Solána Imani Rowe, professionally known as SZA (/ˈsɪzə/ SIZ-ə), is a celebrated American singer-songwriter hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in the vibrant locale of Maplewood, New Jersey.
Her musical journey commenced in the early 2010s, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would eventually leave an indelible mark on the music industry. SZA’s meteoric rise to fame can be traced through her discography, collaborations, and numerous accolades.
In her early musical endeavors, SZA introduced herself to the world with two captivating extended plays, “See.SZA.Run” in 2012 and “S” in 2013. These initial offerings showcased her unique talent and laid the foundation for what would become a prolific career. It was during this period that she attracted the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment, a prominent hip-hop record label that would play a pivotal role in her journey.
Under the banner of Top Dawg Entertainment, SZA made her mark with “Z,” her third EP and first retail release in 2014. The music world took notice of her distinctive sound and lyrical prowess. During the same year, she co-wrote “Feeling Myself,” a hit song alongside Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé, further solidifying her presence in the industry.
2016 marked a significant turning point in SZA’s career when she collaborated with global superstar Rihanna on the song “Consideration.” Her soaring popularity continued to climb, leading to the highly anticipated release of her debut studio album, “Ctrl,” in 2017. This album received widespread acclaim from music critics and achieved remarkable milestones. “Ctrl” earned the distinction of being the second longest-charting R&B album by a woman on the US Billboard 200, following Rihanna’s “Anti” in 2016, and it attained triple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The 60th Annual Grammy Awards recognized SZA’s exceptional talent with four nominations, including the prestigious Best New Artist award. Furthermore, “Ctrl” received the honor of being included on Rolling Stone’s esteemed “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list in 2020. In August 2017, she added another chart-topping hit to her repertoire by featuring on Maroon 5’s “What Lovers Do.” The following year, her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the top-ten single “All the Stars” for the “Black Panther” soundtrack earned her nominations for the Golden Globe Award and Academy Award for Best Original Song.
In 2020, SZA released the single “Good Days,” setting the stage for an even more successful year ahead. The subsequent year witnessed the release of “I Hate U” and her collaboration with Doja Cat on “Kiss Me More.” Remarkably, all three singles achieved top-ten positions on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021, with the latter breaking records as the longest-running all-female collaboration within the top ten. This achievement earned SZA the coveted Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
SZA’s musical journey reached new heights with the release of her second album, “SOS,” in 2022. This highly anticipated album soared to number-one on the Billboard 200 chart, breaking records for the biggest streaming week ever for an R&B album. Impressively, it remained at the top of the chart for ten non-consecutive weeks. The album’s lead single, “Kill Bill,” marked a significant milestone as SZA’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Nobody Gets Me” and “Snooze” both enjoyed positions within the top ten.
Throughout her illustrious career, SZA has garnered numerous accolades, including an American Music Award, a Grammy Award, and a Guild of Music Supervisors Award. Her remarkable contributions to the music industry have also earned her two awards from Billboard Women in Music, including the prestigious Woman of the Year title. Additionally, she has received nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Brit Award, solidifying her status as a true musical luminary.
In conclusion, SZA’s journey from a budding artist in St. Louis to a Grammy-winning superstar is a testament to her unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her impact on the music industry is undeniable, and her future promises even greater musical achievements. With each note and lyric, SZA continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.