Does SZA Know Her Lyrics From Her Biggest Songs?

Singer-songwriter SZA tries to guess lyrics from some of her most popular songs. She shares with us how she's come from humble beginnings, what it was like being a part of a Grammy award winning record with Doja Cat, and what it takes to make hits.
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[@growingpink]

i hate that people have made her feel like she can’t share her more vulnerable music.

[@carlossantacruz1320]

frrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[@retrohowl2989]

Same :((

[@nenej12]

The industry does that to artist

[@A-qe2eg]

@@nenej12not just the industry, also the people who consume the music. not the sweetest place to be openly vulnerable in

[@kevinroyceho]

i was gonna say the same thing. people are such bullies it's insane

[@AwesomenessTV]

SZA so damn pretty 😭

[@n4karma.d]

“ariana what are you doing here” 😂😂

[@agrilli100]

Very 😭😭

[@vaultofedits]

I Need Her fr 😫😍

[@ye23.]

The amount of work shes had done she should be

[@Kioma001]

​@@ye23.Work done or not she's still amazing, atleast shes winning her life compared to bitches screaming everywhere about Surgery, if you need to talk about other people lives to be heard man ure a miserable piece of sh

[@homiedotkay4801]

sza not winning a grammy for ctrl was actually one of the biggest robberies in my life time at the grammys, ctrl put her on the map for YEAAARS! the songs are so well written well produced and timeless asf

[@callmejay05]

I agree 100%

[@xBashHD]

109% Robbery, but the biggest robbery is still Kendrick with Good Kid MAD City loosing against Mackelmore

[@pneumaa]

@@xBashHDnow I’m mad.. I almost forget abt that 🥲

[@JennyLangley-xw2vp]

I think it’s only cuz it wasn’t as popular as it was until the deluxe version came out and it got even MOREEE hype but it was definitely a robbery

[@deannamccrary3750]

Nicki never got one either the Grammys are a scam

[@virtuoso8642]

“But there is a girl that’s *dying* for you to be her man. It just is not me.” 💀🤣 I love her for explaining The Weekend that way.

[@trinityshears27]

i always thought some completely different about that song so it’s so funny to here she ain’t care about that man for real

[@deviantmoore9744]

​@@trinityshears27 The song was only about sex, nothing more. She never explores anything else with the man. Also, "The feelin' is reckless, of knowin' it's selfish, and knowin' I'm desperate..." shows that she was just lonely and looking for any (sexual) companionship.

[@jaylennasir]

@@trinityshears27 i feel like the song captures what she said it meant pretty concretely and explicitly

[@princesskyiahhh895]

yessss

[@ree3197]

That's so messy when you've been the other girl before tho.. . 🙄✨ Live and you learn tho.

[@myajt]

I can listen to SZA music for hours.

[@KYLEJT]

Me

[@pareeshaslaughter6798]

Me too....I just would never pay to see her perform live. She can't hold her breath 😂

[@jonxsza]

Same, I’m currently waiting for Lana to be released

[@ieatkids4breakfast]

I can listen to her talk for hours

[@myajt]

@@jonxsza same.

[@Lonelyallie]

Her saying she doesn’t feel like writing vulnerable music anymore because people can’t take it literally breaks my heart. Her fans who’ve been here from the start love her and stuck with her because of how vulnerable her music is and how unique her songwriting is. 💔

[@malcomalexander6927]

True!!

[@RhysWasHere]

yeah it hurts a lots cause that’s the music the fuels me most

[@CourtneyBShin]

She said she doesn’t want to share her most vulnerable music. I think she still writes it. If she is, that’s good for her right? She can at least process her emotions privately

[@JustTr3y]

It made me smile so hard knowing that she knows her songs so well 😂

[@ceasarsalad2055]

As she should, she wrote them. I'd be disappointed if not lol

[@africanoblackaldo1569]

She performs them every other day wtf

[@jossiel2196]

Thank you Variety for inviting mother SZA for this shoot! She’s so amazing and I can’t wait for she has in store for us!❤

[@zillaboop]

Ctrl was the most important rnb albums of the 2010s. Sza came into the game with a different sound. Her lyrics were relatable, her sound wasn’t typical rnb, she wasn’t singing about falling in love, but any and everything. I listened to her before ctrl and felt like she was always gonna make it because she created a youthful and different sound in rnb. People tried to recreate her sound, but they don’t have her voice or emotion. Sza knows how to sing in a way where you feel her exact emotion. Like when she sings in kill bill, it’s supposed to be an angry song about revenge and breakups, but her voice sounds defeated, like she doesn’t want to be this person but her feelings drive her to be that way. Consideration had her dna written all over it and I wish rih just let her have it or at least let her sing on it alone and still put it on the album he same way drake did it for skepta

[@mogamatyusufmartin9171]

True friend sza is 🔥and future goat

[@WasiaMobFuxWidIt]

CTRL is ICONIC. I was like 19 at the time but love galore had gone viral. then i listened to the rest of the album and realized i recognized her voice from the track she did with chance the rapper (childs play). every single song from ctrl hit. her writing ability is unmatched and her vocals compliment her swimmingly. I will continue to support her and her music.

