPs) See.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013). The projects led her to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment in 2013, through which she released her third EP, Z (2014). Her rock and jazz-influenced debut studio album, Ctrl (2017), was a critical and commercial success. It earned four Grammy Award nominations in 2018, and became the second longest-charting R&B album by a woman on the US Billboard 200. Her 2018 single "All the Stars" with Kendrick Lamar was a top-10 single in the US and UK, and it earned her Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song. SZA's feature on Doja Cat's "Kiss Me More" in 2021 set a record as the longest-running all-female collaboration in the US top-ten and won the singer her first Grammy Award.

SZA experimented with several genres like rock, hip-hop, and pop on her second studio album, SOS (2022). It spent twelve weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, broke several chart records, and set an achievement for the largest streaming week for an R&B album in the US. Its six singles included five top-10 songs, including her first global number-one "Kill Bill". SOS was reissued in 2024 as the deluxe album Lana, which spawned the top-ten singles "Saturn" and "30 for 30". That same year, SZA collaborated with Lamar on the single "Luther", which topped the Billboard Hot 100. She made her acting debut in the buddy comedy film One of Them Days (2025).

SZA has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including five Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, an American Music Award, a Guild of Music Supervisors Award, and two Billboard Women in Music awards, including Woman of the Year. She has co-written songs for artists such as Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Travis Scott, Schoolboy Q, and Rihanna. In 2024, she received the Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Early life and education

Solána Imani Rowe{{cite web | last=Platt | first=Poppie | title=How SZA became a Glastonbury headliner | website=The Daily Telegraph | url-access=subscription | date=June 30, 2024 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/how-sza-became-a-glastonbury-headliner/ | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=September 1, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901060152/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/how-sza-became-a-glastonbury-headliner/ | url-status=live }} was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 8, 1989.{{cite web | last=Phillips | first=Demi | title=7 R&B Singers Who Are Scorpios | website=HotNewHipHop | date=October 27, 2023 | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/728797-scorpio-singers | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=November 1, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101113129/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/728797-scorpio-singers | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Does SZA Have a Boyfriend? | website=Elle | date=February 2, 2024 | url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a44238028/sza-boyfriend-dating-history/ | first1=Aimee | last1=Lutkin | first2=Briannah | last2=Rivera | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=January 29, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129033516/https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a44238028/sza-boyfriend-dating-history/ | url-status=live }} She grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey. Her parents are from the Southern United States; Rowe's mother, Audrey, was an executive at AT&T, while her father, Abdul, was a video producer at CNN.{{cite web |last=Mukhtar |first=Amel |date=November 14, 2024 |title='I'm Not Meant to Be Famous, I Just Keep Trying to Rise to the Occasion': SZA Gives Her Most Revealing Interview to Date |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/sza-british-vogue-interview |access-date=January 31, 2025 |website=British Vogue |archive-date=November 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121063522/https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/sza-british-vogue-interview |url-status=live }} As a child, Rowe was affectionally nicknamed by her mother "Chickabee", derived from the film Nell (1994). Rowe's relatives include a half-sister, Panya, who is eleven years older than her, and a brother, Daniel, who is a rapper known by the stage name Manhattan.{{cite web |last=Caruso |first=Skyler |title=All About SZA's Parents, Audrey and Abdul |website=People |date=February 3, 2024 |url=https://people.com/all-about-sza-parents-8557427 |access-date=January 31, 2025 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531143508/https://people.com/all-about-sza-parents-8557427 |url-status=live }} She has a niece, Carolyn, who also makes music.{{Cite web |last=Renshaw |first=David |date=August 26, 2022 |title=Song You Need: ImaniCarolyn and SZA's 'About a Gemini Pt. 3' Is a Family Affair |url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/08/26/imanicarolyn--sza-about-a-gemini-pt3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304042035/https://www.thefader.com/2022/08/26/imanicarolyn--sza-about-a-gemini-pt3 |archive-date=March 4, 2024 |access-date=February 22, 2025 |website=The Fader |language=en}} Rowe considers her maternal grandmother, Norma, her best friend.{{Cite magazine |last=Carmichael |first=Emma |date=February 26, 2020 |title=The Rebirth of SZA |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sza-interview-new-music-950364/ |access-date=February 22, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226184311/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sza-interview-new-music-950364/ |url-status=live }}

Audrey is Christian, while Abdul is Muslim.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/how-sza-beat-depression-and-cracked-the-top-10-with-ctrl-128463/ |title=How SZA Beat Depression and Cracked the Top 10 With 'Ctrl' |last=Morris |first=Alex |date=August 30, 2017 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |access-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414181021/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/how-sza-beat-depression-and-cracked-the-top-10-with-ctrl-128463/ |url-status=live }} Rowe's father would attend her mother's church for special occasions, while her mother would dress up for Jum'ah and accompany her father to the mosque. Rowe attended both Sunday school and Muslim school. In an interview with the blog Muslim Girl, she said that her parents have accepted each other's religions, "their faiths and beliefs [having integrated]".

It's like the belief in one God, all the pillars of Islam et cetera, and I think those are ideas that will never leave me, those make sense in my spirit. It's the way that I connect with God; it has always made sense to me. I think I would love to wear my hijab but I feel like I don't wanna wear my hijab and talk crazy on stage and be in videos with Travis Scott. Like I don't wanna be disrespectful because I have too much love and respect for the religion, for my father, and for myself.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnN7p1lZU2k |title=Sza On CTRL, Relating to Rihanna, Standing for Pharrell & Her Faith |publisher=HOT 97 |date=6 June 2017 |via=YouTube |time=10:09|access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-date=December 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225090615/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnN7p1lZU2k |url-status=live }}

Rowe wore a hijab during elementary and early middle school.{{cite web | last=Elan | first=Priya | title=SZA says she was scared to wear hijab after 9/11 | website=The Guardian | date=April 18, 2021 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/apr/18/sza-hijab | access-date=January 31, 2025}} Following the September 11 attacks, in her middle school years, she stopped wearing one for fears of Islamophobic bullying.{{cite web | last=Richards | first=Will | title=SZA says she was scared to wear her hijab after 9/11 | publisher=NME | date=April 20, 2021 | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-says-she-was-scared-to-wear-her-hijab-after-9-11-2924234 | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=December 28, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228130349/https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-says-she-was-scared-to-wear-her-hijab-after-9-11-2924234 | url-status=live }} She later attended Columbia High School, where she participated in the school's gymnastics and cheerleading teams, as well as its dance team dubbed the Special Dance Company.{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Sierra | title=Let SZA's Heartwarming Speech From Her High School's Hall Of Fame Ceremony Inspire You | website=Vibe | date=June 5, 2018 | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-high-school-inducts-her-into-hall-of-fame-speech-589571/ | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=March 28, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328230918/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-high-school-inducts-her-into-hall-of-fame-speech-589571/ | url-status=live }} After graduating in 2008, Rowe enrolled in three different colleges before settling at Delaware State University to study marine biology.{{cite web | last=Maicki | first=Salvatore | title=SZA returned to her high school and performed 'The Weekend' | website=The Fader | date=June 5, 2018 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/06/04/sza-high-school-hall-of-fame | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=May 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519051032/https://www.thefader.com/2018/06/04/sza-high-school-hall-of-fame | url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/09/who-is-sza/ |first=Insanul |last=Ahmed |title=Who is SZA? |work=Complex Music |date=September 8, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429221725/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/09/who-is-sza/ |url-status=live }} She dropped out in her final semester to focus on her music career and worked various jobs to support herself.{{cite web | last=Inman | first=DeMicia | title=SZA Reflects On Bartending At Strip Clubs To Finance Music Career | website=Vibe | date=June 1, 2023 | url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/sza-reflects-dropping-out-music-career-1234761449/ | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=August 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806193759/https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/sza-reflects-dropping-out-music-career-1234761449/ | url-status=live }}

After dropping out, Rowe often drank Malibu, smoked marijuana, and overslept daily. She lied about her age to get a bartending job and occasionally danced at several strip clubs in New Jersey and New York City.{{cite web | last=DeSantis | first=Rachel | title=SZA Explains How 'Vibing Aimlessly' After Dropping Out of College 'Lit a Fire' That Led to Music Career | website=People | date=February 8, 2023 | url=https://people.com/music/sza-explains-how-vibing-aimlessly-after-dropping-out-of-college-led-to-music-career/ | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=November 6, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106133558/https://people.com/music/sza-explains-how-vibing-aimlessly-after-dropping-out-of-college-led-to-music-career/ | url-status=live }} When she formed her stage name SZA, Rowe was inspired by Nation of Islam, a black nationalist religious movement.{{Cite web |last=Galindo |first=Thomas |date=April 10, 2023 |title=Behind the Spiritual Band Name: SZA |url=https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-spiritual-stage-name-sza/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}} She took cues from the Supreme Alphabet,{{cite web | last=Sanchez | first=Melissa | title=SZA Sends Out an S.O.S. Her Fans | website=The Source | date=December 12, 2022 | url=https://thesource.com/2022/12/12/sza-sends-out-an-s-o-s-her-fans/ | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=April 13, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413101922/https://thesource.com/2022/12/12/sza-sends-out-an-s-o-s-her-fans/ | url-status=live }} taking influence from rappers RZA and GZA of Wu-Tang Clan.{{cite web | last=Orcutt | first=KC | title=7 Artists With Names Inspired By The Wu-Tang Clan | website=HotNewHipHop | date=June 10, 2017 | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/63387-7-artists-with-names-inspired-by-the-wu-tang-clan-news | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=May 2, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502034657/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/63387-7-artists-with-names-inspired-by-the-wu-tang-clan-news | url-status=live }} The last two letters in her name stand for Zig-Zag and Allah, while the first letter S can mean either savior or sovereign.{{cite web | last=McLaren | first=Bonnie | title=Glastonbury: Seven things to know about SZA | publisher=BBC News | date=June 28, 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5117g0pwepo | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=February 18, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218093007/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5117g0pwepo | url-status=live }}

Career

=2011–2014: Career beginnings and EPs=

File:SZA, August 2013.jpg

SZA first met members of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) during the CMJ New Music Report in 2011, when her boyfriend's clothing company sponsored a show in which Kendrick Lamar was performing. SZA's early music was shared with TDE president Terrence "Punch" Henderson, who was impressed by the quality of the material.{{cite magazine | last=Ugwu | first=Reggie | title=SZA Talks 'Z' Album & Being the Only Girl In Top Dawg Entertainment | magazine=Billboard | date=April 7, 2014 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-talks-z-album-being-the-only-girl-in-top-dawg-entertainment-6041313/ | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=July 19, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719113536/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-talks-z-album-being-the-only-girl-in-top-dawg-entertainment-6041313/ | url-status=live }} SZA's early music was recorded with friends and neighbors, with many of the beats "stole[n]" from the Internet.{{cite magazine | last=Ugwu | first=Reggie | title=SZA Talks Quitting Her Day Job, Working With Holy Other & Emile Haynie | magazine=Billboard | date=May 23, 2013 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-talks-quitting-her-day-job-working-with-other-emile-haynie-1563547/ | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=January 22, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122032047/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-talks-quitting-her-day-job-working-with-other-emile-haynie-1563547/ | url-status=live }} SZA self-released her debut extended play (EP) See.SZA.Run on October 29, 2012.{{cite magazine | last=Ugwu | first=Reggie | title=Scouting Report: R&B/Pop Singer SZA | magazine=Billboard | date=May 29, 2013 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/scouting-report-rbpop-singer-sza-1565523/ | access-date=January 31, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Frydenlund | first=Zach | title=EP Premiere: SZA 'See SZA Run' | website=Complex | date=October 29, 2012 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/zach-frydenlund/ep-premiere-sza-see-sza-run | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=January 20, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120141246/https://www.complex.com/music/a/zach-frydenlund/ep-premiere-sza-see-sza-run | url-status=live }} The extended play was met with positive reviews upon release. The Guardian commended the EP, its lyrical content and production, and compared it to the work of musicians like Drake and the Weeknd.{{cite web | last=Lester | first=Paul | title=New band of the day: SZA (No 1,467) | website=The Guardian | date=March 8, 2013 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/mar/08/sza | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=November 17, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117081536/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/mar/08/sza | url-status=live }}

SZA self-released her second EP, S, on April 10, 2013.{{cite web | last=Cooper | first=Duncan | title=Download SZA's S EP | website=The Fader | date=April 10, 2013 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2013/04/10/download-szas-s-ep | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=December 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206064631/http://www.thefader.com/2013/04/10/download-szas-s-ep/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Kelly | first=Katie | title=Download SZA's New EP | website=Complex | date=April 10, 2013 | url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/a/kkelly527/download-szas-new-ep | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=December 9, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209204919/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/a/kkelly527/download-szas-new-ep | url-status=live }} It was positively received; Consequence of Sound thought that the "dreamy [and] warped [EP] manage[d] to exude confidence and fragility".{{cite web | title=Album Review: SZA | website=Consequence of Sound | date=April 22, 2013 | url=https://consequence.net/2013/04/album-review-sza-s-ep/ | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=June 23, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623153407/https://consequence.net/2013/04/album-review-sza-s-ep/ | url-status=live }} SZA promoted the extended play with the release of a music video for the EP's lead single, "Ice.Moon".{{cite web | last=X | first=Dharmic | title=SZA Releases Mystical Video For 'Ice Moon' | website=Complex | date=November 13, 2013 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/dharmic-x/sza-ice-moon-video | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=December 9, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209125642/https://www.complex.com/music/a/dharmic-x/sza-ice-moon-video | url-status=live }} SZA and Punch stayed in contact, and after SZA began garnering attention with the release of her two EPs, TDE stepped in to sign her on July 14, 2013, making her the label's first female artist.{{cite web | last=Darville | first=Jordan | title=SZA wanted to sign to Odd Future before landing at Top Dawg Entertainment | website=The Fader | date=February 8, 2023 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/02/08/sza-odd-future-top-dawg-entertainment | access-date=January 31, 2025 | archive-date=June 10, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610042754/https://www.thefader.com/2023/02/08/sza-odd-future-top-dawg-entertainment | url-status=live }} In October 2013, SZA joined Swedish band Little Dragon for a four-show tour, beginning on October 17 at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles and concluding on October 24 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn.{{cite web |url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2013/08/little_dragon_p_5.html |title=Little Dragon playing two NYC shows w/ SZA |first=Ryan |last=Muir |date=August 28, 2013 |website=Brooklyn Vegan |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923223939/http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2013/08/little_dragon_p_5.html |url-status=live }} That December, she released the song "Teen Spirit", which was later remixed with a guest verse from rapper 50 Cent.{{cite web | last=Rivera | first=Briannah | title=SZA's Net Worth 2024 | website=Cosmopolitan | date=January 29, 2024 | url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a45037992/sza-net-worth/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=January 25, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125090524/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a45037992/sza-net-worth/ | url-status=live }} The remix was accompanied by a music video directed by APlusFilmz.{{cite web | title='Teen Spirit' | website=Rap-Up | date=October 10, 2013 | url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2013/10/10/video-sza-teen-spirit | access-date=February 1, 2025}}

In 2014, SZA was featured on multiple tracks from her labelmates' projects, including two songs on Isaiah Rashad's debut EP, Cilvia Demo,{{cite magazine | last=Lamarre | first=Carl | title=TDE's Isaiah Rashad on Battling Drugs & Alcohol to Complete His New Project 'The Sun's Tirade' | magazine=Billboard | date=September 1, 2016 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/isaiah-rashad-suns-tirade-album-7495439/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201094629/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/isaiah-rashad-suns-tirade-album-7495439/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Alexandria | first=Lavender | title=SZA Joins Isaiah Rashad On Stage During His "Cilvia Demo" Anniversary Show | website=HotNewHipHop | date=February 1, 2024 | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/759140-sza-isaiah-rashad-cilvia-demo-show-hip-hop-news | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=February 28, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228010616/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/759140-sza-isaiah-rashad-cilvia-demo-show-hip-hop-news | url-status=live }} and a collaboration on Schoolboy Q's debut album, Oxymoron.{{cite web | title=His & Her Fiend (feat. SZA) | publisher=Apple Music (US) | date=February 25, 2014 | url=https://music.apple.com/gb/song/his-her-fiend-feat-sza/1440864178 | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201094629/https://music.apple.com/gb/song/his-her-fiend-feat-sza/1440864178 | url-status=live }} She followed up with the release of her third studio EP, Z, on April 8,{{cite web | last=Tardio | first=Andres | title=SZA 'Z' Release Date, Cover Art, Tracklist & Album Stream | website=HipHopDX | date=April 8, 2014 | url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.27809/title.sza-z-release-date-cover-art-tracklist-album-stream | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=June 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615065818/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.27809/title.sza-z-release-date-cover-art-tracklist-album-stream | url-status=live }} led by the single "Babylon" featuring Lamar,{{cite web | last=Lilah | first=Rose | title=SZA Breaks Down 'Babylon' | website=HotNewHipHop | date=April 11, 2014 | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/491406-sza-breaks-down-babylon-new-video | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=February 7, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207111321/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/491406-sza-breaks-down-babylon-new-video | url-status=live }} which was accompanied by a music video directed by APlusFilmz.{{cite web | last=DeVille | first=Chris | title=SZA – 'Babylon' Video | website=Stereogum | date=March 7, 2014 | url=https://www.stereogum.com/1668865/sza-babylon-video/news/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=September 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906181940/https://www.stereogum.com/1668865/sza-babylon-video/news/ | url-status=live }} To promote the EP, SZA performed at several showcases during the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas.{{cite magazine | last=Rutherford | first=Chrissy | title=Benefits to African American Natural Hair | magazine=Harper's Bazaar | date=March 16, 2014 | url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/advice/a1865/sza-natural-hair-care/ | access-date=February 25, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Fitzgerald | first=Trent | title=SZA Reveals 'Z' EP Release Date, Drops 'Babylon' Video | website=The Boombox | date=March 9, 2014 | url=https://theboombox.com/sza-z-ep-release-date-babylon-video/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=January 23, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123222530/https://theboombox.com/sza-z-ep-release-date-babylon-video/ | url-status=live }} Z marked SZA's chart debut in the UK, reaching number 32 on the R&B chart for the week ending April 19.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-albums-chart/20140413/115/ |title=UK R&B chart for April 19, 2014 |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=May 10, 2014 |archive-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903015000/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-albums-chart/20140413/115/ |url-status=live }} In the US, the EP debuted at number 39 on the Billboard 200, selling 6,980 copies in its first week, and peaked at number nine on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.28335/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-04-13-2014 |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: Week Ending April 13, 2014 |first=Andres |last=Tardio |date=April 16, 2014 |website=HipHopDX |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419040510/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.28335/title.hip-hop-album-sales-week-ending-04-13-2014/ |archive-date=April 19, 2014 |access-date=April 15, 2020}} That November, SZA released "Sobriety" via SoundCloud, which the singer described as "not R&B".{{cite web | last=Fitzgerald | first=Kiana | title=Songs We Love: SZA, 'Sobriety' | publisher=NPR | date=November 18, 2014 | url=https://www.npr.org/2014/11/18/364980330/sza-sobriety | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=May 31, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531094106/https://www.npr.org/2014/11/18/364980330/sza-sobriety | url-status=live }} In the following month, SZA and the Internet supported Jhené Aiko's "Enter The Void" tour.{{cite web | last=Frydenlund | first=Zach | title=Jhené Aiko Announces "Enter The Void" Tour With SZA and T... | website=Complex | date=November 19, 2014 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/zach-frydenlund/jhene-aiko-enter-the-void-tour | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=September 19, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919005343/https://www.complex.com/music/a/zach-frydenlund/jhene-aiko-enter-the-void-tour | url-status=live }} SZA began recording the first songs for her forthcoming debut album in 2014.{{cite web | last=Fu | first=Eddie | title=SZA shares deluxe edition of Ctrl for fifth anniversary: Stream | website=Consequence of Sound | date=June 9, 2022 | url=https://consequence.net/2022/06/sza-ctrl-deluxe-stream/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201110631/https://consequence.net/2022/06/sza-ctrl-deluxe-stream/ | url-status=live }}

=2015–2018: ''Ctrl'' and breakthrough=

While working on her fourth EP, A, which would later become her debut album, SZA began writing songs for other singers, including Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé on "Feeling Myself", as well as Travis Scott on "Ok Alright".{{cite web | last=Le | first=Brendan | title=From Her Days as a Budding Star to 'SOS' and 'Lana' | website=People | date=December 20, 2024 | url=https://people.com/sza-evolution-through-the-years-photos-lana-sos-deluxe-8764678 | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=December 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226172703/https://people.com/sza-evolution-through-the-years-photos-lana-sos-deluxe-8764678 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Trevor | title=SZA Elaborates On Her Role In Writing Nicki Minaj & Beyonce's 'Feelin' Myself' | website=HotNewHipHop | date=January 1, 2015 | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/458040-sza-elaborates-on-her-role-in-writing-nicki-minaj-and-beyonce-s-feelin-myself-news | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=February 20, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220190150/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/458040-sza-elaborates-on-her-role-in-writing-nicki-minaj-and-beyonce-s-feelin-myself-news | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=SZA | publisher=AXS TV | url=https://axs.tv/top-song-taxonomy-slug/sza/ | access-date=February 2, 2025}} SZA also co-wrote "Consideration" for Rihanna's 2016 album Anti, alongside Rihanna and Tyran Donaldson.{{cite web | title=Consideration (feat. SZA) | publisher=Apple Music (US) | date=August 18, 2023 | url=https://music.apple.com/us/song/consideration-feat-sza-mk-remix-mixed/1709402786 | access-date=February 1, 2025}} In addition to contributing as a writer, she was also featured on the song.{{cite magazine | last=Dailey | first=Hannah | title=SZA Explains Why She Was Originally 'Frustrated' by Rihanna Using 'Consideration' on 'Anti' | magazine=Billboard | date=November 30, 2023 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-frustrated-rihanna-took-song-for-anti-1235518334/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=January 29, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129151156/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-frustrated-rihanna-took-song-for-anti-1235518334/ | url-status=live }} SZA later joined Rihanna for a live performance of "Consideration" at the 2016 Brit Awards.{{cite magazine | last=Platon | first=Adelle | title=Rihanna Brings Out SZA & Drake for 'Consideration' & 'Work' at the 2016 Brit Awards | magazine=Billboard | date=February 24, 2016 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/rihanna-sza-drake-consideration-work-brit-awards-2016-6889463/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=June 4, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604153518/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/rihanna-sza-drake-consideration-work-brit-awards-2016-6889463/ | url-status=live }} Around this time, she collaborated with several of her labelmates on various projects, including Ab-Soul on "Lonely Soul/The Law (Prelude)",{{cite web | last=Pearce | first=Sheldon | title=Ab-Soul Shares DWTW Tracklist Featuring Schoolboy Q, Mac Miller, SZA, More | website=Pitchfork | date=December 6, 2016 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/70272-ab-soul-shares-dwtw-tracklist-featuring-schoolboy-q-mac-miller-sza-more/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=February 20, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220224837/https://pitchfork.com/news/70272-ab-soul-shares-dwtw-tracklist-featuring-schoolboy-q-mac-miller-sza-more/ | url-status=live }} Schoolboy Q on "Neva Change",{{cite web | last=Ellington | first=Andre J. | title=ScHoolboy Q Reveals Tracklist For 'Blank Face' Album | website=Vibe | date=June 24, 2016 | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/schoolboy-q-tracklist-blank-face-album-431709/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=May 30, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530010944/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/schoolboy-q-tracklist-blank-face-album-431709/ | url-status=live }} and Isaiah Rashad on "Stuck in the Mud".{{cite web | last=Fitzgerald | first=Kiana | title=Isaiah Rashad Dusts Himself Off And Tries Again | publisher=NPR | date=September 27, 2016 | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2016/09/27/494872013/isaiah-rashad-dusts-himself-off-and-tries-again | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=April 12, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412112211/https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2016/09/27/494872013/isaiah-rashad-dusts-himself-off-and-tries-again | url-status=live }} She appeared on two tracks from Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) as a background vocalist,{{Cite web |last=Trapp |first=Malcolm |date=February 9, 2025 |title=Every Kendrick Lamar and SZA Collaboration, Ranked from Worst to Best |url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/every-kendrick-lamar-and-sza-collaboration-ranked |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305144534/https://www.rap-up.com/article/every-kendrick-lamar-and-sza-collaboration-ranked |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |access-date=March 5, 2025 |website=Rap-Up}} as well as a feature on his 2016 song "Untitled 04 {{!}} 08.14.2014".{{cite magazine | last=Johnston | first=Maura | title=Kendrick Lamar's 'untitled unmastered.': Review | magazine=Time | date=March 7, 2016 | url=https://time.com/4249577/kendrick-lamar-untitled-unmastered-review/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=December 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218202306/https://time.com/4249577/kendrick-lamar-untitled-unmastered-review/ | url-status=live }}

File:Ctrl the tour(2).jpg in August 2017]]

After signing a contract with RCA Records in April 2017,{{cite web |last=Cinnsealach |first=Somhairle |date=April 28, 2017 |title=SZA Signs To RCA Records |url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.43223/title.sza-signs-to-rca-records |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617053615/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.43223/title.sza-signs-to-rca-records |archive-date=June 17, 2017 |access-date=June 13, 2017 |website=HipHopDX}}{{cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Danny |date=April 28, 2017 |title=SZA Announces Deal With RCA |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/sza-announces-deal-with-rca-news.31792.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619105738/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/sza-announces-deal-with-rca-news.31792.html |archive-date=June 19, 2017 |access-date=June 13, 2017 |website=HotNewHipHop}} SZA released her debut studio album, Ctrl, on June 9.{{cite web | last=Trapp | first=Malcolm | title=SZA Reflects On 'Ctrl' For Its Seven-Year Anniversary: 'Thank You For Saving My Life' | website=Rap-Up | date=June 9, 2024 | url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2024/06/09/sza-celebrates-the-seven-year-anniversary-of-ctrl | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=January 29, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129044417/https://www.rap-up.com/article/2024/06/09/sza-celebrates-the-seven-year-anniversary-of-ctrl | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | last=Bowenbank | first=Starr | title=SZA Celebrates 5 Years of 'Ctrl' With Deluxe Edition Featuring 7 Unreleased Tracks: Listen | magazine=Billboard | date=June 9, 2022 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-ctrl-deluxe-edition-seven-unreleased-tracks-1235084620/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=December 22, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222170150/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-ctrl-deluxe-edition-seven-unreleased-tracks-1235084620/ | url-status=live }} Originally slated for release in 2015, the release was marred by several delays rooted in disagreements between SZA and TDE executives.{{cite web | last=Nicholson | first=Rebecca | title=SZA: 'The record company took my hard drive from me' | website=The Guardian | date=July 29, 2017 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jul/29/sza-record-company-took-my-hard-drive-beyonce-kendrick-lamar | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=December 20, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220114639/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jul/29/sza-record-company-took-my-hard-drive-beyonce-kendrick-lamar | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | last=Lamarre | first=Carl | title=SZA Blames 'CTRL' Delays on Record Label Taking Away Her Hard Drive | magazine=Billboard | date=July 31, 2017 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-ctrl-album-interview-record-label-issues-7882156/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=May 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525042912/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-ctrl-album-interview-record-label-issues-7882156/ | url-status=live }} Struggling with perfectionism and the selection of tracks, she became frustrated with the process.{{cite web | last=Harris | first=Hunter | title=SZA Is Finally in Ctrl: On the Long Road to Her Debut Album | website=Vulture | date=June 14, 2017 | url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/sza-ctrl-interview.html | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=October 7, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007111630/https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/sza-ctrl-interview.html | url-status=live }} In 2016, she expressed her frustration on Twitter, stating that she was considering quitting music and allowing TDE president Punch to release Ctrl on her behalf.{{cite magazine | last=Havens | first=Lyndsey | title=Why SZA Might Quit Music After Her New Album | magazine=Billboard | date=November 28, 2016 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-quitting-music-interview-7588946/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=June 9, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609073115/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-quitting-music-interview-7588946/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=McKinney | first=Jessica | title=Did SZA Quit Music For Good? | website=Vibe | date=October 4, 2016 | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-quits-tde-twitter-456925/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=December 22, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222172236/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-quits-tde-twitter-456925/ | url-status=live }} In mid-2017, an unknown person took the hard drive containing the album's music.

Ctrl was described by critics as R&B, incorporating elements of jazz and alternative.{{Cite web |last=Voynovskaya |first=Nastia |date=June 13, 2017 |title=SZA: Ctrl |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/sza/sza-ctrl-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113005521/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/sza/sza-ctrl-review |archive-date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=December 3, 2024 |website=Paste}}{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Hunter |date=October 30, 2023 |title=SZA's Anxious Rise to Pop Superstardom |url=https://www.wsj.com/style/sza-sos-tour-ctrl-snooze-2acbff16 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231030131502/https://www.wsj.com/style/sza-sos-tour-ctrl-snooze-2acbff16 |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal}} SZA took influences from rock music for the project, shown through tracks like "Drew Barrymore" and "Prom".{{Cite web |last=Galindo |first=Thomas |date=March 10, 2023 |title=SZA Has Potential EP of Rap Songs, TDE President Says |url=https://americansongwriter.com/sza-has-potential-ep-of-rap-songs-tde-president-says/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}} Ctrl was released to universal critical acclaim;{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2017 |title=Why TDE Should Turn Untitled Unmastered Into a Series, Beginning with SZA |url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/a/pigeons/tde-untitled-unmastered-sza |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230803173812/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/a/pigeons/tde-untitled-unmastered-sza |archive-date=August 3, 2023 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=Complex |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Varvaris |first=Mary |date=January 19, 2023 |title=SZA Proves That She's No One-Album Wonder with SOS |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/sza-proves-that-shes-no-one-album-wonder-with-sos/eqdmbG9ukZA/19-01-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917123504/https://themusic.com.au/news/sza-proves-that-shes-no-one-album-wonder-with-sos/eqdmbG9ukZA/19-01-23http://web.archive.org/web/20240917123504/https://themusic.com.au/news/sza-proves-that-shes-no-one-album-wonder-with-sos/eqdmbG9ukZA/19-01-23 |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=The Music |language=en}} on Metacritic, it earned a score of 86 out of 100.{{cite web |title=Reviews and Tracks for CTRL by SZA |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/ctrl/sza |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008072915/http://www.metacritic.com/music/ctrl/sza |archive-date=October 8, 2017 |access-date=June 14, 2017 |website=Metacritic}} The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, with 125,000 album-equivalent units.{{cite web | last=Blake | first=Cole | title=SZA's "SOS" Reaches Historic Milestone On Billboard 200 | website=HotNewHipHop | date=January 9, 2023 | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/618875-szas-sos-reaches-historic-milestone-on-billboard-200 | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201122707/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/618875-szas-sos-reaches-historic-milestone-on-billboard-200 | url-status=live }} The album spawned five singles: "Drew Barrymore", "Love Galore", "The Weekend", "Broken Clocks", and "Garden (Say It like Dat)", all of which are certified Double Platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).{{NoteTag|Cited to multiple sources: "Drew Barrymore",{{cite web | title=Drew Barrymore | publisher=RIAA | url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=drew+barrymore#search_section | access-date=February 1, 2025}} "Love Galore", "The Weekend", "Broken Clocks", and "Garden (Say It Like Dat)".}} Ctrl was ranked as one of the best albums of 2017 by several critics, being named the best by Time,{{cite magazine | last=Bruner | first=Raisa | title=The Top 10 Albums of 2017 | magazine=Time | date=December 4, 2017 | url=https://time.com/5034987/best-albums-2017/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=December 4, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204200739/http://time.com/5034987/best-albums-2017/ | url-status=live }} New York Daily News,{{cite web | last1=Rowe | first1=Amy | last2=Dukoff | first2=Spencer | title=The 25 best albums of 2017 | website=New York Daily News | date=November 30, 2017 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2017/11/30/the-25-best-albums-of-2017/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201123308/https://www.nydailynews.com/2017/11/30/the-25-best-albums-of-2017/ | url-status=live }} and Vice.{{cite web | title=The 100 Best Albums of 2017 | website=Vice | date=December 6, 2017 | url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/noisey-100-best-albums-of-2017/ | access-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-date=February 1, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201123308/https://www.vice.com/en/article/noisey-100-best-albums-of-2017/ | url-status=live }} Between August 2017 to February 2018, SZA promoted the album on a North American and Oceanic concert tour consisting of more than fifty shows.{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/sza-announces-tour |title=SZA Announces Tour |first=Matthew |last=Strauss |date=July 5, 2017 |work=Pitchfork |access-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-date=October 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017232833/https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-announces-tour/ |url-status=live }} SZA opened for the European portion of Bryson Tiller's "Set It Off Tour" in support of his album True to Self from October 17, 2017, to November 30, 2017, separate from SZA's tour.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/07/10/bryson-tiller-set-it-off-sza |title=Bryson Tiller Announces European Tour With SZA |first=David |last=Renshaw |date=July 10, 2017 |magazine=The Fader |access-date=September 25, 2017 |archive-date=September 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907065616/http://www.thefader.com/2017/07/10/bryson-tiller-set-it-off-sza |url-status=live }}

In August 2017, SZA collaborated with the American pop rock band Maroon 5 on their single "What Lovers Do", from their sixth studio album Red Pill Blues.{{cite web | title=Listen to SZA and Maroon 5 Tell Us 'What Lovers Do' | website=Paper | date=August 30, 2017 | url=https://www.papermag.com/sza-lends-her-angelic-vocals-to-new-maroon-5-song-what-lovers-do-1 | access-date=February 2, 2025}} It peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking SZA's first top-ten song in the US.{{cite magazine | last=Trust | first=Gary | title=SZA Scores Her First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 With 'Kill Bill' | magazine=Billboard | date=April 24, 2023 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-hot-100-ice-spice-nicki-minaj-top-10-1235313955/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=April 24, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424210206/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-hot-100-ice-spice-nicki-minaj-top-10-1235313955/ | url-status=live }} The following month, she released "Quicksand", which was included on the second soundtrack for HBO's Insecure.{{cite web | last=Wicks | first=Amanda | title=Listen to SZA's New Song 'Quicksand' | website=Pitchfork | date=September 8, 2017 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-szas-new-song-quicksand/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=September 15, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915015638/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-szas-new-song-quicksand/ | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | last=Penrose | first=Nerisha | title=SZA Expresses Insecurities About Love on New Track 'Quicksand': Listen | magazine=Billboard | date=September 8, 2017 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-new-song-quicksand-insecure-soundtrack-7957721/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=October 2, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002193307/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-new-song-quicksand-insecure-soundtrack-7957721/ | url-status=live }} Around the same time, she joined Khalid and Post Malone on the remix of Lorde's single "Homemade Dynamite", from her album Melodrama.{{cite magazine | last=Penrose | first=Nerisha | title=Lorde Unleashes SZA, Khalid & Post Malone-Featuring 'Homemade Dynamite' Remix | magazine=Billboard | date=September 14, 2017 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lorde-homemade-dynamite-sza-post-malone-khalid-remix-stream-7965645/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=April 26, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426051656/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lorde-homemade-dynamite-sza-post-malone-khalid-remix-stream-7965645/ | url-status=live }} In October, SZA, alongside Mark Ronson and Tame Impala, began working on a joint album project.{{cite web | last=Newstead | first=Al | title=Yep, SZA is working on new music with Kevin Parker and Mark Ronson | publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date=October 24, 2017 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/yep,-sza-is-working-on-new-music-with-kevin-parker-and-mark-ron/9080924 | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202123226/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/yep,-sza-is-working-on-new-music-with-kevin-parker-and-mark-ron/9080924 | url-status=live }} In November 2017, SZA received five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist.{{cite magazine | last=Penrose | first=Nerisha | title=SZA on Her Five Grammy Award Nominations: 'I'm So Overwhelmingly Grateful for This Strangeness' | magazine=Billboard | date=November 29, 2017 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-2018-grammy-nominations-grateful-reaction-8053932/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=April 23, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423061711/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-2018-grammy-nominations-grateful-reaction-8053932/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=SZA is the Most Nominated Female for 2018 Grammys | website=The Source | first=Jasmine | last=Johnson | date=November 30, 2017 | url=https://thesource.com/2017/11/30/sza-nominated-female-2018-grammys/ | access-date=February 2, 2025}} She was the most-nominated female artist at the 2018 Grammy Awards.{{cite web | last=Dandridge-Lemco | first=Ben | title=People are mad SZA didn't win any Grammys | website=The Fader | date=January 29, 2018 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/01/28/sza-didnt-win-any-grammys-reaction | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=November 12, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112170637/http://www.thefader.com/2018/01/28/sza-didnt-win-any-grammys-reaction | url-status=live }} Despite her multiple nominations, she did not win in any category.{{cite web | last=Adams | first=Char | title='Justice for SZA!' Twitter Reacts After Singer Is Shut Out at the Grammys | website=People | date=January 28, 2018 | url=https://people.com/awards/grammys-2018-sza-best-new-artist-awards/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=February 11, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211091537/https://people.com/awards/grammys-2018-sza-best-new-artist-awards/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Valdez | first=Jonah | title=SZA paints a bleak Grammys picture in reflecting on 2018 losses: 'It's like a thirsty, dark space' | website=Los Angeles Times | url-access=subscription | date=October 4, 2023 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-10-03/sza-grammy-awards-2018-snub-thirsty-dark-space | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=January 9, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109021817/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-10-03/sza-grammy-awards-2018-snub-thirsty-dark-space | url-status=live }}

In January 2018, SZA collaborated with Lamar on "All the Stars", the lead single from the soundtrack album of the film Black Panther.{{cite web | last=Brockington | first=Ariana | title=Watch Kendrick Lamar and SZA's 'Black Panther' Music Video 'All the Stars' | website=Variety | date=February 6, 2018 | url=https://variety.com/2018/music/new-music/kendrick-lamar-black-panther-music-video-sza-1202689112/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=October 2, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002180637/https://variety.com/2018/music/new-music/kendrick-lamar-black-panther-music-video-sza-1202689112/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Blais-Billie | first=Braudie | title=Kendrick Lamar and SZA Drop New Song: Listen | website=Pitchfork | date=January 4, 2018 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kendrick-lamar-and-sza-drop-new-song-listen/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=January 4, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104144346/https://pitchfork.com/news/kendrick-lamar-and-sza-drop-new-song-listen/ | url-status=live }} The song peaked at number seven on the Hot 100, marking SZA's second top-ten.{{cite web | last=Callas | first=Brad | title=Every Song From Kendrick's 'Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers... | website=Complex | date=May 23, 2022 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/brad-callas/kendrick-lamar-debuts-four-mr-morale-and-the-big-steppers-songs-in-hot-100-top-10 | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=May 25, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525084000/https://www.complex.com/music/a/brad-callas/kendrick-lamar-debuts-four-mr-morale-and-the-big-steppers-songs-in-hot-100-top-10 | url-status=live }} In April, she worked with rapper Cardi B on the track "I Do", which was featured on Cardi B's debut album, Invasion of Privacy (2018).{{cite web | last=Buerger | first=Megan | title=Cardi B: "I Do" [ft. SZA] | website=Pitchfork | date=April 6, 2018 | url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/cardi-b-i-do-ft-sza/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=December 22, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222123752/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/cardi-b-i-do-ft-sza/ | url-status=live }}

=2019–2023: Collaborations and ''SOS'' =

In May 2019, SZA was featured on "Just Us", a track from DJ Khaled's eleventh studio album, Father of Asahd.{{cite web | last=Renshaw | first=David | title=DJ Khaled and SZA emerge victorious in their 'Just Us' video | website=The Fader | date=May 17, 2019 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/05/17/dj-khaled-and-sza-emerge-victorious-in-their-just-us-video | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=May 28, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231944/https://www.thefader.com/2019/05/17/dj-khaled-and-sza-emerge-victorious-in-their-just-us-video | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | last=Kaplan | first=Ilana | title=Watch DJ Khaled, SZA Fight Epic Battle In 'Just Us' Video | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=May 18, 2019 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dj-khaled-sza-just-us-video-837116/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=March 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320181022/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dj-khaled-sza-just-us-video-837116/ | url-status=live }} In February 2020, she collaborated with Justin Timberlake on "The Other Side", a song from the Trolls World Tour soundtrack.{{cite magazine | last=Kinane | first=Ruth | title='Trolls World Tour': Justin Timberlake and SZA team up for uplifting bop 'The Other Side' | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=February 26, 2020 | url=https://ew.com/music/2020/02/26/justin-timberlake-and-sza-the-other-side-trolls-world-tour/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=December 9, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209131702/https://ew.com/music/2020/02/26/justin-timberlake-and-sza-the-other-side-trolls-world-tour/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Gordon | first=Amanda | title=SZA and Justin Timberlake Team Up for a Groovy Trolls World Tour Song | website=Vulture | date=February 26, 2020 | url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/02/sza-justin-timberlake-trolls-world-tour-the-other-side-video.html | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=August 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808094912/https://www.vulture.com/2020/02/sza-justin-timberlake-trolls-world-tour-the-other-side-video.html | url-status=live }} The following month, SZA signed with WME for representation across all areas.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9327234/sza-wme-representation |title=SZA Signs With WME For All Areas: Exclusive |last=Mims |first=Taylor |date=March 3, 2020 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 4, 2020 |archive-date=March 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304222348/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9327234/sza-wme-representation |url-status=live }} On April 22, 2020, she participated in a benefit concert alongside artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Halsey to support New Jersey's COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts. The event featured at-home performances, with proceeds directed to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund.{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/bruce-springsteen-sza-more-performing-at-new-jersey-coronavirus-benefit-concert/?verso=true |title=Bruce Springsteen, SZA, More Performing at New Jersey Coronavirus Benefit Concert |last=Torres |first=Eric |date=April 14, 2020 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422075834/https://pitchfork.com/news/bruce-springsteen-sza-more-performing-at-new-jersey-coronavirus-benefit-concert/?verso=true |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://wror.com/2020/04/22/bruce-springsteen-sza-bon-jovi-halsey-jersey-4-jersey-benefit/|title=Bruce Springsteen, SZA, Bon Jovi, Halsey, Lead 'Jersey 4 Jersey Benefit|last=Ives|first=Brian|date=April 23, 2020|publisher=WROR-FM|access-date=April 23, 2020|archive-date=April 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426234003/https://wror.com/2020/04/22/bruce-springsteen-sza-bon-jovi-halsey-jersey-4-jersey-benefit/|url-status=live}} On May 25, 2020, SZA expressed interest on Twitter in releasing a collection of previously unreleased songs, potentially consisting of twenty tracks.{{Cite news|last=Lim|first=Eddy|date=May 26, 2020|title=SZA teases "music dump" of unreleased material|website=NME|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-teases-music-dump-of-unreleased-material-2675818|access-date=May 26, 2020|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612124523/https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-teases-music-dump-of-unreleased-material-2675818|url-status=live}}{{cite web | title=SZA Drops Three Unreleased Songs | website=Rap-Up | date=August 22, 2021 | url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2021/08/22/sza-random-thoughts-new-music | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=October 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004052138/https://www.rap-up.com/article/2021/08/22/sza-random-thoughts-new-music | url-status=live }}

In August 2020, SZA sparked speculation about label tensions when she tweeted and deleted, "At this point y'all gotta ask Punch", referring to Terrence "Punch" Henderson, the president of TDE.{{cite web | last=Helman | first=Peter | title=SZA Calls Out 'Hostile' TDE For Holding Up Her New Music | website=Stereogum | date=August 20, 2020 | url=https://www.stereogum.com/2095465/sze-tde-hostile-new-music/news/ | access-date=February 3, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Darville | first=Jordan | title=SZA says unreleased music is being held up by TDE's Punch | website=The Fader | date=August 20, 2020 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2020/08/20/sza-says-unreleased-music-is-being-held-up-by-tdes-punch | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=July 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715183358/https://www.thefader.com/2020/08/20/sza-says-unreleased-music-is-being-held-up-by-tdes-punch | url-status=live }} In a follow-up tweet, she mentioned that all he ever told her about releasing new music was "soon".{{cite web | last=Strauss | first=Matthew | title=SZA Calls Out "Hostile Relationship" With Record Label President | website=Pitchfork | date=August 20, 2020 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-calls-out-hostile-relationship-with-record-label-president/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 24, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224120712/https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-calls-out-hostile-relationship-with-record-label-president/ | url-status=live }} This revealed that her relationship with her label had been hostile since the delays of her second album, which was last announced back in an interview in 2019.{{cite magazine | last=Yang | first=Rachel | title=SZA releases new song 'Hit Different,' featuring Ty Dolla $ign | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=September 4, 2020 | url=https://ew.com/music/sza-releases-hit-different-song-video-ty-dolla-sign/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=September 5, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905014834/https://ew.com/music/sza-releases-hit-different-song-video-ty-dolla-sign/ | url-status=live }} SZA made her long-awaited return as a lead artist on September 4, 2020, with "Hit Different", featuring Ty Dolla Sign and produced by the Neptunes.{{Cite magazine|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|date=September 4, 2020|title=See SZA, Ty Dolla $ign Contemplate a Relationship That 'Hit Different' in New Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-ty-dolla-sign-hit-different-song-video-1055190/|access-date=September 4, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=September 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904061433/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-ty-dolla-sign-hit-different-song-video-1055190/|url-status=live}}{{cite web | last=D'Souza | first=Shaad | title=SZA returns with "Hit Different" feat. Ty Dolla $ign, produced by The Neptunes | website=The Fader | date=September 4, 2020 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2020/09/04/sza-new-single-hit-different-ty-dolla-sign-neptunes-listen-watch-2020 | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 5, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205202335/http://www.thefader.com/2020/09/04/sza-new-single-hit-different-ty-dolla-sign-neptunes-listen-watch-2020 | url-status=live }} On December 25, she officially released "Good Days" after previewing it in the outro of the "Hit Different" music video.{{cite web | last=Daly | first=Rhian | title=Listen to SZA's dreamy new song 'Good Days' | website=NME | date=December 25, 2020 | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-sza-dreamy-new-song-good-days-2845510 | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=February 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203230027/https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-sza-dreamy-new-song-good-days-2845510 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Bloom | first=Madison | title=SZA Shares New Song "Good Days" | website=Pitchfork | date=December 25, 2020 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-shares-new-song-good-days-listen/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220160733/https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-shares-new-song-good-days-listen/ | url-status=live }} The song, which featured background vocals from English singer Jacob Collier, peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, making it SZA's first solo top-ten.{{cite magazine | last=Shannon | first=Delisa | title=The Making of SZA's 'Good Days' | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=March 30, 2022 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/making-szas-good-days-1329402/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=November 29, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129010856/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/making-szas-good-days-1329402/ | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | title='It's Just a Family Record': The Making of SZA's 'Good Days' as Told by Its Producers | magazine=Billboard | date=February 4, 2021 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-good-days-producers-interview-9521355/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=April 8, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408205729/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-good-days-producers-interview-9521355/ | url-status=live }} She later revealed that "Good Days" was not initially planned as a single.{{cite web|author=SZA|date=February 2, 2021|title=SZA on Twitter: Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Hot 100|url=https://twitter.com/sza/status/1356404520645922818|url-status=live|access-date=February 4, 2021|via=Twitter|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202005034/https://twitter.com/sza/status/1356404520645922818}} Both songs were originally expected to be included on her upcoming second studio album, but "Good Days" ultimately made the final tracklist.{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2020/12/sza-shares-new-single-good-days-stream/|title=SZA Shares New Single "Good Days": Stream|last=Young|first=Alex|website=Consequence of Sound|date=December 25, 2020|access-date=December 27, 2020|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016055659/https://consequence.net/2020/12/sza-shares-new-single-good-days-stream/|url-status=live}}

