“I just take it day by day…” SZA is an artist who I don’t know as much about, but really appreciate none the less and would like to get more into. Her music has soul and R&B roots and offers comforting and soulful lyrics. Her lyrics are clever, thoughtful, and carry good vibes. She has also made a significant social impact through speaking about environmental justice, depression and anxiety, and sustainability.
SZA (Solána Imani Rowe) was born in 1989 in St. Louis. She began recording on the side after leaving college, her work inspired by Billie Holliday, Bjork, Wu-Tang Clan, etc. After releasing a few singles, she signed with Top Dawg Entertainment and continued to release new EPs. She came out with a top song of hers, “Love Galore”, and was featured on many high profile songs by artists such as Travis Scott and Nicki Minaj. With the release of more music and her first album Ctrl, SZA was nominated for five Grammys that year. Since then, SZA has continued to release new singles, be featured on other popular artists’ songs, and hold her own on the Top 100 List.
SZA makes R&B contemporary and really makes it her own. Her lyrics, as I said before, are creative and often soulful. A few examples that stick out at me are: “Jesus called me collect last night/It took all of me not to answer”, ““I really wish I was a normal girl, oh my/How do I be, how do I be a lady”, “Why I can’t stay alone just by myself? Wish I was comfortable just with myself”. These lyrics all speak about something – accepting blessings into your life, the impossible expectations women face, and being comfortable in one’s own skin. Her songs each take an important and make it pretty and easily palatable.
In addition to her contributions to the music world, SZA uses her platform to talk about mental health and environmental issues. She has spoken out about her struggles with depression and anxiety, which may give comfort to her listeners who struggle with the same issues. She has also aligned with Tazo Tree Corps, planting trees and making other efforts for a better future. She speaks out about the environmental crisis that we face and encourages her fans to turn their attention to it and to help.
Overall, SZA’s unique style of contemporary R&B allows her to make her thoughts turned into lyrics her own. She has made waves for her catchy and soulful music, as well as for the positive impact she seeks to leave on the world.
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sza-mn0003180568/biography
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9526563/sza-good-days-interview
I have never heard of this artist, but I will definitely check her out. I think it is awesome that she speaks out about mental health and the environmental crisis. We need people who are deemed “celebrities” to be good influencers and push society towards positive change.
I absolutely LOVE SZA and have listened to her from very early on. I was so happy to see her on the Black Panther soundtrack because I feel like that allowed for her to receive the respect she deserves. I love that you also focused on all that she does even outside of the music world as well!