Who is SZA? 5 Things You Didn’t Know About The R&B Star
Solána Imani Rowe, better known as SZA, is an American singer-songwriter born on November 8, 1988, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. She emerged as a prominent figure in the music industry with her unique blend of R&B, neo-soul, and alternative music.
SZA’s journey to musical success began when she released her debut EP, “See.SZA.Run,” in 2012, followed by her debut studio album, “Ctrl,” in 2017. “Ctrl” received critical acclaim and showcased her talent for crafting emotionally raw and introspective lyrics. Some of her hit songs, like “Love Galore” and “The Weekend,” became anthems of a generation.
SZA’s music often explores themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment, resonating with a diverse audience. Her distinctive voice and unapologetic storytelling have made her a trailblazer in contemporary R&B.
Who is SZA? 5 Things You Didn’t Know About The R&B Star
1. The Meaning of SZA
SZA was born with the name Solána Imani Rowe. This name reflects her African and Muslim heritage, as “Solána” has African origins, and “Imani” is a Swahili word meaning “faith.” However, when she decided to pursue a career in music, she adopted the stage name “SZA.”
SZA’s stage name is not just a random choice; it has a deeper meaning. She derived her stage name from the Supreme Alphabet, which is a system of interpreting words and phrases in the teachings of the Nation of Gods and Earths (Five Percent Nation), a cultural and spiritual movement. In the Supreme Alphabet, each letter corresponds to a word or phrase, and “S” stands for “Sovereign/Self/Saviour” while “Z” stands for “Zigzag.”
- “Sovereign” represents the idea of equality between man and woman, emphasizing the importance of women and their role in society.
- “Zigzag” represents the path that one’s life takes, acknowledging the twists and turns that shape a person’s journey.
2. SZA Worked As A Bartender At Strip Clubs To Finance Music Career
Before her music career took off, SZA worked as a bartender. In an interview with the New York Times Magazine, she admitted she “smoked weed every day” during her short time at Delaware State University. She described lying about her age in an effort to serve alcohol at strip clubs, including at Sin City Gentlemen’s Cabaret in the Bronx, Knockouts in Newark, Nardone’s in Elizabeth, N.J. “I was easily working 14 hours,” she told the Times. “Like, just counting money.”
3. SZA became famous for her song “Love Galore” featuring Travis Scott
SZA gained significant fame with her song “Love Galore” featuring Travis Scott. Released in 2017 as part of her debut studio album “Ctrl,” the song became a breakthrough hit for the American singer-songwriter. “Love Galore” is a smooth R&B track that explores themes of love, desire, and emotional vulnerability. SZA’s soulful vocals, combined with Travis Scott’s guest verse, created a captivating blend that resonated with audiences.
The song’s success was propelled by its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and the raw authenticity of SZA’s delivery, which resonated with listeners. “Love Galore” received critical acclaim and earned SZA widespread recognition, helping establish her as a prominent figure in the contemporary R&B and hip-hop scene. It also contributed to the overall acclaim and commercial success of her album “Ctrl,” which further solidified her position in the music industry. SZA’s unique style and storytelling continue to be appreciated by fans and music enthusiasts worldwide.
4. SZA is signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE)
SZA is signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), the same record label that represents artists like Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q. She joined TDE in 2011. Before she was signed by Top Dawg Entertainment, the SOS singer enrolled at Delaware State University to study marine biology. While she did well in her first two semesters, she eventually lost interest in the course. “I’m like, ‘I told you I was smart and I proved my point. I have to leave now,’” she said. By her third semester, SZA had essentially “flunked out of school and stopped working at jobs that make any sense to other people.”
5. SZA’s debut studio album, Ctrl (2017), became the second longest-charting R&B album by a woman in the history of the US Billboard 200
“Ctrl” is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA, released in 2017. The album received widespread critical acclaim and marked a significant moment in contemporary R&B and neo-soul music. It showcased SZA’s distinctive blend of soulful vocals and introspective lyricism. Upon release, Ctrl received widespread critical acclaim from music critics, many of whom praised its cohesiveness and production, as well as SZA’s vocal delivery. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, moving 60,000 equivalent-album units in its first week. The album and its songs were nominated for four Grammy Awards, while SZA was nominated for Best New Artist.
You may also like:
