'Ctrl' to the Super Bowl: The Ascension of SZA
Image Courtesy: Billboard
This year, SZA has been the face of the music industry. Her performance at Super Bowl LIX has only further reinforced her evolution to star status. This year, the Super Bowl occurred in New Orleans, where the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles competed against each other in a game full of built-up tension. Kendrick Lamar was announced as the halftime show performer featuring SZA. The two performed “luther” from Kendrick Lamar’s most recent album GNX (2024). They also performed Lamar’s hit “All the Stars,” which gained popularity after its release in 2018. Fans noted the performance as a highlight of the show, receiving lots of positive feedback. The Echo mentions, “SZA making an appearance was a huge plus. She brought a new, energetic style to a somewhat low-energy concert.” Most notably, Kendrick Lamar performed “Not Like Us,” his hit song written during his heavily publicized feud with Drake.
Fans pointed out that Kendrick used the Super Bowl halftime show to signify his “win” against Drake. Not only did he get to sing “Not Like Us” on national television after winning five Grammys for the song, but he also performed with SZA and Serena Williams. Both had public relationships with Drake. SZA and Drake were rumored to date from 2008 to 2009, with the relationship leaving such a lasting impression that he referenced their dynamic in his song “Mr. Right Now.”
Kendrick has always had a soft spot for SZA. He spoke with Cosmopolitan about collaborating with SZA for the halftime show and stated, “For me, personally watching her, her career, and where she’s come from, it’s amazing to see… Songs are hard. I understand that process, though, wanting to be great. So, to see it now magnified is like, she always had it, man. I’m just honored to be next to her talent.”
Image Courtesy: Cosmopolitan
SZA has been a star since the release of her first album Ctrl back in June 2017. The album was released through Top Dawg Entertainment and featured Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, James Fauntleroy, and Isaiah Rashad. The album has five singles, all certified as a Platinum or higher record, and the album debuted at #3 on Billboard 200. Additionally, the album received four Grammy nominations, and SZA received a nomination for Best New Artist. From here, she only grew.
Ctrl establishes who SZA is as an artist, showcasing her uniquely gorgeous vocals through every song. The album is versatile, defying the confinements of musical genres by focusing on alternative R&B while incorporating pop, indie, rap, hip-hop, electronic, and soul elements. SZA is primarily known for her lyricism and ability to establish this emotional connection with her audience, pulling them into every lyric by highlighting her experiences through song. For this album, SZA was the lead songwriter, and each song was a testament to her character. It was a lament to past relationships and self-image, allowing listeners to relate. She did not shy away from explaining every feeling and thought she experienced.
Image Courtesy: Variety
In her most recent release of the deluxe album of SOS, titled Lana, SZA releases songs exemplifying how authentic she is. One of her songs in this release, "Diamond Boy," is a testament to her ability to articulate complex emotions. This song, in particular, is about the complexities of falling in love. “Usually, I can't let down my guard (No). It's the way you say shit smooth that got you far with me. Usually, I make 'em work so hard (So hard). But I'm ruthless about you; why waste more time?” Each of her lyrics is so simple and so relatable. In four lines, audiences can relate to feeling so comfortable around someone they recently met because they are falling in love.
SZA continues by explaining the contrast. As much fun as falling in love is, there is often a lot of anxiety. “And, baby, if it's OD, tell me. Am I sayin' too much? (Boy, I'm too much). Baby, if it's OD, just tell me. Am I doin' too much?” In the way she sings this, you can hear the versatility of her music through the instrumentation behind her. On one hand, she conveys the feeling of love, and on the other, there is a lurking theme of anxiety. These contrasting emotions are often the case when falling in love or getting into a relationship. The fear of being too much or if you are going to do something wrong is very apparent, and audiences alike can now relate and understand because of her music.
From this point, SZA has become a household name. Her music is played everywhere and attracts audiences of all ages with her genuine experience serving as relatable to a wide range of individuals. She attends different award shows, performs alongside popular artists, and even stars in a film titled “One of Them Days.” Her performance in the Super Bowl only signifies how she has established herself as a superstar.
Strike Out,
Writer: Gabi Barroso
Editor: Emily Montarroyos
Tallahassee