In April 2021, SZA was featured on Doja Cat's "Kiss Me More", the lead single from the latter's album Planet Her.{{cite web | title=Doja Cat and SZA Team Up on 'Kiss Me More' | website=Rap-Up | date=April 8, 2021 | url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2021/04/08/doja-cat-sza-kiss-me-more | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=January 13, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113162729/https://www.rap-up.com/article/2021/04/08/doja-cat-sza-kiss-me-more | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Petridis | first=Alexis | title=Doja Cat: Planet Her review – pop-rap queen is in a world of her own | website=The Guardian | date=June 24, 2021 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jun/24/doja-cat-planet-her-review-kiss-me-more-tiktok-dance-2021-pop | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=June 25, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625001841/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jun/24/doja-cat-planet-her-review-kiss-me-more-tiktok-dance-2021-pop | url-status=live }} The song became a global success, reaching number one in New Zealand{{cite web | title=Doja Cat feat. SZA - Kiss Me More | publisher=Recorded Music NZ | url=https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Doja+Cat+feat.+SZA&titel=Kiss+Me+More&cat=s | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202025355/https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Doja+Cat+feat%2E+SZA&titel=Kiss+Me+More&cat=s | url-status=live }} and landing in the top ten on the charts in the United States,{{cite magazine | title=Doja Cat Chart History (Hot 100) | magazine=Billboard | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/doja-cat/chart-history/hsi/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=January 11, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111173905/https://www.billboard.com/artist/doja-cat/chart-history/hsi/ | url-status=live }} Canada,{{cite magazine | title=Doja Cat Chart History Canada (Hot 100) | magazine=Billboard | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/doja-cat/chart-history/can/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=January 30, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130194826/https://www.billboard.com/artist/doja-cat/chart-history/can/ | url-status=live }} the United Kingdom,{{cite web | title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 | publisher=Official Charts Company | url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20210507/7501/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=May 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507152157/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20210507/7501/ | url-status=live }} Australia,{{cite web | title=Doja Cat feat. SZA – Kiss Me More | publisher=ARIA Top 50 Singles | url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Doja+Cat+feat.+SZA&titel=Kiss+Me+More&cat=s | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203043756/https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Doja+Cat+feat.+SZA&titel=Kiss+Me+More&cat=s | url-status=live }} Ireland,{{cite web | title=Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50 | publisher=Official Charts Company | url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/20210514/ie7501/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203133224/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/20210514/ie7501/ | url-status=live }} and Lithuania.{{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/17s/|title=2021 17-os SAVAITĖS (balandžio 23-29 d.) SINGLŲ TOP100|language=lt|publisher=AGATA|date=April 30, 2021|access-date=April 30, 2021|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430150206/https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/17s/}} It became the longest-charting all-female collaboration on the Hot 100, breaking the record set by Brandy and Monica's "The Boy is Mine" from 1998.{{cite web | last=Inman | first=DeMicia | title=Doja Cat And SZA Break "The Boy Is Mine" Chart Record With 'Kiss Me More' | website=Vibe | date=August 24, 2021 | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/doja-cat-sza-kiss-me-more-boy-is-mine-chart-record-1234626689/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}} Later that year, SZA released a cover of "The Anonymous Ones", a song written for the soundtrack of the 2021 film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen.{{cite web | last=D'Souza | first=Shaad | title=SZA drops new track "The Anonymous Ones" | website=The Fader | date=September 10, 2021 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/09/10/sza-drops-new-song-anonymous-ones-dear-evan-hansen-2021 | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=March 25, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325170228/https://www.thefader.com/2021/09/10/sza-drops-new-song-anonymous-ones-dear-evan-hansen-2021 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Rettig | first=James | title=SZA Sings New 'Dear Evan Hansen' Song 'The Anonymous Club' | website=Stereogum | date=September 10, 2021 | url=https://www.stereogum.com/2160299/sza-dear-evan-hansen-anonymous-club/music/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=October 16, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016034257/https://www.stereogum.com/2160299/sza-dear-evan-hansen-anonymous-club/music/ | url-status=live }} A collaboration between SZA and Summer Walker, "No Love", was released on November 5, 2021.{{cite web | last=Strauss | first=Matthew | title=Listen to Summer Walker and SZA's New Song 'No Love' | website=Pitchfork | date=November 5, 2021 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-summer-walker-and-szas-new-song-no-love/ | access-date=February 17, 2025 | archive-date=December 22, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222152924/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-summer-walker-and-szas-new-song-no-love/ | url-status=live }} Following its success on R&B charts, the song was later re-released as an official single with an extended version in March 2022.{{cite magazine | last=Dailey | first=Hannah | title=Cardi B Is Joining Summer Walker & SZA on the 'No Love' Remix: 'I'm So Excited and Nervous' | magazine=Billboard | date=March 22, 2022 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/cardi-b-joining-summer-walker-sza-no-love-remix-1235047063/ | access-date=February 17, 2025 | archive-date=February 17, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217103059/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/cardi-b-joining-summer-walker-sza-no-love-remix-1235047063/ | url-status=live }} In December 2021, SZA officially released the single "I Hate U", after the song went viral on TikTok;{{cite magazine | last=Kaplan | first=Ilana | title=SZA Officially Drops 'I Hate You' as New Single | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=December 3, 2021 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-surprise-releases-three-new-songs-1215415/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207142728/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-surprise-releases-three-new-songs-1215415/ | url-status=live }} it was initially released exclusively on SoundCloud in August.{{cite web | last=Curto | first=Justin | title=If You Wondered If SZA Was Going to Release 'I Hate U,' She Did | website=Vulture | date=December 3, 2021 | url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/12/sza-new-single-i-hate-u-officially-released.html | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=March 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304092741/https://www.vulture.com/2021/12/sza-new-single-i-hate-u-officially-released.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=SoMajor | first=Kim | title=SZA Officially Releases Once Deleted Single 'I Hate U' On All DSP's | website=The Source | date=December 7, 2021 | url=https://thesource.com/2021/12/07/sza-officially-releases-once-deleted-single-i-hate-u-on-all-dsps/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=June 28, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628203942/https://thesource.com/2021/12/07/sza-officially-releases-once-deleted-single-i-hate-u-on-all-dsps/ | url-status=live }} Following the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, SZA confirmed that her second studio album was completed and would be released "soon".{{cite web | last=Grant | first=Shawn | title=SZA Says She Finished Her Album and Gives More Details Following Grammy Win | website=The Source | date=April 6, 2022 | url=https://thesource.com/2022/04/06/sza-says-she-finished-her-album-and-gives-more-details-following-grammy-win/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=April 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406214239/https://thesource.com/2022/04/06/sza-says-she-finished-her-album-and-gives-more-details-following-grammy-win/ | url-status=live }}

On June 9, 2022, SZA released a deluxe edition of Ctrl to celebrate its five-year anniversary.{{cite magazine | last=Legaspi | first=Althea | title=SZA Drops Previously Unreleased Songs on 'Ctrl Deluxe' Edition | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=June 9, 2022 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-drops-ctrl-deluxe-fifth-anniversary-album-1365169/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=May 4, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504021756/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-drops-ctrl-deluxe-fifth-anniversary-album-1365169/ | url-status=live }} This version included seven previously unreleased tracks, such as "TwoAM",{{NoteTag|"TwoAM" was initially released unofficially in 2016 as a standalone single.{{cite web | last=Abraham | first=Mya | title=SZA Drops Surprise 'Ctrl (Deluxe)' Album, Maintains 5-Year Run On Billboard 200 Chart | website=Vibe | date=June 9, 2022 | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-ctrl-deluxe-anniversary-billboard-200-1234667860/ | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=January 5, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105045015/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-ctrl-deluxe-anniversary-billboard-200-1234667860/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Dandridge-Lemco | first=Ben | title=SZA Flips PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake's 'Come and See Me' For Her New Song 'twoAM' | website=The Fader | date=May 18, 2016 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/05/18/sza-flips-partynextdoor-and-drakes-come-and-see-me-on-twoam | access-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-date=May 4, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504021755/https://www.thefader.com/2016/05/18/sza-flips-partynextdoor-and-drakes-come-and-see-me-on-twoam | url-status=live }}}} "Jodie", "Percolator", and an alternate version of "Love Galore" without Travis Scott. On October 28, 2022, SZA released a new single, "Shirt", accompanied by a music video starring actor LaKeith Stanfield.{{cite web | last=Helfand | first=Raphael | title=SZA shares 'Shirt' | website=The Fader | date=October 28, 2022 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/10/28/sza-new-single-shirt-video-lakeith-stanfield-watch | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=April 30, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430040630/https://www.thefader.com/2022/10/28/sza-new-single-shirt-video-lakeith-stanfield-watch | url-status=live }} Originally teased in late 2020, the song gained traction on TikTok through a viral challenge.{{cite web | last=Haylock | first=Zoe | title=SZA Fans, Desperate for New Music, Made an Unreleased Track Go Viral | website=Vulture | date=February 11, 2021 | url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/02/sza-shirt-tiktok-dance-videos-watch.html | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=October 26, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026185034/https://www.vulture.com/2021/02/sza-shirt-tiktok-dance-videos-watch.html | url-status=live }} A snippet was later featured as the outro in the official music video for "Good Days".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-shirt-video-1235162549/|magazine=Billboard|last=Lamarre|first=Carl|date=October 28, 2022|access-date=October 28, 2022|title=SZA Teams Up With Lakeith Standfield For New Video 'Shirt': Watch|archive-date=October 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028043846/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-shirt-video-1235162549/|url-status=live}} At the end of the "Shirt" music video, SZA previewed another track, which she later confirmed was titled "Blind".{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2022 |title=SZA Teases a New Song at the End of Her 'Shirt' Music Video |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a41802342/sza-shirt-video-new-song/ |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=ELLE |language=en-us |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031111413/https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a41802342/sza-shirt-video-new-song/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/28/fans-think-sza-will-drop-new-album-in-2022-as-they-decode-hints-in-shirt-mv/|title=Fans think SZA will drop new album in 2022 as they decode hints in Shirt MV|last=Krishnamurthy|first=Chaitra|website=HITC|date=October 28, 2022|access-date=October 28, 2022|archive-date=October 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028074720/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/28/fans-think-sza-will-drop-new-album-in-2022-as-they-decode-hints-in-shirt-mv/|url-status=live}}

On her 33rd birthday, November 8, 2022, SZA released a teaser titled "PSA" on Instagram.{{cite magazine | last=Mier | first=Tomás | title=SZA Teases Cryptic 'PSA' Project in New Video | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=November 9, 2022 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-teases-psa-video-1234627272/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=November 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117015228/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-teases-psa-video-1234627272/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Dionne | first=Zach | title=SZA Drops Mysterious "PSA (Official Teaser)" Video Featuring New Music, Tells Fans 'Clock Starts Now' | website=Complex | date=November 9, 2022 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/zach-dionne/sza-psa-teaser-video-new-music | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=November 30, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130031517/https://www.complex.com/music/a/zach-dionne/sza-psa-teaser-video-new-music | url-status=live }} The video ended with Morse code spelling out "S.O.S.", sparking speculation about a new project.{{cite web | last=Renshaw | first=David | title=SZA teases new song 'PSA' as she celebrates her 33rd birthday | website=The Fader | date=November 9, 2022 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/11/09/sza-psa-teaser | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 21, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221045500/https://www.thefader.com/2022/11/09/sza-psa-teaser | url-status=live }} On November 16, 2022, Billboard officially confirmed that her second studio album would be titled SOS and was set for a December release.{{cite magazine | last=Mamo | first=Heran | title=SZA Is Finally Ready to Release That Album (Yes, Really!) | magazine=Billboard | date=November 16, 2022 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/sza-sos-new-album-2022-interview-1235171300/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=November 16, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116235413/https://www.billboard.com/music/features/sza-sos-new-album-2022-interview-1235171300/ | url-status=live }} After performing "Shirt" and "Blind" on Saturday Night Live, SZA announced that the album would be released on December 9, 2022.{{cite magazine | last=Vaillancourt | first=William | title='SNL': Watch SZA Perform 'Shirt,' Debut New Single 'Blind' | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=December 4, 2022 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/snl-watch-sza-perform-shirt-from-upcoming-album-sos-1234641020/ | access-date=February 3, 2025}} Wanting to demonstrate her versatility, she incorporated an amalgam of genres on her second album, such as R&B, rap, rock, and pop.{{Cite web |last=Phan |first=Karena |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Review: SZA's Perfection Takes Time in Second Album SOS |url=https://apnews.com/article/travis-scott-entertainment-reviews-hip-hop-and-rap-623ad8d680b71cc142b06c9b00fd8bf1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228133656/https://apnews.com/article/travis-scott-entertainment-reviews-hip-hop-and-rap-623ad8d680b71cc142b06c9b00fd8bf1 |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Siregar |first=Cady |date=December 9, 2022 |title=On SOS, SZA Once Again Blows Expectations Out of the Water |url=https://consequence.net/2022/12/sos-album-review-sza/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229034437/https://consequence.net/2022/12/sos-album-review-sza/2/ |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |magazine=Consequence |language=en-US}} In addition to "Good Days", "Shirt", and "I Hate U", SOS spawned three extra singles: "Nobody Gets Me", "Kill Bill", and "Snooze".{{cite magazine | last=Mamo | first=Heran | title=SZA Drops 'Lana (SOS Deluxe)' Album: Stream It Now | magazine=Billboard | date=December 20, 2024 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-lana-sos-deluxe-album-stream-it-now-1235861892/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 28, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228075754/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-lana-sos-deluxe-album-stream-it-now-1235861892/ | url-status=live }} "Kill Bill" was SZA's first number-one on the Billboard Global 200 and Hot 100 charts,{{cite magazine | last=Trust | first=Gary | title=SZA's 'Kill Bill' Bounds to No. 1 on Billboard Global 200 Chart | magazine=Billboard | date=January 9, 2023 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-global-200-1235195738/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=January 9, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109223638/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-global-200-1235195738/ | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | last=Trust | first=Gary | title=Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Scores Milestone 10th Week at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 | magazine=Billboard | date=December 19, 2022 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-tops-hot-100-10th-week-1235189304/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225150124/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-tops-hot-100-10th-week-1235189304/ | url-status=live }} while "Snooze" was the only song to remain on the Hot 100 for all of 2023.{{cite web | last=Horowitz | first=Steven J. | title=Usher, Victoria Monét and SZA's 'Snooze' Win Big at ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards | website=Variety | date=June 28, 2024 | url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/sza-usher-victoria-monet-ascap-rhythm-soul-awards-1236056031/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=June 29, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629013733/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/sza-usher-victoria-monet-ascap-rhythm-soul-awards-1236056031/ | url-status=live }}

SOS spent its first seven weeks at number one on the Billboard 200—the longest run for a female album in the decade and the first R&B album to achieve this since Whitney Houston's Whitney (1987).{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Danyel | title=SZA's Ruination Brought Her Everything | website=The New York Times | date=February 8, 2023 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/08/magazine/sza.html | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=February 8, 2023 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230208104254/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/08/magazine/sza.html | url-status=live }} To promote the album, SZA embarked on the SOS Tour from 2023 to 2024, performing 63 shows across North America, Europe, and Oceania.{{Cite web |last=Hudson |first=Alex |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Announces 2023 North American Tour |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sza_announces_2023_north_american_tour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114181035/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sza_announces_2023_north_american_tour |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Exclaim! |language=en}} Omar Apollo, d4vd, Raye, and Sir served as opening acts for different legs of the tour.{{Cite web |last=Wilkes |first=Emma |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Announces North American Arena Tour for 2023 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-announces-north-american-arena-tour-2023-3366137 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229002301/https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-announces-north-american-arena-tour-2023-3366137 |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Graves |first=Wren |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Announces 2023 'The SOS North American Tour' |url=https://consequence.net/2022/12/sza-2023-s-o-s-north-american-tour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113011241/https://consequence.net/2022/12/sza-2023-s-o-s-north-american-tour/ |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Consequence |language=en-US}} In January 2023, SZA featured on the remix of Lizzo's single "Special" from her eponymous 2022 album.{{cite magazine | last=Paul | first=Larisha | title=SZA Brings Powerful Self-Affirmations to Lizzo's 'Special' on New Collaboration | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=February 9, 2023 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lizzo-sza-special-remix-1234676617/ | access-date=February 17, 2025 | archive-date=February 17, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217101917/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lizzo-sza-special-remix-1234676617/ | url-status=live }} In March 2023, SZA modeled for Kim Kardashian's fashion brand, Skims, representing the "Fits Everybody" collection, which includes size-inclusive T-shirts, bodysuits, and intimate apparel.{{cite magazine | last=Chan | first=Tim | title=SZA Sizzles As Star of New Skims Underwear Campaign | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=March 23, 2023 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/sza-skims-underwear-campaign-photos-video-1234702010/ | access-date=February 4, 2025 | archive-date=June 2, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602183211/https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/sza-skims-underwear-campaign-photos-video-1234702010/ | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | last=Muhammad | first=Latifah | title=SZA Strips Down for SKIMS' 'Fits Everybody' Underwear Campaign | magazine=Billboard | date=March 22, 2023 | url=https://www.billboard.com/shop/sza-skims-underwear-campaign-photos-1235291061/ | access-date=February 4, 2025 | archive-date=December 24, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224153438/https://www.billboard.com/shop/sza-skims-underwear-campaign-photos-1235291061/ | url-status=live }} In September 2023, SZA collaborated with Drake on the single "Slime You Out" for the latter's eighth album, For All the Dogs.{{cite web | last=Renshaw | first=David | title=Drake croons about slavery on new SZA collab 'Slime You Out' | website=The Fader | date=September 15, 2023 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/09/15/drake-sza-slime-you-out-for-all-the-dogs | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202233020/https://www.thefader.com/2023/09/15/drake-sza-slime-you-out-for-all-the-dogs | url-status=live }} "Slime You Out" was SZA's second song to top the Hot 100 chart, following "Kill Bill".{{cite magazine | last=Trust | first=Gary | title=Drake & SZA's 'Slime You Out' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 | magazine=Billboard | date=September 25, 2023 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/drake-sza-slime-you-out-hot-100-number-one-debut-1235420205/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=September 25, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925172652/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/drake-sza-slime-you-out-hot-100-number-one-debut-1235420205/ | url-status=live }}

The same month, SZA performed at an invite-only show in Brooklyn Navy Yard to celebrate the success of SOS. Included in the set were four unreleased songs: "Saturn", "PSA", "Diamond Boy (DTM)", and "BMF" (then "Boy from South Detroit").{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Tyler Damara |date=September 11, 2023 |title=SZA Reveals Forthcoming Deluxe Edition of Her Album, SOS, Is Called Lana |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/sza-reveals-forthcoming-deluxe-edition-of-her-album-sos-is-called-lana |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211131309/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/sza-reveals-forthcoming-deluxe-edition-of-her-album-sos-is-called-lana |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}} SZA told the crowd that the deluxe edition of SOS, titled Lana, would be "coming soon".{{cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=December 21, 2024 |title=The Long Road to 'Lana': Why SZA Took Two Years to Drop the 'SOS' Deluxe Album |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/why-sza-took-two-years-to-release-lana-sos-deluxe-album-1236256865/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=Variety}} In November, she stated to Variety that Lana was not a conventional deluxe edition, but a virtually new album with a tracklist that was continuously expanding.{{Cite news |last=Pearce |first=Sheldon |date=March 13, 2025 |title=Can a deluxe album ever improve on the original? |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/03/13/nx-s1-5313087/deluxe-albums-sza-serpentwithfeet-jpegmafia-idk |access-date=March 22, 2025 |work=NPR |language=en}} Many of the songs were newly recorded pieces of music; others were outtakes from SOS.{{Cite web |last=Monroe |first=Jazz |date=December 17, 2024 |title=SZA Releasing New SOS Deluxe Album This Week, Enlists Ben Stiller for Teaser |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-releasing-new-sos-deluxe-album-this-week-enlists-ben-stiller-for-teaser-watch/ |access-date=March 22, 2025 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}} The scheduled release date for Lana was suggested by SZA to be around December 2023. That month on social media, she posted a series of images that contained a parental advisory sticker, hinting at potential cover artworks. The year ended without any releases.{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=November 14, 2024 |title=SZA May Finally Be Releasing Her 'Lana' Soon |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-lana-sos-deluxe-release-autumn-1235166748/ |access-date=March 22, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

