SZA Opens Up About Her Next Album & This New Era of Her Career | Billboard Cover

Five years ago, her debut redefined alternative R&B. With its follow-up at last imminent, she's more confident than ever - but still weighing pop stardom's long-term sustainability.
To learn more about this story:
www.billboard....
►► Subscribe for more music news: blbrd.cm/Proracf
►► See our latest videos: blbrd.cm/xOgw6VQ
About: Billboard is the world's most influential music media brand, with an unmatched authority among artists, fans and the industry. Billboard powers the ultimate global music destination and magazine, featuring unrivaled reporting on music news, issues and trends, the industry’s definitive charts, encompassing the most complete and well respected database of charts across all music genres, and elite conferences and events which regularly convene the industry and consumers around important conversations.
Connect with Billboard Online:
Visit the website: blbrd.cm/s5w4vTm
Likes us on Facebook: blbrd.cm/ks26yg5
Follow us on Twitter: blbrd.cm/uRNqRoN
Follow us on Instagram: blbrd.cm/6QaTrhn
#SZA #BillboardCover #Billboard
SZA Opens Up About Her Next Album & This New Era of Her Career | Billboard Cover
Billboard
/ billboard

[@Mark.mp3]

One of the most anticipated albums of our generation

[@witch6977]

And for The next generations to wait as well

[@KTBEverlasting]

Fr. I look forward to anything she releases.

[@NugiMIkhsan]

Fr 😩😩😩

[@jalensera]

@Joquan Rowsey”one of”

[@goodgood2651]

No

[@namusbonsai633]

Sza is an amazing songwriter, out of this word how that woman can put emotions through lyrics just like dat, i freaking love her

[@lakaylaallen37]

Yess so true .. check out Jessie Reyez music if you haven’t. She’s a great songwriter as well!!

[@NilahMonai]

Yessss saying things that I have a hard time saying out loud by myself

[@damsapollo]

And on top of that, she has a really unique way of writing and not in the conventional way of making music as whole. sometimes it’s even unstructured but i don’t know how she still makes them so memorable. Really one of a kind artistry!

[@sonrizemuzik]

@@damsapollo Truuuuu well said!!

[@Mr.International82]

I agree. Shes an incredible songwriter. I also don’t understand why Jhene aiko doesn’t get much attention as well because shes an amazing songwriter as well.

[@vidlova11]

If anyone has noticed our generation of R and B artists are prioritizing their mental health and pouring that energy into their music

[@Thexavieralexander97]

Yes! And I’m here for it!

[@jae-yu1zh]

yes n i love it

[@Temiigold]

righttttt

[@lula1626]

i like hearing that she didnt grow up singing or play instruments. i sometimes feel like i am not a true aspiring musician because i dint start singing and playing when i was young and most musicians speak of how they started at like 9 years old

[@sevvii6961]

Fr I always here I’ve been taking music lessons or playing instruments since I was like 4 and I’m just well I deadass started 2 years ago so I feel it doing something wrong

[@farahwork2552]

literally just matters if you are good. i discovered i could hold a tune last year took singing lessons this summer and my teacher said i had “raw talent”. im 22 i literally never was passionate about singing. now i cant stop. some people discover their passions in different times. you have your whole life to discover the depths of your talents and your always growing♥️♥️♥️♥️. I really hope you pick up that instrument:)

[@mspennyisaac]

LMAO she said in another interview that she played the saxophone because she wanted to be like Lisa Simpson... but she lies a lot so who knows the truth.

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

@@mspennyisaac facts

[@prekrasnyy8728]

@@mspennyisaac I always forget about that 😬

[@Sean-wj7gj]

I LOVE HER she just seems so genuine and wise to herself I aspire to have a "I can be anything" thought process

[@jovanmonroe461]

She's a big liar, though. 😂

[@QueenFlowerChild28]

@@jovanmonroe461 true 🤣 we love her lying ass

[@xxstealerxx]

NPC comment

[@Cloikkk]

@paul5015whats wrong with plastic surgery tho?

