The Musical Mastery Of SZA - Empowering Lyrics And Soulful Soundscapes
American singer-songwriter SZA (born Solána Imani Rowe) is well-known for fusing alternative, R&B, and soul music in a distinctive way. With her unique music and reflective lyrics, she has captured the attention of audiences all around the globe since making her debut in 2014.
Author:James PierceReviewer:Emily SanchezFeb 22, 20241K Shares43.7K Views
American singer-songwriterSZA(born Solána Imani Rowe) is well-known for fusing alternative, R&B, and soul music in a distinctive way. With her unique music and reflective lyrics, she has captured the attention of audiences all around the globe since making her debut in 2014.
When SZA's first studio album, "Ctrl," was published in 2017, it peaked at number one on the "Billboard" Top R&B Albums list, number two on the "Billboard" Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and number three on the "Billboard" 200 chart. The album went platinum twice, and "Rolling Stone" included it among the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" in 2020.
Quick Info About SZA
| Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Gender | Female |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter |
Early Life & Education
In St. Louis, Missouri, on November 8, 1989, Solána Imani Rowe gave birth to SZA. Her parents are a Muslim father (an executive producer at CNN) and a Christian mother (an AT&T executive), and she was raised in a Muslim home in Maplewood, New Jersey. SZA has a half-sister called Tiffany and an elder brother, Daniel, who is a rapper who performs under the stage name Manhattan. SZA would go to a Muslim prep school in the afternoons following her daily classes.
She stopped wearing her hijab after the terrorist events on September 11, 2001, because she was being teased by her peers in middle school. After cheerleading and gymnastics, among other activities, SZA attended Columbia High School. She graduated in 2008 and went on to study marine biology at Delaware State University. She dropped out of school during her last semester, and shortly after, she told her parents she wanted to pursue a career in music and met Terrence "Punch" Henderson, co-president of Top Dawg Entertainment. The Supreme Alphabet is the source of her stage name, which translates to "Self-savior, Zig-zag-zig, Allah."
Music Career Of SZA
In July 2013, SZA became the first female artist to be signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, having previously self-released the EPs "See.SZA.Run" and "S". Her EP "Z," which debuted in April 2014, peaked at #5 on the "Billboard" R&B chart and at #9 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The EP produced two singles: "Child's Play" (with Chance the Rapper) and "Babylon" (featuring Kendrick Lamar). In addition, SZA and Jill Scott worked together on the song "Divinity" that year. She went on to write songs for Beyoncé and Rihanna.
The song "Consideration," which she co-wrote and performed with Rihanna on at the 2016 Brit Awards, was her song. The first song off her first album, "Drew Barrymore," was released early in 2017 and went platinum. A few months later, SZA got a record deal with RCA Records. Released on June 9, 2017, her album "Ctrl" reached gold in Australia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom and twice platinum in the United States and New Zealand. Five platinum certifications were awarded to the track "Love Galore" (featuring Travis Scott).
Four platinum certifications were awarded to "The Weekend" and three platinum certifications to "Broken Clocks." The Maroon 5 song "What Lovers Do," which peaked at number 10 on the "Billboard" Hot 100 list, featured SZA in August 2017. She was nominated for five Grammy Awards in 2018. She collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the song "All the Stars" from the film "Black Panther." "All the Stars" was nominated for Grammys, Golden Globes, and Academy Awards, and it peaked at number 10 in many countries.
SZA Collaborations
SZA has proven to be a versatile artist, not only through her solo work but also through a range of collaborations with various artists across different genres. These collaborations showcase her adaptability and ability to seamlessly blend her soulful sound with diverse musical styles. Here are some notable collaborations featuring SZA:
- "All the Stars" with Kendrick Lamar (2018) -Perhaps one of her most prominent collaborations, SZA teamed up with Kendrick Lamar for "All the Stars." The track served as the lead single for the "Black Panther" soundtrack and earned them an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
- "What Lovers Do" with Maroon 5 (2017) -SZA joined forces with the pop-rock band Maroon 5 for the catchy and upbeat track "What Lovers Do." The collaboration showcased her ability to lend her soulful vocals to a more mainstream pop sound.
- "The Other Side" with Justin Timberlake (2020) -SZA collaborated with Justin Timberlake for the song "The Other Side," featured on the "Trolls World Tour" soundtrack. The track blends their distinctive styles, creating an energetic and infectious pop hit.
- "Broken Clocks (Remix)" with J.I.D (2018) -SZA collaborated with rapper J.I.D to deliver a remix of her own track, "Broken Clocks." This collaboration added a fresh hip-hop perspective to the original R&B track.