=2024–present: ''Lana'' and acting debut =

File:Glaston2024 2806 300624 (157 of 173) (53837667841) (cropped).jpg]]

Variety and Time magazines listed Lana as one of the most anticipated albums of 2024.{{Cite web |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |last2=Aswad |first2=Jem |last3=Garcia |first3=Thania |last4=Horowitz |first4=Steven J. |last5=Earl |first5=William |last6=Shanfeld |first6=Ethan |date=January 4, 2024 |title=The Most Anticipated Albums of 2024: Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X and 40 More |url=https://variety.com/lists/most-anticipated-albums-2024/sza-lana/ |access-date=March 22, 2025 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine |last=II |first=Moises Mendez |date=December 21, 2023 |title=The Most Anticipated Albums of 2024 |url=https://time.com/6548832/most-anticipated-albums-of-2024/ |access-date=March 22, 2025 |magazine=TIME |language=en}} On February 22, SZA released "Saturn" as the album's lead single.{{cite magazine | last=Madarang | first=Charisma | title=SZA Is Packing Her Bags and Moving to 'Saturn' | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=February 23, 2024 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-saturn-surprise-release-1234974323/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=February 23, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223015715/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-saturn-surprise-release-1234974323/ | url-status=live }} It became a major success, reaching top ten on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200.{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=March 4, 2024 |title='Texas Hold 'Em' Deals Beyoncé Winning Hand atop Hot 100 for Second Week |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/beyonce-texas-hold-em-hot-100-number-one-second-week-1235621285/ |access-date=March 14, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=March 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306144058/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/beyonce-texas-hold-em-hot-100-number-one-second-week-1235621285/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | title=SZA Chart History (Global 200) | magazine=Billboard | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sza/chart-history/glo/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=October 26, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026000802/https://www.billboard.com/artist/sza/chart-history/glo/ | url-status=live }} It later won Best R&B Song at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in 2025 and was nominated for Best R&B Performance.{{cite web | last=Green | first=Walden | title=SZA Wins Best R&B Song for 'Saturn' at 2025 Grammys | website=Pitchfork | date=February 2, 2025 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-wins-best-randb-song-for-saturn-at-2025-grammys/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=February 6, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206161630/https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-wins-best-randb-song-for-saturn-at-2025-grammys/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=All the winners and nominees at the 2025 Grammy Awards | publisher=BBC News | date=February 2, 2025 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg0jg4n0z4o | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=February 2, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202232827/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg0jg4n0z4o | url-status=live }} On November 22, 2024, former labelmate Kendrick Lamar released his sixth studio album, GNX.{{cite news | last=Chery | first=Samantha | title=Kendrick Lamar surprise drops new album, 'GNX' | newspaper=Washington Post | url-access=subscription | date=November 22, 2024 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2024/11/22/kendrick-lamar-gnx-new-album-released-streaming/ | access-date=February 3, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Sarmiento | first=Isabella Gomez | title=Kendrick Lamar releases new album, 'GNX,' capping a year of wins | publisher=NPR | date=November 22, 2024 | url=https://www.npr.org/2024/11/22/nx-s1-5203024/kendrick-lamar-album-gnx | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 13, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213060708/https://www.npr.org/2024/11/22/nx-s1-5203024/kendrick-lamar-album-gnx | url-status=live }} SZA was prominently featured on the third track, "Luther", contributing vocals on two verses as well as the chorus. She also appeared on the album's closing track, "Gloria", performing the chorus and outro.{{Cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |date=November 22, 2024 |title=Kendrick Lamar Drops 'GNX': New Album Features SZA, Jack Antonoff, Kamasi Washington |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/kendrick-lamar-gnx-new-album-sza-jack-antonoff-1236218162/ |access-date=November 22, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122223424/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/kendrick-lamar-gnx-new-album-sza-jack-antonoff-1236218162/ |url-status=live }} On November 25, 2024, SZA announced that she would release a new album before the end of the year on Kai Cenat's Mafiathon 2 Twitch stream that also featured Lizzo. She also did an interview with British Vogue where she said that she had "projects in development".{{cite web | last=Renshaw | first=David | title=SZA says she will release a new project before the end of 2024 | website=The Fader | date=November 25, 2024 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2024/11/25/sza-new-album-release-date-lana-kai-cenat | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=January 15, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115015523/https://www.thefader.com/2024/11/25/sza-new-album-release-date-lana-kai-cenat | url-status=live }} Lana, the deluxe reissue for SOS, was released on December 20, 2024,{{cite web | last=Wehner | first=Cyclone | title=SZA – 'SOS Deluxe: Lana' review: chasing tranquility amid the chaos of love, life and fame | website=NME | date=February 11, 2025 | url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/sza-sos-deluxe-lana-review-3836877 | access-date=February 26, 2025}} which, in addition to "Saturn", included the singles "BMF" and "30 for 30" with Kendrick Lamar, as well as the promotional single "Drive".{{cite web | last=Monroe | first=Jazz | title=Listen to SZA's New Album SOS Deluxe: Lana | website=Pitchfork | date=December 20, 2024 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-releases-ben-stiller-starring-video-for-new-song-drive-watch/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 21, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221063135/https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-releases-ben-stiller-starring-video-for-new-song-drive-watch/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2025 |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/pop_mart%26id%3D344157%26title%3DHOT-NEW-RELEASES |title=Pop Mart: Hot New Releases |access-date=January 11, 2025 |website=Hits |archive-date=January 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250112035459/https://hitsdailydouble.com/pop_mart%26id%3D344157%26title%3DHOT-NEW-RELEASES |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2025 |title=Crossover: Your Radio Chart Previews |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/crossover%26id%3D344159 |access-date=January 12, 2025 |website=Hits |language=en |archive-date=January 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250112094715/https://hitsdailydouble.com/crossover%26id%3D344159 |url-status=live }} On February 9, 2025, Lana was rereleased with four additional tracks, including "PSA" and a leaked song from 2021 titled "Joni".{{cite web |last=Wang |first=Steffanee |date=February 10, 2025 |title=SZA finally released 'Joni' on streaming services, plus 3 more new songs |url=https://www.thefader.com/2025/02/09/stream-sza-lana-deluxe-joni-don-toliver-take-you-down |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=The Fader}}{{cite web |last=Horvath |first=Zachary |date=February 10, 2025 |title=SZA Finally Brings Out Long Lost Don Toliver Collab 'Joni' To Latest Deluxe Of 'SOS' |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/884364-sza-don-toliver-joni-stream |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=HotNewHipHop}}

In support of Lana and GNX, SZA and Lamar will embark on the Grand National Tour from April to August 2025. The tour will run for 39 shows across Europe and North America.{{cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar and SZA Announce New Dates for 'Grand National' Tour |url=https://variety.com/2025/music/news/kendrick-lamar-sza-grand-national-tour-new-dates-1236302637/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=Variety}}{{cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=February 10, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar and SZA Add European Dates to Grand National Tour |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kendrick-lamar-and-sza-add-european-dates-to-grand-national-tour/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=Pitchfork}} Prior to this, SZA appeared alongside Lamar in his Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance, duetting some of their collaborations.{{cite web |last=Pineda |first=Dhanika |date=February 6, 2025 |title=Here's who will perform at the Super Bowl on Sunday |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/02/06/nx-s1-5287876/super-bowl-2025-performers-kendrick-lamar-sza-jon-batiste |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210000122/https://www.npr.org/2025/02/06/nx-s1-5287876/super-bowl-2025-performers-kendrick-lamar-sza-jon-batiste |archive-date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=February 10, 2025 |publisher=NPR}} Following their joint performance, "30 for 30" reached a new peak of number 10 on the Hot 100 (despite not being part of the set list), and Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us" broke the record set by "Kill Bill" for the longest number-one on US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.* {{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=February 18, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Surges Back to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us-hot-100-number-one-third-week/die-with-a-smile-leads-rest-of-top-10/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219161934/https://www.billboard.com/lists/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us-hot-100-number-one-third-week/die-with-a-smile-leads-rest-of-top-10/ |archive-date=February 19, 2025 |access-date=February 19, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

{{Cite magazine |last=Anderson |first=Trevor |date=February 18, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Breaks No. 1 Record on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/kendrick-lamar-breaks-number-one-record-rb-hip-hop-songs-chart-1235904823/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218211031/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/kendrick-lamar-breaks-number-one-record-rb-hip-hop-songs-chart-1235904823/ |archive-date=February 18, 2025 |access-date=February 19, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} The week after, "Luther" reached number one on the Hot 100, SZA's third song to do so.{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=February 24, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar & SZA's 'Luther' Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/kendrick-lamar-sza-luther-number-1-hot-100/lamar-szas-no-1s/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} It has spent seven weeks atop the chart, becoming Lamar and SZA's longest-running number one in the US.{{Cite web |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2025-04-07 |title=Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘Luther’ Leads Hot 100 for Seventh Week, Tops Radio Songs Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/kendrick-lamar-sza-luther-hot-100-number-one-seventh-week/drake-dials-up-new-top-five-with-nokia/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}

SZA made her acting debut in the Issa Rae-produced film One of Them Days (2025), co-starring alongside Keke Palmer. SZA plays Alyssa while Palmer plays Dreux, who must urgently find rent money after one of their boyfriends recklessly spends it all.{{cite web |last=Willmore |first=Alison |title=They Don't Make Comedies Like One of Them Days Anymore |website=Vulture |date=January 15, 2025 |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/one-of-them-days-review-sza-is-a-natural-in-her-first-film.html |access-date=February 3, 2025 |archive-date=January 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131192508/https://www.vulture.com/article/one-of-them-days-review-sza-is-a-natural-in-her-first-film.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Andrews-Dyer |first=Helena |title=For Black Hollywood, 'One of Them Days' isn't just a hit, it's hope |newspaper=Washington Post |url-access=subscription |date=January 31, 2025 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/2025/01/31/issa-rea-one-of-them-days/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |archive-date=January 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131173942/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/2025/01/31/issa-rea-one-of-them-days/ |url-status=live }} Several critics praised SZA and Palmer's on-screen chemistry,{{cite web | last=Thompson | first=Stephen | title='One of Them Days' turns Keke Palmer and SZA loose : Pop Culture Happy Hour | publisher=NPR | date=January 22, 2025 | url=https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1226038398 | access-date=March 2, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Wang | first=Steffanee | title=How One of Them Days made SZA the breakout comedy star of 2025 so far | website=The Fader | date=January 16, 2025 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2025/01/16/one-of-them-days-sza-casting-keke-palmer-director-interview | access-date=March 2, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Griffin | first=Marc | title=Issa Rae-Produced Buddy Comedy Taps SZA And Keke Palmer As Leads | website=Vibe | date=April 29, 2024 | url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/issa-rae-produced-buddy-comedy-sza-keke-palmer-1234873901/ | access-date=March 2, 2025}} and 93% of the 106 reviews from critics from Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a positive review.{{cite web | title=One of Them Days | publisher=Rotten Tomatoes | date=January 17, 2025 | url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/one_of_them_days | access-date=March 2, 2025}} Elmo declared SZA an "honorary muppet" during an episode filmed for the 55th season of Sesame Street, released in 2025.{{Cite web |last=Abraham |first=Mya |date=March 4, 2024 |title=SZA Fulfills 7-Year-Old Dream To Appear On 'Sesame Street' |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/sza-sesame-street-longtime-dream-1234857404/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |website=Vibe |language=en-US |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122231648/https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/sza-sesame-street-longtime-dream-1234857404/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Trapp |first=Malcolm |title=Elmo Gushes Over "Really Talented" SZA Coming To "Sesame Street" For Its 55th Season |url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/sza-to-appear-on-sesame-street-for-the-shows-55th-season |access-date=January 14, 2025 |website=Rap-Up |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114045957/https://www.rap-up.com/article/sza-to-appear-on-sesame-street-for-the-shows-55th-season |url-status=live }} In March 2025, SZA announced on The Jennifer Hudson Show that she was launching a fashion brand called Not Beauty, which would be available exclusively for purchase on the Grand National Tour. The line will feature beauty products such as lip glosses, creams, liners, and stains.{{cite web | last=Johnson | first=Sharmaine | title=SZA announces Not Beauty makeup line, available exclusively on the 'Grand National Tour' | publisher=Yahoo! Entertainment | date=March 22, 2025 | url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/sza-announces-not-beauty-makeup-131548328.html | access-date=March 31, 2025}}

Artistry

= Influences =

{{Multiple image

| image1 = Ella Fitzgerald 1962.JPG

| alt1 = Ella Fitzgerald looking to her left while slightly smiling. The black and white image features a completely white background.

| image2 = Lauryn Hill Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2019 (221758) (cropped).jpg

| alt2 = Black and white image of Lauryn Hill closing her eyes while singing into a microphone.

| image3 = Ashanti 2012.jpg

| alt3 = Ashanti in a somewhat dark room putting her hand on her left hip. She is looking directly at the camera while holding a smile.

| footer = SZA has cited musical artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill and Ashanti as influences.

| total_width = 440

}}

Growing up, SZA was exposed by her family to artists from different genres, which were formative influences for her music.{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=November 30, 2023 |title=What's on SZA's Playlists? 'Kill Bill' Singer Talks Inspiration From Ella Fitzgerald and Her Love for Creed and Nickelback |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-musical-inspirations-ella-fitzgerald-creed-nickelback-1235814096/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231064159/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-musical-inspirations-ella-fitzgerald-creed-nickelback-1235814096/ |url-status=live }} Her mother enjoyed R&B and church music,{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=November 29, 2023 |title=SZA, Variety's Hitmaker of the Year, Unpacks 'SOS,' Her 9 Grammy Noms, and Says 'F— You' to Song Leakers |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/features/sza-hitmaker-of-the-year-sos-grammy-song-leakers-1235810535/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116154035/https://variety.com/2023/music/features/sza-hitmaker-of-the-year-sos-grammy-song-leakers-1235810535/ |url-status=live }} her father was a fan of jazz and funk musicians like Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, and John Coltrane,{{Cite web |last=Marcos |first=Carlos |date=December 31, 2023 |title="Déjame decirte un secreto: me he estado tirando a tu chico": la cruda honestidad de SZA conquista el pop |url=https://elpais.com/cultura/2023-12-31/dejame-decirte-un-secreto-me-he-estado-tirando-a-tu-chico-la-cruda-honestidad-de-sza-conquista-el-pop.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=El País |language=es |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231052224/https://elpais.com/cultura/2023-12-31/dejame-decirte-un-secreto-me-he-estado-tirando-a-tu-chico-la-cruda-honestidad-de-sza-conquista-el-pop.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Cover Story: SZA |url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/02/28/sza-cover-story |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=The Fader |language=en |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231064159/https://www.thefader.com/2018/02/28/sza-cover-story |url-status=live }} and her sister listened to melodic rap and hip-hop artists like Tupac Shakur. SZA listens to Ella Fitzgerald for vocal influence{{cite web |last=Cliff |first=Aimee |date=April 7, 2014 |title=Five things you should know about SZA |url=http://www.redbull.com/en/music/stories/1331643712041/interview-with-up-and-coming-rnb-star-sza |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518173347/http://www.redbull.com/en/music/stories/1331643712041/interview-with-up-and-coming-rnb-star-sza |archive-date=May 18, 2016 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |website=Redbull.com}} and has said that Lauryn Hill is one of her personal influences. SZA has expressed admiration for singer Ashanti, citing her as a major inspiration and someone she has loved since childhood.{{cite web |date=September 16, 2021 |title=Watch SZA Shower Ashanti With Love: 'You're So Amazing—You're Such A Huge Inspiration For Me' |url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/sza-ashanti-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217162045/https://www.essence.com/celebrity/sza-ashanti-video/ |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |access-date=December 17, 2022}}