[@princessdollgf]

@@jovanmonroe461fr 😂😂😂

[@lilrick456]

When she said "life is hard and being expected to perform at a high level all the time while life is lifing" really spoke to me 😩🥴🤔

[@itsrealkenna]

SZA is the kind of success story that encourages me as a underground artist with a small following. Seeing how she’s developed her skills and slowly blown up after seizing each and every opportunity she’s been giving has been inspirational! She has quickly become a mainstay in the industry and for good reason. She is too fire! I know if I put in the work, I can reach a larger audience some day too, but for now, I’m happy being a supporter. My turn will come too. Salute to SZA🔥

[@ANDY-sr4xq]

i'm rooting for u, Kenna! Never stops to believe in your dreams, kisses from Brazil

[@r.madijas8355]

When she said “To be expected to do anything at a high level while life is lifing is crazy” that was FELT!!!!

[@PaolaTheTimeLord]

she's so relatable even with her status that most people don't have. it really isn't about your material wealth, it's about your authenticity

[@xxstealerxx]

SHe's S0 rElAtAble

[@jahlilwilson10]

“…to be expected to do anything at a HIGH LEVEL, while life is lifeing is fuckin’ hard. & then you’re supposed to be a NICE person on top of that?” I FELT EVERY SINGLE WORD SHE SPOKE‼️ SOLANA i love ya & i’m READY for this new Era Mama.🦋

[@evodidit]

Dead Ass!!

[@sevynelevyn294]

she's so mother & authentic

[@tonyxpajamas]

No but how is she so incredible??!? The future will be bright for SZA

[@Oneofonejah]

everything she said about pressure to make music while life is lifeing & writing music because it makes you happy & not trying to chase super stardom really hit for me being on my artist journey

[@parkerwalker9763]

I hope SZA can enjoy this album release. I can understand how this moment and the pressure around it has kept her from releasing an album for years, but I'm happy that she's here now. And I can't wait to take my time and enjoy the music.

[@haxsxn]

seated for mother

[@princesspompous]

i love hearing her talk and getting to see her personality. she’s so normal lol

[@mariaguseva2192]

HYPE HER UP SHE DOESN'T PUT OUT MUSIC BECAUSE SHE THINKS SHE'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH BUT SHE'S AMAZIIIIIING. I AM STILL LISTENING TO CTRL EVERY DAY. SHE IS SO TALENTED

[@dariaa-]

I love sza so much she’s is literally everything ❤

[@lolomar]

sza’s 33? honestly thought she was like 25/26 tbh,she’s so talented

[@Staciem]

She was born in 1989, so 33 👍🏽 you had it right

[@Cocoisablackcat]

she’s her age tbh i never thought she was 25 or 26. i feel like this generation has a weird image of what 30’s look like.

[@Jimminityjabooboo]

1 mill in surgeries will do that. But she is beautiful nonetheless

[@Jimminityjabooboo]

@Alysia Williams I was the surgeon who performed the surgeries. Her ass is great. Implants from Mexico. Tremendous 😘

[@dinukasavinda99]

Her pen game is out of the universe 🤯

[@Ariescertified]

Her album is going to go #1 ! We need SZA!!!!

[@iaintoncrack]

Camp we really made it thru the drought 😭😭😭 I’m gonna cry

[@zariaa3929]

UGHH I LOVE HER SO MUCHH

[@lucassantanna8602]

She’s so humble but so confident?? It’s amazing

[@lauryn444]

this woman is quite literally an angel from God. everything about her is just so…amazing idk. i’m obsessed. her energy just radiates positivity and her music touches your soul like no other. the fact that she didn’t grow up singing or playing any instruments just amazes me. she’s so genuine and has such a pure soul and you can tell she’s full of gratitude. god i love this woman

[@TimoteoDeBaum]

SZA, I love you no matter how big you get. I know how scary it can be when you kind of stumbled into fame and it’s so overwhelming. Plz just know we’ll always support you no matter what you decide to do! We know you’re random asf! 😂 tune out charting, tune out award nominations, tune out stans. All you have to care about is your music bc we purely love it ❤

[@calebanderson5062]

the first 5 seconds are literally so relatable😭😭

[@shackelfor1993]

I love me some sza. I been hooked since before the fame.

