SZA (pronounced "Sizza") is the stage name of Solána Imani Rowe, an American singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in New Jersey, SZA began making music in the early 2010s, gaining attention with her self-released EPs, S and Z. Her unique blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike, and in 2014, she became the first female artist signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, the label home of
Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q.
SZA's breakthrough came with the release of her debut studio album, Ctrl, in 2017. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning her four Grammy Award nominations, including Best New Artist. Ctrl's introspective lyrics, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, struck a chord with listeners, and the album's singles, including "Love Galore" and "The Weekend," became instant classics.
SZA's music is heavily influenced by her personal experiences and relationships, as well as her love of literature and poetry. She has cited artists like
Lauryn Hill,
Björk, and
Stevie Wonder as major inspirations, and has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including
Rihanna,
Kendrick Lamar, and
Maroon 5.
In 2022, SZA released her highly-anticipated sophomore album, SOS, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received widespread critical acclaim. With her distinctive voice, introspective lyrics, and genre-defying sound, SZA has established herself as one of the most exciting and innovative artists working today.