SZA also cites Meelah, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, LFO, Macy Gray, Common, Björk, Jamiroquai, and "a lot of Wu, Nas, Mos Def, Hov" as inspirations. Speaking on her influences, SZA said: "[My] personal influences came from dancing with American Ballet Theatre and doing pieces to Björk [music]. That's the only time I had really any outside influence to music. So, the people that I fell in love with on a musical level were always much older. Jamiroquai is just, like, the shit for me."{{cite web |last=Reese |first=Nathan |date=October 9, 2013 |title=SZA's Unlikely Path To Pop Stardom |url=http://www.refinery29.com/sza-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809090838/http://www.refinery29.com/sza-interview |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |website=Refinery29}} In an interview for Live Nation Entertainment, SZA described the meeting she had with Beyoncé for the writing of the song "Feeling Myself", affirming "Beyoncé might be the most perfect, beautiful being I've ever met in my whole life. She's the most inspirational woman on earth, next to my mother". SZA also expressed admiration for Rihanna, praising her strong and confident attitude and her commitment to creating only the music she truly wants to make.{{Cite web |title=Sza Talks Beyoncé, Rihanna, and the Importance of Staying Present |url=http://www.lntvglobal.com/en-fr/article/sza-talks-beyonce-rihanna-and-the-importance-of-staying-present/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502131428/https://www.lntvglobal.com/en-fr/article/sza-talks-beyonce-rihanna-and-the-importance-of-staying-present/ |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2020 |website=LNTV}}

SZA is known for referencing films and television series across her discography. She has named multiple songs after actresses or the characters they play.{{cite web | last=Sanchez | first=Karizza | title=Why SZA's Next Album May Be Her Last | website=Complex | date=November 28, 2016 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/karizza-sanchez/sza-interview-quitting-music-dec-jan-2017-issue | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=March 26, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326082417/https://www.complex.com/music/a/karizza-sanchez/sza-interview-quitting-music-dec-jan-2017-issue | url-status=live }} "Drew Barrymore" was named after and inspired by the actress,{{cite magazine | last=Mier | first=Tomás | title=SZA Tells Drew Barrymore 'You Gave Me Permission to Be Myself' | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=January 13, 2025 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-drew-barrymore-gave-me-permission-be-myself-1235234030/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=January 29, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129031622/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-drew-barrymore-gave-me-permission-be-myself-1235234030/ | url-status=live }} "Jodie" was named after Jodie Foster,{{NoteTag|"Jodie" is a song from Ctrl{{'s}} deluxe edition, produced by rapper Tyler, the Creator.{{Cite web |last=Renshaw |first=David |date=June 9, 2022 |title=SZA Marks Ctrl{{'s}} Fifth Anniversary by Sharing Previously Unheard Tracks |url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/06/09/sza-ctrl-deluxe-fifth-anniversary-stream |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305042142/https://www.thefader.com/2022/06/09/sza-ctrl-deluxe-fifth-anniversary-stream |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=The Fader |language=en}} It leaked sometime around 2021, and SZA referred to it as "Jodie Foster" then.{{cite web |last=Blanchet |first=Brenton |date=June 15, 2021 |title=SZA Is Manifesting Everything—Including Performances and a Tyler, the Creator Collab |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/b-blanchet/sza-interview-unstaged-virtual-show |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221132037/https://www.complex.com/music/a/b-blanchet/sza-interview-unstaged-virtual-show |archive-date=December 21, 2024 |access-date=February 3, 2025 |website=Complex}}}} and "Go Gina" is a reference to Tisha Campbell's role of Gina on the sitcom Martin (1992–1997).{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3022286/sza-ctrl-review/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623155157/http://www.mtv.com/news/3022286/sza-ctrl-review/|archive-date=June 23, 2017|title=SZA Comes Into Her Power On Ctrl|publisher=MTV News}} Throughout her second studio album, SOS, SZA incorporates numerous film references in both song titles and lyrics: she named "Kill Bill" after the 2003–2004 film duology;{{cite web | last=Attard | first=Paul | title=SZA 'SOS' Review: Finding Comfort Amid the Chaos | website=Slant | date=December 10, 2022 | url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/sza-sos-album-review/ | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 24, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224113814/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/sza-sos-album-review/ | url-status=live }} in "Blind", she references Julia Stiles in Save the Last Dance (2001); in the song "Used", SZA makes a reference to Obi-Wan, the Jedi Master from Star Wars; and "Smoking on My Ex Pack" contains a comparison between SZA's former romantic partners and Sideshow Bob, a character from The Simpsons who is both a clown and a criminal.{{cite web | last=Guy | first=Zoe | title=Everything SZA References on SOS (Including Herself) | website=Vulture | date=December 9, 2022 | url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-sos-lyrics-samples-movie-references.html | access-date=February 3, 2025 | archive-date=December 20, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220165422/https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-sos-lyrics-samples-movie-references.html | url-status=live }} "Scorsese Baby Daddy", from Lana, is a reference to filmmaker and director Martin Scorsese.{{Cite magazine |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |author-link=Rob Sheffield |date=December 21, 2024 |title=SZA Is at Her Most Streamlined and Direct on Lana |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/sza-lana-review-1235214416/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222020933/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/sza-lana-review-1235214416/ |archive-date=December 22, 2024 |access-date=December 25, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

= Music =

{{listen

| type = Music

| filename = SZA - Drew Barrymore song sample.ogg

| title = "Drew Barrymore" (2017)

| description = SZA self-identifies with the label "alternative", and she has resisted being categorized solely as R&B throughout her career. One song that demonstrates her style of alternative music is her 2017 single "Drew Barrymore".

| filename2 = SZA & Kendrick Lamar - 30 for 30 song sample.ogg

| title2 = "30 for 30" (2025)

| description2 = Throughout her career, SZA has experimented with various genres, like hip-hop, in tandem with R&B.{{Cite web |last=Espinoza |first=Joshua |date=March 10, 2023 |title=TDE's Punch Talks About SZA Having an 'EP's Worth of Full Rap Records' and How She's Navigating Fame in SOS Era |url=https://www.complex.com/music/tde-punch-sza-has-ep-of-full-rap-records-navigating-fame-sos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315024518/https://www.complex.com/music/tde-punch-sza-has-ep-of-full-rap-records-navigating-fame-sos |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=Complex |language=en}} In the single "30 for 30", SZA combines her usual R&B singing style with a rap flow.{{Cite magazine |last=Cummings-Grady |first=Mackenzie |date=December 20, 2024 |title=SZA's SOS Deluxe Lana: All 15 Tracks Ranked |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/sza-lana-tracks-ranked |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126173555/https://www.billboard.com/lists/sza-lana-tracks-ranked/ |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Paige |first=DeAsia |date=December 23, 2024 |title=On Lana, SZA Unlocks a New Superpower: Self-Reliance |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a63266140/sza-lana-album-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201002634/https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a63266140/sza-lana-album-review/ |archive-date=February 1, 2025 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=Elle |language=en-US}}

}}

== Genre ==

Critics have frequently described SZA as an R&B singer-songwriter,{{Cite magazine |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Was SZA's 'SOS' Worth the Wait? |url=https://time.com/6239912/sza-sos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225142306/https://time.com/6239912/sza-sos/ |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |access-date=August 18, 2023 |magazine=Time |language=en}} a narrative for which she has expressed disdain since the beginning of her career. In 2014, when she uploaded the single "Teen Spirit" on SoundCloud, she tagged the song with the categories "Glitter Trap" and "Not R&B". SZA's earliest songs are built around dreamlike, psychedelic, and lo-fi instrumentals; she describes them as {{"-}}hood, with feminine inflections."

SZA identifies with the label "alternative", a subgenre of R&B that borrows from other genres like rock music. Many of her songs from Ctrl have influences of alternative rock, whereas one track from SOS, "F2F", is explicitly pop rock.{{Cite magazine |last=Gore |first=Sydney |date=February 27, 2023 |title=SZA Has Always Been Alternative—You Just Weren't Listening |url=https://www.altpress.com/sza-sos-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217103159/https://www.altpress.com/sza-sos-interview |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=Alternative Press |language=en-US}} In her view, her being described as a contemporary R&B artist in the media is restrictive and racially prejudiced.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Jessica |date=May 2, 2024 |title=SZA Believes She's Only Considered An R&B Artist Because She's Black |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/sza-considered-rnb-artist-because-shes-black-1234875076/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}} She considers it a byproduct of the racist segregation of Black artists from White artists during the 20th century, which industry professionals did by relegating Black people to R&B categories. Saying that Black music has never been limited to the genre, SZA told Consequence: "We started rock 'n' roll. Why can't we just be expansive and not reductive?"{{Cite web |date=February 26, 2024 |title=On SZA, Beyoncé, And The Marketing Of 'Black' Music |url=https://uproxx.com/music/sza-sos-genre-black-music-beyonce/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}}

Outside of R&B, critics have also written that several of her works combine the genre with hip-hop{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Chris |date=December 9, 2022 |title=On SOS, SZA unpacks her most complicated emotions in so many words |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/music/2022/12/09/sza-sos-review/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210012614/https://www.washingtonpost.com/music/2022/12/09/sza-sos-review/ |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |access-date=August 18, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=}}{{Cite news |last1=Inskeep |first1=Steve |author-link=Steve Inskeep |last2=Fitzgerald |first2=Kiana |date=December 29, 2022 |title=Lyrics from 'Blind' by Hip-Hop Singer-Songwriter SZA Will Stay with You |url=https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1145952392 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231065510/https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1145952392 |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |access-date=August 18, 2023 |work=NPR |format=Audio upload and transcript}} or pop music. Regardless, SZA has expressed confusion about the media's attempts to categorize her. She prefers to be seen as simply someone who makes music and nothing more, saying, "when you try to label it, you remove the option for it to be limitless. It diminishes the music."{{cite web |date=October 21, 2017 |title=SZA Reveals Album with Tame Impala and Mark Ronson |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2017/10/21/sza-reveals-album-with-tame-impala-mark-ronson/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731161900/http://www.rap-up.com/2017/10/21/sza-reveals-album-with-tame-impala-mark-ronson/ |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |work=Rap-Up}} "Genre agnosticism" was how Michael Madden of Consequence described SZA's musical style.{{cite magazine |last=Madden |first=Michael |date=April 8, 2014 |title=SZA – Z | Album Reviews |url=https://consequence.net/2014/04/album-review-sza-z/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413131104/https://consequence.net/2014/04/album-review-sza-z/ |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |access-date=April 12, 2014 |magazine=Consequence of Sound}}

== Voice ==

According to Rolling Stone{{'}}s Marissa G. Muller, SZA's voice alternates between a "vapory husk and a sky-high falsetto".{{cite magazine |last=Muller |first=Marissa G. |date=November 4, 2013 |title=Meet SZA, Kendrick Lamar's Newest Labelmate |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/meet-sza-kendrick-lamars-newest-labelmate-54484/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313233142/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/meet-sza-kendrick-lamars-newest-labelmate-54484/ |archive-date=March 13, 2020 |access-date=May 11, 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone |quote=For the record, her name is pronounced Sizza, like RZA and GZA.}} Jordan Sargent, in a Pitchfork review of Z, describes her vocals as "chillwave" and "ethereal".{{cite web |last=Sargent |first=Jordan |date=April 18, 2014 |title=SZA "Z" |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/19278-sza-z/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411211108/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/19278-sza-z/ |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |work=Pitchfork}} Her vocal style has been described as taking on the "lilt" of a jazz singer.{{cite web |last=Ritchie |first=Kevin |date=April 17, 2014 |title=SZA: "Z" (Top Dawg Entertainment) |url=http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/story.cfm?content=197575 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722172142/http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/story.cfm?content=197575 |archive-date=July 22, 2014 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |website=Toronto Now}}

SZA has a slight speech impediment, which influences her delivery.{{Cite web |title=SZA Tells Drew Barrymore About How She Inspired Her 2017 Song 'Drew Barrymore': 'You're So Special' |url=https://people.com/sza-drew-barrymore-2017-song-inspiration-8773899 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |website=People.com |language=en}} Her fans treat it as a running joke, saying that she sings in "cursive and italics".{{Cite web |last=Abraham |first=Mya |date=January 10, 2022 |title=SZA Loosely Compares Her Vocal Styling To Little Richard's |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-little-richard-vocals-1234642754/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}} However, journalist Mankaprr Conteh argues that SZA's enunciation began to be clearer with SOS. Conteh adds that nevertheless, "her words retain the swirls and curves that can make them run together and occasionally become alluringly hard to decipher."{{cite magazine |date=January 1, 2023 |title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time (200–151) |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101151200/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/ |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |access-date=March 1, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}

= Songwriting =

{{quote box

| quote = When I'm in the studio, it hurts too much sometimes [...] It's easier to be me through [other artists'] eyes than it is to sit with some of the really harsh things that I say about myself to myself.

| author = SZA while interviewing Kendrick Lamar for Harper's Bazaar, 2024

| source =

| width = 30em

}}

SZA sees songwriting as a way of proving her self-worth.{{Cite magazine |last=Newman |first=Melinda |date=June 14, 2024 |title=7 Best Moments From Songwriters Hall of Fame: R.E.M. Performs, Diane Warren's Truth Bombs & More |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/songwriters-hall-of-fame-best-moments-rem-diane-warren/hal-david-starlight-award-winner-sza-reveals-a-vulnerable-side/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} She personally considers her songwriting awards as her most important achievements, having started her career without anyone to write for her.{{Cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=September 6, 2024 |title=SZA Wins Multiple Honors at BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards: 'Songwriting Awards Mean the Most to Me' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/sza-wins-bmi-rb-hip-hop-awards-babyface-honored-1235768996/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} An enjoyer of poetry, SZA began writing songs due to her passion about the hobby.{{cite magazine |last=Ugwu |first=Reggie |date=May 23, 2013 |title=SZA Talks Quitting Her Day Job, Working With Holy Other & Emile Haynie |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1563547/sza-talks-quitting-her-day-job-working-with-other-emile-haynie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511112454/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1563547/sza-talks-quitting-her-day-job-working-with-other-emile-haynie |archive-date=May 11, 2019 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |magazine=Billboard}}

SZA also thinks of songwriting as a form of self-therapy, using it to record and resolve her struggles.{{cite web |last=Hebert |first=Olivia |date=October 30, 2023 |title=SZA didn't realise her therapist was not a therapist |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/sza-life-coach-therapist-songs-b2438529.html |access-date=February 28, 2025 |website=The Independent}} However, when she tries to draw from her experiences and emotions, the weight of the pain can be too much to bear. Therefore, she sometimes writes from the perspective of other people. With a tendency to self-deprecate, SZA sees the writing technique as a way to "say nicer things about [herself]".{{Cite magazine |date=October 21, 2024 |title=Kendrick Lamar Gets Personal |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a62568151/kendrick-lamar-sza-interview-2024/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |magazine=Harper's BAZAAR |language=en-US}} For example, "Joni" (2025)—a song about being resilient and achieving perfection amid the difficulties of life—was written from the perspective of Canadian musician Joni Mitchell.{{Cite web |last=Mapes |first=Jill |date=August 31, 2021 |title=Tracks: 'Joni' |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/sza-joni/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228074954/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/sza-joni/ |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |access-date=February 28, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=A. |first=Aron |date=August 22, 2021 |title=SZA Shares New Song 'Joni' |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/347343-sza-shares-new-song-joni-new-song |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417094003/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/347343-sza-shares-new-song-joni-new-song |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} SZA's other muses include singer-songwriter Frank Ocean and rapper Future.

SZA's writing style, as noted by Mesfin Fekadu in a review for The Hollywood Reporter, often takes a vulnerable, confessional, and reflective tone.{{Cite web |last=Fekadu |first=Mesfin |date=February 1, 2024 |title=SZA's 'SOS' Could Be First Album by a Black Woman to Win Top Grammy in 25 Years |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/szas-sos-could-make-history-black-women-grammys-2024-1235810407/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Thematically, her works often explore themes of heartbreak, nostalgia, abandonment,{{cite magazine | last=Cummings-Grady | first=Mackenzie | title=SZA's 'SOS' Deluxe 'Lana': All 15 Tracks Ranked | magazine=Billboard | date=December 20, 2024 | url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/sza-lana-tracks-ranked/ | access-date=March 1, 2025}}{{cite magazine | last=Aniftos | first=Rania | title=SZA Is Loving Janelle Monae's Sexy New Era of 'Self Renaissance' | magazine=Billboard | date=May 16, 2023 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-supports-janelle-monae-lipstick-lovers-1235330831/ | access-date=March 1, 2025}}{{cite web | title=On 'Ctrl,' SZA Reveals Who She Really Is | website=Complex | date=June 13, 2017 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/complex/sza-ctrl-album-review | access-date=March 1, 2025}} as well as issues related to body image, self-worth, and insecurity.{{cite web | last=Kominsky | first=Maya | title=SZA's SOS pushes R&B boundaries in her vulnerable exploration of self-worth | website=The Georgetown Voice | date=January 21, 2023 | url=https://georgetownvoice.com/2023/01/21/szas-sos-pushes-rb-boundaries-in-her-vulnerable-exploration-of-self-worth/ | access-date=March 1, 2025}}{{cite magazine | last=Sanchez | first=Chelsey | title='SOS' Album Review | magazine=Harper's Bazaar | date=December 19, 2022 | url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a42233431/sza-sos-album-review-reactions/ | access-date=March 1, 2025}}{{cite magazine | last=Carmichael | first=Emma | title=Billboard Women in Music Rule Breaker SZA on Speaking Up Inside the Boys Club | magazine=Billboard | date=December 6, 2018 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/sza-billboard-women-in-music-rule-breaker-interview-8487629/ | access-date=March 1, 2025}} Sydney Gore of Alternative Press writes that "whereas hypersexuality gives some people the ick, SZA's unfiltered canon of raw feelings seemingly makes others squirm because the level of vulnerability she exudes is too painfully real." As her career evolved past Ctrl, SZA's writing has become more aggressive, unafraid to show her competitiveness and "not a nice girl" attitude.{{Cite magazine |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |author-link=Rob Sheffield |date=December 21, 2024 |title=SZA Is at Her Most Streamlined and Direct on Lana |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/sza-lana-review-1235214416/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222020933/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/sza-lana-review-1235214416/ |archive-date=December 22, 2024 |access-date=March 7, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

Many critics have also spoken about her songwriting's relatability—mainly due to its exploration of insecurity—to other Black women. Billboard{{'s}} Kyle Denis writes that her "brand of self-deprecation" reflects many Black women's constantly experiencing shame from facing misogynoir in their pursuits of romance.{{Cite magazine |last=Denis |first=Kyle |date=December 11, 2023 |title=What The Year Of 'I'm The Problem, It's Me' Taught Us About The Future Of Pop |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-olivia-rodrigo-sza-sarcastic-songwriting-pop-hits-1235547745/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} Elle journalist DeAsia Paige argues that SZA encourages other anxious Black women to embrace their insecurities—and defy expectations of being independent women—"in a world that relentlessly picks them apart" as a result of their race.{{Cite web |last=Paige |first=DeAsia |date=December 13, 2022 |title=On SOS, SZA Proves She's One of This Generation's Best Songwriters |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a42219501/sza-sos-album-review/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |website=Elle |language=en-US}} When SZA spoke about how Drew Barrymore inspired her eponymous song, she said that she grew up not seeing herself represented enough in media like television series.