[@Yumekho3]

I love her so much like she is so humble and talented not just musically but creatively like directing and coming up with music video concepts and creating real and genuine art. This is why I support her and her music, they way she gave hope to many black women and girls to pursue and make music like her is why SZA is the best and I can’t wait for this album 12/09/22❤❤❤

[@gabyortega896]

I love her she’s so nervous mean meanwhile eating up her PSA teaser constantly replaying it and i will absolutely be eating up this album she never disappoints. GODDESS

[@erinchoi5239]

i love her so much she is a role model for women everywhere - confident, creative, empowering, beautiful, and vulnerable

[@coloursofzen]

HI ERIN, I wish you great wealth and much happiness with this fabulous gift called life ❤️

[@daniellewilliams2221]

The best hands down. Every song is always on time and like she's reading my mind.

[@jaspersroom1934]

wym on time, she hasn't dropped an album in years

[@daniellewilliams2221]

@@jaspersroom1934 thats why I said every song no album

[@colenip5384]

so ready for this

[@coloursofzen]

Hi Cole, I wish you great wealth and much happiness with this fabulous gift called life ❤️

[@ladidaix]

SZA is truly a one of a kind talent! Her ability to emote and songwrite are unmatched 🤩💖 Can’t wait for her next project

[@kingjustinv01]

Sza is such a beautiful talented woman. Amazing songwriter too, looking forward to hearing the album >>>

[@saintmelanin1779]

Great interview, I love the fact that she’s just growing through life. She didn’t tie herself to music and is willing to explore other sides of her life. SZA the farmer, the biologist lol All love ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@friezeray]

Our generation's greatest songwriter, and such a unique approach to being a musician. Can't wait to hear and see her vision for the next project

[@cliffordgeneral8167]

Dang, this was a beautiful interview. Another reason to stan SZA

[@krysthianfelipe2337]

Love her so much. I know the new album’s gonna be lit!!! Hugs from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@mothluvsu]

i hear ppl say artists help them through things. sza is carrying me through life. truly. i've listened to every song over and over. the lines in every song are just so.. human. it blows away all the panic anxiety and just the weight of continuing to breathe

[@gentwhoisoverit6992]

she so well spoken and it translates into her songwriting

[@audreyanderson7042]

YASSS SZA IM SO EXCITED

[@coloursofzen]

Hi Audrey, I wish you great wealth and much happiness with this fabulous gift called life ❤️

[@ebonysmith61]

I love the humbleness and humor, I love sza 🥰🥰🥰

[@mansel713]

I loved her perspective on creating music, emotion is why the fans connect with her. She’s a brilliant writer!

[@ciciad2010]

I'm so excited for the next album Omg. She looks bomb in this video.

[@autumnnoahlea5223]

I know she's not honest about everything, but I appreciate how she said she needed a career that "she couldn't get fired from." there's a lot of vulnerability in that statement. creatives often don't fit in with society bc they're meant to break the molds. & instead of letting that get her down, she created a place for herself where she can flourish 🌹

[@theypraisejason]

we will be streaming mother's new album

[@witch6977]

Well Be dead by The Time IT drops

[@walla1010]

Everyday that I wake up, Sza is on my mind❤

[@anyaliu5915]

shes freaking beautiful

[@loubabycoles5957]

I absolutely CANNOT contain my excitement and struggling lack of patience for this album!!!! SZA SZN is finally upon us ❤❤❤😊

[@giselleharven2563]

i love that i’ve been listening for 7 years and watching her grow is amazing. she is raw and everytime I here interviews or listen to her I feel her on so many levels. thankful for her inspiration and realness 💕💕💕💕

[@07celebrity]

"I've always been delusional" YESSSS FOR NEW ERA HONEST SZA I LIVE! DO YO BIG 1 SIS!!!

[@47Libra]

Shes so down to earth. I love her even more

[@Taker51796]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE SZA!!!!

[@coloursofzen]

Hi Joseph, I wish you great wealth and much happiness with this fabulous gift called life ❤️

[@elloguvna6820]

She’s so gorgeous it’s unreal….

[@fatev7767]

Totally love Sza ❤️

[@Faaade_]

Always a joy to see SZA. ❤️

[@melvincoleman595]

I respect her honesty!

[@coloursofzen]

I wish you great wealth and much happiness with this fabulous gift called life ❤️

[@carmenlopez8465]

I love you szaaaaaa. as a fellow scorpio I feel that instability that comes with people's perceptions. ur that girl, and anything you do will be fkn bomb. always do it for the passion, the resonance.

