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SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, is an American music artist who has been captivating the global music scene with her honest lyrics, distinctive voice, and versatile styles. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative artists in the R&B genre, which blends elements of soul, pop, and hip hop. SZA has also proven herself as a talented producer, a fearless advocate, and a visionary leader in the music industry
Origins and Early Career
SZA was born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, but was raised in Maplewood, New Jersey. She grew up in a musical family, with her grandmother being a professional opera singer. She developed a passion for singing and songwriting from a young age, and started performing at local events and fairs. She also learned to play the guitar, clarinet, drums, and keyboard12
In 2011, SZA independently released her first EP, See.SZA.Run, which showcased her unique blend of R&B, soul, and indie pop. She also independently released her second EP, S, in 2013, which further established her as a rising star in the R&B scene. She signed to Top Dawg Entertainment in 2013, after Terrence “Punch” Henderson, co-founder of the label, heard her self-released EPs. She became the first female artist to sign with the label, which is home to other prominent artists such as Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul12
In 2014, SZA released her third EP, Z, her first under TDE and the first installment of the planned trilogy of EPs. The EP featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Chance the Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, and Mac Miller. The EP also spawned the hit single “Babylon”, which featured Kendrick Lamar. The EP was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard R&B Albums chart and receiving positive reviews from critics and fans alike12
Breakthrough and Global Success
In 2017, SZA released her debut studio album, Ctrl, which marked her transition from indie pop to mainstream R&B. The album featured the singles “Drew Barrymore”, “Love Galore” (featuring Travis Scott), “The Weekend”, “Broken Clocks”, and “Supermodel”. The album also featured collaborations with other artists, such as James Fauntleroy, Pharrell Williams, and Smino. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning five Grammy nominations in 2018, including Best New Artist, Best Urban Contemporary Album, and Best R&B Performance. The album also topped the US Billboard R&B Albums chart and reached the top 10 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album also received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, who praised SZA’s raw and relatable lyrics, soulful vocals, and eclectic production12
In 2018, SZA collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the song “All the Stars”, which was part of the soundtrack for the film Black Panther. The song was a worldwide sensation, reaching the top 10 in over 25 countries and earning four Grammy nominations in 2019, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The song also received a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song12
In 2020, SZA released her first solo single in three years, “Hit Different”, which featured Ty Dolla Sign and was produced by The Neptunes. The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and receiving positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The song also marked the beginning of a new era for SZA, as she announced that she was working on her second studio album12
In 2021, SZA released her second single from her upcoming album, “Good Days”, which featured Jacob Collier. The song was a massive hit, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming SZA’s highest-charting solo single to date. The song also received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised SZA’s uplifting and optimistic lyrics, smooth vocals, and soothing production12
In 2022, SZA released her third single from her upcoming album, “Shirt”, which featured Doja Cat. The song was a catchy and playful anthem, reaching the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a viral sensation on TikTok. The song also received positive feedback from critics and fans alike, who praised SZA’s fun and confident lyrics, catchy vocals, and vibrant production2
In 2023, SZA finally released her long-awaited second studio album, SOS. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Drake, Frank Ocean, Jhené Aiko, and Khalid. The album also spawned the singles “I Hate U”, “Nobody Gets Me”, and “Snooze”. The album was a critical and commercial success, topping the US Billboard 200 chart and breaking the record for the largest streaming week for an R&B album in the US. The album also received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, who praised SZA’s honest and personal lyrics, powerful vocals, and diverse production. The album also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2024, making SZA the first female R&B artist to win the award2
Future Plans and Vision
SZA has stated that she wants to continue to push the boundaries of music and create a new sound that transcends genres and cultures. She has also expressed her desire to inspire and empower the youth of the world, and to use her platform to raise awareness on social issues and causes. She has also launched her own clothing line, SOS, which reflects her fashion sense and personality2
SZA is undoubtedly one of the most talented and visionary artists of her generation, and she has proven that she has what it takes to conquer the world with her music and message. She is a true soulful star and leader in the music industry, and she is set to become a legend in the history of music.