Several of SZA's works are the result of improvisation. Because she writes to express whatever comes to her mind, she tends to freestyle and produce stream-of-consciousness songs. In an interview for Variety, she recounts that she "never [has] topics" before starting a track. Her freestyles are part of what SZA calls "palate cleanser" moments during recording. In them, she would quickly write songs in between her more serious projects, as a way to refresh her mind.{{Cite interview |last=Rowe |first=Solána |subject-link=SZA |interviewer=Zane Lowe |title=Behind SZA's SOS Album & Tour |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc0vRDh1ECA&t=1311s |access-date=June 13, 2024 |publisher=Apple Music |via=YouTube |date=December 13, 2023}} Alt URL Some of her biggest songs, like "Kill Bill", were improvised. For this reason, she hates the majority of her commercially successful tracks: "I knew it would be something that pissed me off. It's always a song that I don't give a f–k about that's just super easy, not the sh-t that I put so much heart and energy into."{{Cite web |title=SZA Jokes That Her 'Kill Bill' Lyrics Were 'So Crazy and Harsh': 'I Was Just Randomly Slightly Enraged' |url=https://people.com/sza-jokes-kill-bill-lyrics-were-so-crazy-and-harsh-8674611 |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=People.com |language=en}}

= Collaborations and features =

File:Pulitzer2018-portraits-kendrick-lamar.jpg, her most well-known collaborator, on several songs since 2014.]]

SZA is known for her work relationship with former TDE labelmate Kendrick Lamar.{{Cite magazine |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=January 8, 2025 |title=Will SZA Ever Make a Joint Album With Kendrick Lamar? Here's What She Has to Say |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-kendrick-lamar-joint-album-interview-1235872357/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez and Cheryl V. |title=Who is Kendrick Lamar? 5 things to know about the star of the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/02/09/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-2025-pulitzer-prize-grammy-awards-albums/78214456007/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=7 Collaborations Where Kendrick Lamar and SZA Make the Perfect Duo |url=https://www.bet.com/article/bnlku1/7-collaborations-where-kendrick-lamar-and-sza-make-the-perfect-duo |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=BET |language=en}} Heran Mamo of Billboard writes that they are the "ultimate rapper-singer duo",{{Cite magazine |last1=Lamarre |first1=Carl |last2=Mamo |first2=Heran |last3=Saponara |first3=Michael |last4=Mitchell |first4=Gail |last5=Scott |first5=Damien |last6=Denis |first6=Kyle |date=February 5, 2025 |title=The 10 Hottest R&B Artists Right Now: Staff Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rb-artists-2025/1-sza/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} and HipHopDX{{'s}} Andy Bustard comments that they are the best such duo of their time.{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar & SZA Are The Best Rapper-Singer Duo Right Now |first=Andy | last=Bustard |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/kendrick-lamar-sza-best-songs-ranked |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}} Dubbed by SZA as her "sensei", Lamar has inspired her to take risks and experiment when making music. In a talk show interview, she commented: "He's a huge part of my fumbling and finding era because I'm trusting his expertise ... So I'm just like, 'Teach me, sensei, what you know.{{' "}} The two released their first song together in 2014, which was "Babylon" from SZA's third EP Z.{{Cite web |last=Gawley |first=Paige |date=February 9, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar and SZA's 4 Best Collaborations |url=https://americansongwriter.com/kendrick-lamar-and-szas-4-best-collaborations/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}} He and SZA have three top-ten singles: "All the Stars" in 2018,{{Cite magazine |last=Anderson |first=Trevor |date=February 7, 2025 |title=Kendrick Lamar's 20 Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/kendrick-lamar-top-songs-billboard-hot-100/euphoria-2/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} the US number-one "Luther" in 2024, and "30 for 30" in 2025.{{Cite web |title=Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' returns to No. 1 after Super Bowl |url=https://www.thefader.com/2025/02/18/kendrick-lamar-not-like-us-no-1-billboard-super-bowl |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=The Fader |language=en}}

Many other artists have worked with SZA multiple times. One of her earliest collaborators was rapper Mac Miller, who produced two songs from Z.{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2025 |title=Mac Miller's 'Balloonerism' Track List Reveals Features From SZA and Delusional Thomas Alter Ego |url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mac-miller-balloonerism-track-list-sza-70884/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=Rolling Stone Australia |language=en-AU}} She first met him when she moved to Los Angeles in 2014. SZA and singer and rapper Lizzo, whom she befriended after a 2013 Red Bull tour,{{Cite magazine |last=Muhammad |first=Latifah |date=February 5, 2024 |title=SZA Debuts New Track 'Saturn' in Mastercard Ad During 2024 Grammys: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/product-recommendations/sza-saturn-mastercard-commercial-grammys-1235599454/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} once considered starting a rock band.{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=February 15, 2025 |title=Lizzo and SZA Nearly Started a Rock Band Called 'Pussy Lasers' With Another Artist |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lizzo-sza-rock-band-pussy-lasers-f2f-1235269028/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} The two co-wrote "F2F" from SOS when the idea first came to them.{{Cite magazine |last=Jenke |first=Tyler |date=February 17, 2025 |title=Lizzo and SZA Almost Formed a Rock Band Called Pussy Lasers |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lizzo-sza-almost-formed-rock-band-pussy-lasers-1235903783/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} In 2023, Lizzo released a remix of "Special" featuring SZA, and she was originally going to be a feature on the 2025 single "BMF" from Lana.{{NoteTag|"BMF" was formerly known as "Boy from South Detroit", and initial reports about Lizzo's appearance used that title.{{Cite web |title=Lizzo will reportedly feature on deluxe version of SZA's SOS album |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/lizzo-will-reportedly-feature-on-deluxe-version-of-szas-sos-album |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219174446/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/lizzo-will-reportedly-feature-on-deluxe-version-of-szas-sos-album |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=December 19, 2023 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}}}} Apart from singers and rappers, there are select producers with whom SZA often works. Two of them, Carter Lang and ThankGod4Cody, have produced several of her songs from Ctrl, SOS, and Lana.{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Meet SZA's Secret Weapons: Her 'SOS' Producers |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-sos-producers-kill-bill-interview-1235436553/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=December 20, 2024 |title=SZA Finally Releases Long-Delayed 'Lana' Album, Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Lil Yachty and Benny Blanco |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/sza-finally-releases-lana-album-featuring-kendrick-lamar-1236256388/ |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

Norma Rowe, SZA's deceased maternal grandmother, appears via sampled voice recordings on Ctrl and SOS.{{Cite web |last=Schonfeld |first=Zach |date=November 5, 2024 |title=Moms on Songs, Ranked |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/moms-on-songs-ranked.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220200719/https://www.vulture.com/article/moms-on-songs-ranked.html |archive-date=December 20, 2024 |access-date=February 22, 2025 |website=Vulture |language=en}} Rowe affectionally calls her "Granny",{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Ellie |date=June 7, 2021 |title=SZA reveals she 'burst into tears' during a rehearsal of '20 Something' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sza-reveals-she-burst-into-tears-during-a-rehearsal-of-20-something-2962003 |access-date=February 26, 2025 |website=NME}} and she is credited as such on both albums.{{cite AV media notes |title=Ctrl |publisher=Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records |year=2017 |type=vinyl liner notes |author=SZA |id=88985-44919-1}}{{cite AV media notes |title=SOS |publisher=Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records |year=2023 |type=vinyl liner notes |author=SZA |id=19658-77921-1}} Writing for Vulture, journalist Zach Schonfeld ranked Rowe as the fourth-best mother to appear on their child or grandchild's songs. He gave her a "wholesome index" of eight out of ten.

=Fashion=

During an interview, SZA said she is less inspired by strictly music, and more inspired by creating art in general; she has looked up to people who were not "typical artists" including her "favorite gymnast, ice-skater, saxophonist, painter, or movie director", continuing to say she was particularly inspired by film director Spike Lee. During an interview with W, SZA spoke on her style influences, saying a large amount of her style inspiration comes from movies, including Wes Anderson films, praising his use of "pantone color palette" and that she "would love to dress like a character from Moonrise Kingdom. Or perhaps Bill Murray in The Life Aquatic."{{cite web |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/sza-hair-style/ |title=She's Just SZA |first=Sarah |last=Leon |date=April 9, 2014 |website=W Magazine |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228041547/https://www.wmagazine.com/story/sza-hair-style |url-status=live }} Along with her music, SZA's image has been compared to neo-soul artists Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu.{{cite web |last=Erbentraut |first=Joseph |date=July 23, 2014 |title=You Probably Don't Know Rising R&B Star SZA Yet, But You Will |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/23/sza-interview_n_5610659.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924204519/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/23/sza-interview_n_5610659.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |work=The Huffington Post}} SZA's hair became a point of interest during the early stages of her career and she discussed it in interviews with Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.{{cite web |url=http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/why-sza-huge-natural-hair-is-our-new-obsession/#1 |title=Why SZA's Huge Natural Hair is Our New Obsession |first=Chioma |last=Nnadi |date=March 27, 2014 |website=Vogue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801075903/http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/why-sza-huge-natural-hair-is-our-new-obsession/#1 |archive-date=August 1, 2014 |access-date=April 15, 2020}} During her performances, SZA tends to wear "free-flowing" clothes that are easy to move around in and wears pajamas or baggy clothing onstage.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/21/fashion/sza-pitchfork-festival-style.html |title=SZA's Pitchfork Festival Style |first=Elizabeth |last=Bristow |date=July 21, 2014 |work=The New York Times |access-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809073817/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/21/fashion/sza-pitchfork-festival-style.html |url-status=live }}

Public image and reception

= Impact and legacy =

Many critics and musicians credit SZA with significantly influencing the sound of contemporary R&B.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Jessica |date=April 12, 2024 |title=Is There An R&B Big 3? Let's Talk About It |url=https://www.vibe.com/lists/rnb-big-3-picks/beyonce-usher-mary-j-blige/ |access-date=March 1, 2025 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}} Singer Baby Rose described SZA as "a radical light", while NME called her one of the most influential voices in contemporary music, stating that few artists have shaped the sound of modern R&B as much as SZA.{{cite web | last=Williams | first=Sophie | title=How SZA inspired a generation of R&B storytellers: "She's a radical light" | publisher=NME | date=February 23, 2023 | url=https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/sza-sos-tour-setlist-flo-baby-rose-radar-3403286 | access-date=February 4, 2025 | archive-date=December 17, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217110325/https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/sza-sos-tour-setlist-flo-baby-rose-radar-3403286 | url-status=live }} Vogue Australia{{'}}s Liam Freeman concluded that "it's hard to imagine what an R&B playlist would sound like without her now".{{cite web | last=Freeman | first=Liam | title=How SZA is cutting up the rule book | website=Vogue Australia | date=August 16, 2018 | url=https://www.vogue.com.au/celebrity/interviews/how-sza-is-cutting-up-the-rule-book/news-story/fbfe16c427e6e10ee8eb5d1cc02ac6bf | access-date=February 4, 2025 | archive-date=June 29, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629022614/https://www.vogue.com.au/celebrity/interviews/how-sza-is-cutting-up-the-rule-book/news-story/fbfe16c427e6e10ee8eb5d1cc02ac6bf | url-status=live }} Reviewing for Variety, Jem Aswad described SZA as "warm, witty and charismatic" and thought that her speaking voice can be as "honeying as the one she pours lavishly into her music". SZA explained that her experience of exclusion in school while growing up motivated her to prioritize creating an inclusive environment for both herself and her fans.{{cite web | last=Mlaba | first=Khanyi | title=5 Times SZA Helped Show the World 'Good Days' | publisher=Global Citizen | date=September 6, 2022 | url=https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/times-sza-showed-the-world-good-days-activism/ | access-date=February 6, 2025 | archive-date=November 12, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112213422/https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/times-sza-showed-the-world-good-days-activism/ | url-status=live }} Several critics have noted that SZA has cultivated a "girl next door" persona through her music,{{cite web |last=Empire |first=Kitty |date=December 11, 2022 |title=SZA: SOS review – a surfeit of ideas, guests and producers from a master of her craft |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/dec/11/sza-sos-review-travis-scott-phoebe-bridgers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210044112/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/dec/11/sza-sos-review-travis-scott-phoebe-bridgers |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |access-date=February 3, 2025 |website=The Guardian}}{{cite web |last=Hahn |first=Rachel |date=April 11, 2019 |title=SZA Is Ready for Battle With Her New Look |url=https://www.vogue.com/vogueworld/article/sza-instagram-xena-warrior-princess |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128201148/https://www.vogue.com/vogueworld/article/sza-instagram-xena-warrior-princess |archive-date=January 28, 2023 |access-date=February 3, 2025 |website=Vogue}} and she has been dubbed the girl next door of R&B by several critics.{{cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA – 'SOS' review: a comeback album well worth the wait |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/sza-sos-album-review-3363471 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217003638/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/sza-sos-album-review-3363471 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |access-date=February 3, 2025 |publisher=NME}}

Billboard recognized SZA as the second-greatest pop star of 2023 and ranked her at the top of the R&B/Hip-Hop Artist chart,{{cite magazine | last=Denis | first=Kyle | title=SZA | magazine=Billboard | date=December 15, 2023 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sza-greatest-pop-star-2023-sos-1235558899/ | access-date=March 2, 2025}} while in a 2023 Rolling Stone listicle, she is ranked as the 180th best singer of all time. Her albums, Ctrl (2017) and SOS (2022), were ranked at No. 472 and No. 351, respectively, on Rolling Stone{{'}}s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.{{cite magazine | title=The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=December 31, 2023 | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/pixies-surfer-rosa-2-1062843/ | access-date=March 2, 2025}}{{cite magazine | last=Schewitz | first=Brett | title=#472 SZA, 'Ctrl' (2017) | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=October 13, 2020 | url=https://www.rs500albums.com/500-451/472 | access-date=March 2, 2025}} Many retrospectives have credited Ctrl with influencing the sound of contemporary R&B.{{cite web | last=Brooks | first=Clarissa | title=Every Song On SZA's 'CTRL' Ranked | website=Vibe | date=June 30, 2022 | url=https://www.vibe.com/lists/sza-ctrl-songs-ranked/ | access-date=February 5, 2025 | archive-date=December 22, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222192647/https://www.vibe.com/lists/sza-ctrl-songs-ranked/ | url-status=live }} In 2023, Sophie Williams of NME highlighted the album's lasting influence, noting that even six years after its release, Ctrl{{'}}s impact continues to shape a "new generation of young, bright artists". The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's journalist Al Newstead thought that the album redefined genre boundaries through combining classic R&B and neo soul traditions with modern sounds.{{cite web | last=Newstead | first=Al | title=SZA: Is SOS worth the wait or too much of a good thing? | publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date=December 13, 2022 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/sza-sos-feature-album-review-worth-the-wait-too-much-good-thing/101765932 | access-date=February 5, 2025 | archive-date=January 23, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123043646/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/sza-sos-feature-album-review-worth-the-wait-too-much-good-thing/101765932 | url-status=live }} Many critics argue that Ctrl propelled SZA to mainstream pop stardom.{{Cite news |last=McCormick |first=Neil |author-link=Neil McCormick |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Sam Ryder is no one-hit wonder, SZA channels Princess Diana – the week's best albums |language=en-GB |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-albums-week-sam-ryder-sza-nina-hagen/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217123137/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-albums-week-sam-ryder-sza-nina-hagen/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Haile | first=Nardos | title=Why SZA is the true artist of the year | website=Salon | date=December 29, 2023 | url=https://www.salon.com/2023/12/29/sza-artist-of-the-year-2023/ | access-date=February 5, 2025 | archive-date=February 4, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250204194821/https://www.salon.com/2023/12/29/sza-artist-of-the-year-2023/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Hamilton | first=Xavier | title=SZA Shares Update on New Music, Talks Grieving Over Loss ... | website=Complex | date=February 26, 2020 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/fnr-tigg/sza-update-new-music-grieving-loss-of-loved-ones | access-date=February 5, 2025 | archive-date=February 25, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225083550/https://www.complex.com/music/a/fnr-tigg/sza-update-new-music-grieving-loss-of-loved-ones | url-status=live }}