[@thndrbrdtheartist]

I like that she’s so real

[@KpTheG]

She looks so different!!!

[@Nathanielahmir]

As an artist who would love to be in your shoes one day. This is the most inspiring and connected dialog I've ever heard from an artist. When I meet you, I'll remember what this meant to me.

[@bt-fc6vn]

she's so real

[@buhlebenkosimungwe]

“I created the person I wanted to see in the world in the moment “ I don’t think you guys are hearing her enough 😭😫

[@rosebudrhiannon]

SO READY FOR YOU SZA 🥲🥲

[@aveau2879]

i love her sm

[@fueledbymusic100]

She’s incredible and she doesn’t even know it! That what makes her so relatable and amazing!!!!

[@greensatsuma1018]

How come she looks so *drastically* different in this video? I swear she changes her face every year

[@rmorg9]

I love her.

[@coloursofzen]

Hi there , I wish you great wealth and much happiness with this fabulous gift called life ❤️

[@adenisouza9687]

I’m literally OBSESSED about this new album, can’t wait for it to be out ❤

[@yyg4632]

i love her interviews

[@rockstarrocket_]

This lady look good af 🫠🤤

[@chiaa.e]

i actually love her

[@ahanorrrr]

sza literally said everything that needed to be said honestly like she so inspiring

[@gabby.g.omezzz]

one of the greatest artists of our generation, excited for the album

[@potatopotatoeOG]

I really appreciate this woman’s honesty 😢❤

[@keemxk1646]

Sza is amazing 👏 I can't wait for this album 😍

[@ayomael]

SZA is just a real ass human being ♥️absolutely love her

[@veronicajade20]

So gorgeous.

[@CuteLewaczka]

SZA don't look like SZA anymore...WOAH

[@Axeliciousss]

MY SCORPIO KWEENNNN

[@thovanmaulanaimran]

YASS SCORPIO SZN

[@marcialx9718]

lovely interview but I cannot get over the fact Billboard click baited the title thisss hard, when the word album/EP/project didnt even come up once. This felt more like an evaluation of the songs we have now vs what’s yet to come ;(( WE JUST WANNA RELEASE DATE miss gooorl DATS IT😭💕

[@QueenZsWorld]

December "SOS" comes out

[@Flicchik]

Yes it did she said it herself

[@rohena2937]

jus read the article linked

[@mswag3514]

I’m hood asf but I know every SZA song like frfr! Lol I love her I wanna go to one of her concerts she needs to come to Memphis. She’s my favorite Singer #Period

[@cj10109]

Sza is adorable 🥰 can’t wait for the album 🔥

[@bunnyswan89]

my QUEEN! I love you SZA!!! everything you do is perfect!

[@z1ppy310]

I LOVe SZA SO FREAKING MUCH IT IS CRAZY ❤❤❤❤

[@edamamegirl994]

the pivot in mindset from CTRL TO SOS is honestly so fucking beautiful. i wanted to hug her so bad when she said she's prioritizing enjoying herself😭 GROWTH

[@nataliadelgado3380]

She is on her way to finding the cure for having us feel feelings we all can relate to like LOVE HEARTBREAK TRANSITIONS

[@janessamarie4601]

CTRL is classic in my opinion so I can’t wait for SOS😍😊

[@jaysauer834]

I’m so excited to see what comes next for SZA! What an amazing person and artist😍

[@thenotoriusg]

Please drop in time for Christmas, I need that soundtrack

[@samanthahenderson4975]

SZA is just beauty: please keep sharing your art, ignore any haters, there's big love out here for you ❤❤

[@hongj1n]

the energy she is exuding i love her sm

[@nene2k]

A rebirth of a scorpio, truly inspired!

[@SylenaMH]

I fucking loveeee SZA so much. She’s so raw and real. VERY hard to come by and see in people who become famous. Also VERY BEAUTIFUL, TALENTED, AND VERY INTELLECTUAL. I love hearing her talk.

[@Loujeezy]

Love you SZA!!

[@jonathanwilk5159]

She is so different 💖

[@molisemichaelsebatana8231]

She is so refreshing!🤌🏽🌸

[@marialuiza1778]

SZAAAAAAAA

[@kesaiawati9521]

SZA my favourite artist😍