- "Homemade Dynamite (Remix)" with Lorde, Khalid, and Post Malone (2017) -SZA joined forces with Lorde, Khalid, and Post Malone for a remix of Lorde's "Homemade Dynamite." This collaborative effort showcased the artists' collective ability to reimagine a song with their unique styles.
- "Power is Power" with The Weeknd and Travis Scott (2019) -SZA collaborated with The Weeknd and Travis Scott for "Power is Power," featured on the soundtrack for the final season of "Game of Thrones." The track combined the talents of these artists to create a cinematic and powerful anthem.
- "Bed" with Ariana Grande (2018) -SZA lent her vocals to Ariana Grande's song "Bed," contributing to the dreamy and sensual atmosphere of the track. The collaboration highlighted their ability to complement each other's vocal styles.
Awards And Nominations
SZA has been nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and four Grammy Awards throughout her career. In addition to winning two MTV Video Music Awards, two BET Awards, one American Music Award, one Billboard Music Award, and Best New Artist in 2018, she also took home the "Rulebreaker Award" at the Billboard Women in Music event that same year.
In 2017, SZA was the recipient of the Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist. SZA received praise for being one among the emerging performers on the TIME100 Next List in September 2022. SZA and Doja Cat won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 2022 Grammy Awards for their popular song "Kiss Me More" together. SZA was placed 180th in Rolling Stone's list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2023.
SZA Net Worth
SZA is projected to have a net worth of around $10 million by 2024. Her thriving music career, which includes record sales, streaming income, concert tours, and brand partnerships, is the main source of her enormous riches.
Personal Life Of SZA
SZA and Crocs worked together in 2022 to produce two designs for the shoe brand. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, SZA's Crocs sales proceeds were donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Sad Girls Club, and Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. She also enlisted social advocates Yaris Sanchez, Sage Adams, and Donté Colley to serve as "SZA's superheroes" and advocate for mental health and self-care.
SZA Fashion Style
SZA, in addition to her musical prowess, has become a notable figure in the fashion world, admired for her distinctive and eclectic style. Her fashion choices reflect a blend of comfort, individuality, and a keen sense of self-expression. Here's a glimpse into SZA's fashion style:
- Bohemian Vibes -SZA often embraces bohemian-inspired looks, incorporating flowing fabrics, vibrant patterns, and earthy tones. Maxi dresses, wide-legged pants, and layered accessories are staples in her wardrobe, creating a laid-back and free-spirited aesthetic.
- Streetwear Edge -SZA effortlessly merges boho-chic with streetwear elements. She can be seen rocking oversized hoodies, trendy sneakers, and bold graphic prints. This fusion of styles adds a contemporary and urban flair to her overall fashion persona.
- Retro Glam -Drawing inspiration from different eras, SZA is known to infuse her wardrobe with retro elements. Vintage-inspired pieces, oversized sunglasses, and nostalgic accessories showcase her appreciation for timeless fashion.
- Bold Colors and Patterns -SZA isn't afraid to experiment with bold and vibrant colors. From deep jewel tones to eye-catching prints, her wardrobe often features a kaleidoscope of hues, enhancing her charismatic and playful fashion sense.
- Effortless Elegance - While she embraces a diverse range of styles, SZA also effortlessly exudes elegance. Whether she's donning a sleek tailored suit or a stylish gown, her red carpet looks showcase a refined and sophisticated side to her fashion repertoire.
- Natural Hair and Beauty -SZA embraces her natural beauty, often showcasing her curly hair and opting for minimal makeup looks. This commitment to authenticity aligns with her overall approach to self-expression, inspiring fans to embrace their unique features.
- Gender-Fluid Fashion -SZA challenges traditional gender norms in her fashion choices, exploring androgynous styles with oversized silhouettes, menswear-inspired pieces, and a generally inclusive approach to fashion.
FAQs About SZA
What Is SZA Known For?
SZA is known for her distinctive style in the R&B and neo-soul genres. She gained recognition for her critically acclaimed debut album "Ctrl" and her soulful, introspective lyrics.
What Are Some Of SZA's Popular Songs?
Some of SZA's popular songs include "Love Galore," "The Weekend," "Drew Barrymore," and "Good Days."
How Has SZA Impacted The Fashion World?
SZA is recognized for her eclectic and bohemian-inspired fashion style, blending comfort with individuality. She often incorporates bold colors, patterns, and vintage elements into her wardrobe.
What Social Issues Does SZA Address In Her Music?
SZA's lyrics often touch on themes such as love, self-discovery, mental health, and feminism. She is also known for addressing social justice issues in her music, using her platform to advocate for equality.
Conclusion
She has a strong fan following and great economic success because to her distinctive voice and thoughtful lyrics. Through her live performances, song sales, streaming income, and commercial partnerships, SZA has accumulated significant fortune and cemented her place in the music business.
James Pierce
Author
Emily Sanchez
Reviewer
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