= Views and philanthropy =

Many of SZA's unreleased songs have been leaked online, which she has openly criticized, stating, "When people leak my songs, they ruin them".{{cite web | last=Darville | first=Jordan | title=SZA on leaks: "When people leak my songs, they ruin them" | website=The Fader | date=November 29, 2023 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/11/29/sza-on-leaks-when-people-leak-my-songs-they-ruin-them | access-date=February 4, 2025 | archive-date=January 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104140636/https://www.thefader.com/2023/11/29/sza-on-leaks-when-people-leak-my-songs-they-ruin-them | url-status=live }} She feels that when a song is leaked, it no longer belongs to her but to the public, describing it as "something unfinished that you decided was ready to be shared".{{cite web | last=Turner-Williams | first=Jaelani | title=SZA Says People 'Ruin' Her Songs When They Leak Them: 'Yo... | website=Complex | date=November 29, 2023 | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/sza-people-ruin-her-songs-when-they-leak-them | access-date=February 4, 2025 | archive-date=January 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104140636/https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/sza-people-ruin-her-songs-when-they-leak-them | url-status=live }} In December 2018, SZA faced her first major leak when a nine-track unreleased album titled Comethru was distributed through a label called Scissor. On the album, SZA was credited as "Sister Solana", while Kendrick Lamar made a guest appearance under the name "King Kenny".{{cite web | last1=Bloom | first1=Madison | last2=Madison Bloom | first2=Evan Minsker | title=SZA Addresses Album That Leaked on Spotify, Apple Music | website=Pitchfork | date=December 21, 2018 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-addresses-album-that-leaked-on-spotify-apple-music/ | access-date=February 5, 2025 | archive-date=January 30, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130141039/https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-addresses-album-that-leaked-on-spotify-apple-music/ | url-status=live }} In January 2024, SZA warned that she may pursue legal action against those who release her music without permission, stating that she promised to hold them accountable as much as the law allows.{{cite web | last=Corrine | first=Amber | title=SZA Threatens To Take Legal Action Against 'Thieves' Who Leaked Her Music | website=Vibe | date=January 8, 2024 | url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/sza-threatens-legal-action-thieves-leaked-music-1234838487/ | access-date=February 6, 2025}} In March 2024, SZA addressed a fan on Twitter who leaked unreleased images and audio, and later deleted and deactivated her accounts before RCA could take action.{{cite web | last=Aswad | first=Jem | title=SZA to Release Leaked Songs as Deluxe Edition of 'SOS,' Will Remake Delayed 'Lana' LP 'From Scratch' | website=Variety | date=March 27, 2024 | url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/sza-leaked-songs-deluxe-sos-remake-lana-1235953406/ | access-date=February 6, 2025 | archive-date=December 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219070504/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/sza-leaked-songs-deluxe-sos-remake-lana-1235953406/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Blake | first=Cole | title=SZA Puts Lana Leaker On Blast, Fans Troll Her For Going After Someone With Only 4 Likes | website=HotNewHipHop | date=March 27, 2024 | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/780636-sza-lana-leaker-blast-fans-troll-her-4-likes-hip-hop-news | access-date=February 6, 2025 | archive-date=February 14, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214151318/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/780636-sza-lana-leaker-blast-fans-troll-her-4-likes-hip-hop-news | url-status=live }} SZA's manager, Punch, noted that leaks frequently result in project delays or complete cancellations.{{cite web | last=Trapp | first=Malcolm | title=SZA Issues Fiery Response To Music Being Leaked: "You Are a F**king Thief" | website=Rap-Up | date=January 7, 2024 | url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/2024/01/07/sza-issues-fiery-response-to-music-being-leaked | access-date=February 6, 2025 | archive-date=December 31, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231012225/https://www.rap-up.com/article/2024/01/07/sza-issues-fiery-response-to-music-being-leaked | url-status=live }}

SZA is also known for her philanthropic efforts and supports a number of causes, including social and environmental justice as well as Palestinian rights. Following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, SZA invited fans to spend time with her after Ctrl the Tour in exchange for donating essential items such as non-perishable food, diapers, gloves, masks, trash bags, and baby food.{{cite web | last=Muhammad | first=Latifah | title=SZA Has Been Using Her 'Ctrl' Tour To Collect Necessities For Hurricane Victims | website=Vibe | date=October 5, 2017 | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-ctrl-tour-hurricane-victims-542236/ | access-date=March 2, 2025}} In 2019, a fan of SZA diagnosed with lupus, sickle cell disease, and Crohn's disease shared on social media that the artist had contributed financially toward her chemotherapy treatments and used her platform to help find a kidney donor.{{cite web | last=Reese | first=Alexis | title=SZA Applauded For Covering Medical Expenses For Fan Battling Lupus | website=Vibe | date=August 30, 2019 | url=https://www.vibe.com/features/vixen/sza-applauded-for-covering-medical-expenses-for-fan-battling-lupus-662422/ | access-date=February 6, 2025 | archive-date=December 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220190149/https://www.vibe.com/features/vixen/sza-applauded-for-covering-medical-expenses-for-fan-battling-lupus-662422/ | url-status=live }} That same year, SZA launched a merchandise line called Ctrl Fishing Company, which included apparel featuring phrases such as "Puck Flastic" and "Sustainability Gang", as well as sea animals like blue whales and seahorses.{{cite web | last=Halabian | first=Layla | title=SZA is trying to save the ocean with her new clothing line | website=The Fader | date=August 14, 2018 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/08/14/sza-ctrl-fishing-co-save-the-ocean | access-date=February 6, 2025 | archive-date=May 27, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527160250/https://www.thefader.com/2018/08/14/sza-ctrl-fishing-co-save-the-ocean | url-status=live }} In 2021, SZA partnered with tea brand Tazo and American Forests to address environmental racism—disproportionate environmental harm affecting Black and brown communities. The corps comprised 25 locally hired fellows trained in climate justice advocacy, tree planting, and maintenance.{{cite magazine | last=Gonzales | first=Erica | title=SZA on TAZO Tree Corps, New Music, and Blackpink | magazine=Harper's Bazaar | date=February 17, 2021 | url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a35525577/sza-tazo-tree-corps-interview/ | access-date=February 6, 2025 | archive-date=January 15, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115020500/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a35525577/sza-tazo-tree-corps-interview/ | url-status=live }} During the SOS Tour concert in Australia on April 16, 2024, she expressed her support for Palestine by holding the country's flag and calling out, "Free Palestine".{{cite magazine | last=Denis | first=Kyle | title=SZA Shouts 'Free Palestine' at Australia SOS Tour Stop: Watch | magazine=Billboard | date=April 17, 2024 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-shouts-free-palestine-australia-sos-concert-1235658740/ | access-date=February 6, 2025 | archive-date=December 25, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225091638/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-shouts-free-palestine-australia-sos-concert-1235658740/ | url-status=live }}

SZA has been vocal in her criticism of the 45th and 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump. In 2016, during that year's presidential election, she condemned Trump supporters, stating that they endorse "bigotry, lying, and xenophobia" and that "[people] are dying from the stereotypes he perpetuates." That same year, she also criticized the hypocrisy in public perception, stating that "we have Trump removing Muslims from conferences [and] spewing venomous bigotry{{nbsp}}[...] yet Beyoncé being positive is scary?"{{cite web | last=Trapp | first=Malcolm | title=SZA Tells Fans To Vote Or They 'Can't Complain' About The Presidential Election Results | website=Rap-Up | date=July 31, 2024 | url=https://www.rap-up.com/article/sza-tells-fans-to-vote-in-presidential-election-or-they-cant-complain | access-date=March 2, 2025}}

Personal life

SZA has been candid about her struggles with mental health, describing the music industry as "one of the most stressful, psychosis-inducing industries". She became depressed and developed suicidal thoughts after the sudden deaths of three ex-boyfriends in quick succession. She found solace through prayer and music, which helped her work toward self-acceptance. Her best friend Mac Miller's accidental lethal overdose in 2018 and grandmother's death in 2020 further pushed her into suicidal thoughts and demotivated her from making music.

Due to her upbringing, SZA has practiced several religious beliefs throughout her life. She believes in a "higher power or presence [...] that's running and moving the world like a well-oiled machine," regardless of religion. She has practiced and identified with Christianity, and she considers herself Muslim.{{Cite web |last=Amani |date=April 7, 2021 |title=SZA Thinks About Wearing Hijab "All the Time" |url=https://muslimgirl.com/sza-thinks-about-wearing-hijab-all-the-time-ramadan-muslim/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=Muslim Girl |language=en-US}} Apart from Abrahamic faiths, she incorporates Hinduism in her personal belief system. In 2020, she hosted an online meditation session with Lizzo on Instagram Live, where SZA played a Tibetan singing bowl.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=April 24, 2020 |title=Watch Lizzo and SZA host meditation class on Instagram Live |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-lizzo-and-sza-host-meditation-class-on-instagram-live-2653065 |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} SZA went to a silent retreat in India in 2025, refraining from social media use for over a week and practicing samyama all the while.{{Cite web |last=Sadler |first=Armon |date=February 6, 2025 |title=SZA Shares Lessons From "Silent Retreat" In India With Her Mother |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/sza-shares-lessons-silent-retreat-india-her-mother-1234992061/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}} To maintain her wellness, SZA also does yoga.{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2021 |title=SZA's Moved On to Bigger, Better Things Since That Grammys Snub (and You Should Too) |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a34935658/sza-cosmopolitan-cover-february-2021-new-album/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=Cosmopolitan |language=en-US}}

SZA is known for keeping her dating life private.{{cite web | last=Aizin | first=Rebecca | title=SZA's Dating History: From Drake to Her Former Fiancé | website=People | date=February 5, 2024 | url=https://people.com/sza-complete-dating-history-8559131 | access-date=February 4, 2025 | archive-date=February 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206105246/https://people.com/sza-complete-dating-history-8559131 | url-status=live }} Her known former partners include Canadian rapper and singer Drake, whom she dated in 2009.{{cite web |title=SZA Reflects on 'Young' and Casual Fling with Drake in 2009: 'It Wasn't Hot and Heavy or Anything' |url=https://people.com/sza-reflects-on-young-casual-fling-with-drake-in-2009-8346964 |website=People |access-date=December 4, 2024 |date=February 4, 2025 |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207173341/https://people.com/sza-reflects-on-young-casual-fling-with-drake-in-2009-8346964 |url-status=live }} Another is an unnamed fashion designer, whom she dated for eleven years and was her ex-fiancé for five.{{cite web |title=What's Behind SZA's Biggest Year Yet? Work, Wonder and 'Weird Shit' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sza-sos-deluxe-grammys-drake-snooze-video-1234830913/ |website=The Rolling Stone |access-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003163738/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sza-sos-deluxe-grammys-drake-snooze-video-1234830913/ |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |date=October 3, 2023}} She attributes the beginning of her career in part to him, who helped finance her everyday needs; she described her relationship with him as codependent. The two broke off around 2017, sending SZA in a catastrophizing state because he was a "rock in [her] life" and "nobody understood [her] the way he did". Her 2023 single "Nobody Gets Me" was written about him, as were many other songs from SOS.

Discography

Ctrl (2017)
SOS (2022; reissued in 2024 as Lana)

Filmography

One of Them Days (2025)

Tours

Headlining

Ctrl the Tour (2017–2018)
SOS Tour (2023–2024)

Co-headlining

The Championship Tour {{small|(with Top Dawg Entertainment artists)}} (2018)
Grand National Tour {{small|(with Kendrick Lamar)}} (2025)

Supporting

Coldplay – Ghost Stories Tour (2014)
Jhené Aiko – Enter the Void Tour (2014)
Jessie J – Sweet Talker Tour (2015)
Bryson Tiller – Set It Off Tour (2017)

Achievements

In her career, SZA has received five Grammy Awards,{{cite web | last=Anderson | first=Jason | title=Who will perform with Kendrick Lamar during Super Bowl halftime show? | website=USA Today | date=February 7, 2025 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2025/02/06/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-59-halftime-show-predictions/78300943007/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}} a Golden Globe nomination,{{cite web | last1=Yoo | first1=Noah | last2=Noah Yoo | first2=Jazz Monroe | title=Golden Globes 2019 Nominations: Kendrick, SZA, Donald Glover, Lady Gaga, More | website=Pitchfork | date=December 6, 2018 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/golden-globes-2019-nominations-kendrick-sza-donald-glover-lady-gaga-more/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}} and an Academy Award nomination.{{cite web | last=Yoo | first=Noah | title=Oscars 2019: Kendrick, SZA, and Lady Gaga Nominated for Best Original Song | website=Pitchfork | date=January 22, 2019 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/oscars-2019-kendrick-sza-and-lady-gaga-nominated-for-best-original-song/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}} She has earned one American Music Award,{{cite magazine | last=Atkinson | first=Katie | title=Here Are All the 2021 American Music Awards Winners | magazine=Billboard | date=November 22, 2021 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2021-amas-winners-list-1235000924/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}} six Billboard Music Awards,{{cite magazine | last=Grein | first=Paul | title=Babyface, SZA to Receive Special Honors at 2024 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards | magazine=Billboard | date=July 30, 2024 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/babyface-sza-honors-2024-bmi-rb-hip-hop-awards-1235743239/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}} four MTV Video Music Awards,{{cite magazine | last=Atkinson | first=Katie | title=MTV VMAs 2018 Complete Winners List | magazine=Billboard | date=August 21, 2018 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/vma-2018-winners-8471097/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Hailu | first=Selome | title=2021 MTV Video Music Awards: The Complete Winners List | website=Variety | date=September 12, 2021 | url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/2021-vmas-winners-list-mtv-1235059129/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Minsker | first=Evan | title=MTV VMAs 2023: See the Full Winners List | website=Pitchfork | date=September 12, 2023 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/vmas-2023-see-the-full-winners-list/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}}{{cite magazine | last=Atkinson | first=Katie | title=Here's the Full List of 2024 MTV VMAs Winners | magazine=Billboard | date=September 12, 2024 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2024-vmas-winners-list-1235772883/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}} and six BET Awards. She received the "Rulebreaker Award" and "Women of the Year" at the Billboard Women in Music event in 2019 and 2023, respectively.{{cite magazine | last=Aniftos | first=Rania | title=SZA Is Billboard's 2023 Woman of the Year | magazine=Billboard | date=February 10, 2023 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/sza-billboard-woman-of-the-year-2023-honoree-1235250233/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}} SZA has also won the Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist in 2017.{{cite web | last=Nordyke | first=Kimberly | title=BET Soul Train Awards: Bruno Mars Tops With 5 Wins | website=The Hollywood Reporter | date=November 26, 2017 | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/bet-soul-train-awards-2017-winners-1053955/ | access-date=February 26, 2025}}

In September 2022, SZA was included as one of the rising stars on the Time 100 Next List.{{Cite magazine|last=Porter|first=Sierra|title=SZA Graces the Cover of TIME100 Next List|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-time-100-next-list-1235146715/|date=September 28, 2022|access-date=September 29, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928233127/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-time-100-next-list-1235146715/|url-status=live}} At the 2022 Grammy Awards, SZA won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Doja Cat for their collaboration "Kiss Me More".{{Cite web |title=Doja Cat & SZA Win GRAMMY For Best Pop Duo/Group Performance {{!}} 2022 GRAMMYs |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/doja-cat-sza-kiss-me-more-wins-best-pop-duo-group-performance-2022-grammys |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=www.grammy.com |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105192056/https://www.grammy.com/news/doja-cat-sza-kiss-me-more-wins-best-pop-duo-group-performance-2022-grammys |url-status=live }} In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked SZA at number 180 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.{{cite magazine|title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=January 1, 2023|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/sza-9-1234645022/|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210222732/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/sza-9-1234645022/|url-status=live}} At the 2025 Grammy Awards, SZA won Best R&B Song for her single "Saturn".{{cite web | last=Corrine | first=Amber | title=Chris Brown, SZA, Lucky Daye Score Big Wins In R&B Categories At 67th Annual Grammys | website=Vibe | date=February 3, 2025 | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/chris-brown-sza-lucky-daye-win-rnb-67th-grammys-1234990289/ | access-date=February 3, 2025}}