[@roxyortiz8819]

I feel this WHOLE comment in my soul 😭😭

[@caseyrobles4549]

shut up you talk to damn much aint nobody reading all that. 💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩

[@AceSpadeOfficial]

She’s so down to earth, I really like her energy. You can tell her music is like her diary that we all happen to be listening to.

[@emonihaggins5615]

Hoping she gets at least 1 grammy even though she deserves all of them.😊 she won 2 tonight so far

[@maxluvsmusic]

she better get most of them istg, she deserves sm

[@_NicoleEboni]

She will win them all billboards don’t lie

[@emonihaggins5615]

@_NicoleEboni I hope so she up against Taylor so who knows.

[@naiistired]

she's been nominated for a bunch of categories so lets hope and pray

[@ruthlessxo99]

She deserves it, SOS is the best album of 2022 and 2023 for me!

[@juaniiibuh905]

The amount of times I’ve cried to her songs because I was feeling that exact thing is crazy, I love you Solána! Never stop doing what you’re doing for us and for yourself.

[@peachesandpoets]

She just said she's stopped. People are so annoying.

[@gabrielmagallanes5513]

CELEBRTIES ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS

[@juaniiibuh905]

@@gabrielmagallanes5513 never said she was babe

[@juaniiibuh905]

@@peachesandpoets including you

[@Deex338]

@@peachesandpoetsliterally

[@bolton0607]

I just love her, she’s so inspiring as a writer and I can’t want for this new music

[@neusound-ih9nd]

i love that sza acknowledge that kiss me first is doja's song and wanted doja to have her full on first grammy moment. but it was also a collaboration and i wish sza would have fully accepted it as her own moment too bc she added so much to an already top tier song. but i totally get it.

[@dexx8379]

Hate the fact that she feels like she can't share more sides of her, Sza is really an amazing artist and person and deserves the whole world

[@MannysMillennialMouth]

SOS was really worth the 5 year wait Like she really EXCEEDED herself I thought i was obsessed with CTRL when i say SOS STAYS on rotation. No sophomore slump from Queen Sza

[@ctrl_walker5105]

Ofc she know her lyrics SHE WRITE THEM, sza pen game is something 🤧 she so talented

[@ObservingtheMatrix]

I felt what she said about that Riri song she wrote. It's gotta be so hard to write a hit for a big artist and to still believe you can write one for yourself. Queen. She's Obiwan in the matrix baby

[@barbarite]

She hadn't even written it for Ri, Ri and the label took it from SZA essentially.

[@NanaLia_18]

❤

[@shashavengesayi6055]

She’s come so far in her career and I’m so proud of her. I remember when Love Galore was just a lil snippet floating thru the internet and now she could sweep at next year’s Grammys. Very well deserved.

[@graciend]

i love the movie references in her recent album it’s so cute

[@roxyortiz8819]

Been listening to SZA since I was in high school and I’m 29 now, she been speaking to my ENTIRE young adulthood and navigating these complicated (and sometimes idiotic) emotions that come with learning who you are and where/what you want to be. I hope she gets her flowers soon because she’s running the RnB game ❤

[@joeyalbert_]

The way she just casually shuts down one of the biggest rumors about her and Drake 😂

[@yayaabdullahq8757]

It’s true lol they benn on each other I guess they moved on

[@ctrlthisdudesos]

such a queen❤I'm really happy she had this success...well deserved

[@Theekeys2thekingdom]

SZA once said she never owned a tv. Now she saying tv is a big inspiration in her writing 😂 love her regardless

[@Gshkudnkfswhin]

Lmao

[@Dontrolling]

Just because she never owned one doesn’t mean she never saw other TVs or television shows with other friends and family members 😂

[@malcomalexander6927]

Shush! Lol Lets not talk about the lies lol

[@Mark.mp3]

Stop trying to make her look like a liar dude. She probably had a tv in her family house, and then when she grew up she never had one until recently. Not that hard to believe…

[@Theekeys2thekingdom]

@@Mark.mp3 I’m not making her look like a liar. She does that all on her own

[@manny2555]

seeing sza in a black buss down middle part is something I never thought i see

[@Tinaa668]

Been a fan since her Z album (personal fave), her growth and success is admirable

[@tonypuricelli6933]

That’s so interesting hearing how the Consideration collab came to be. That was the first time I’d heard her so in hindsight it was a perfect gateway to her music, but I can totally see how it would feel devastating for her at the time

[@phaith6515]

she looks so good in a bussdown 😅 this is my favorite interview she’s done in a while.

[@lalalore13]

her speaking voice seems so different from her singing voice wow

[@wss465]

It sounds so forced

[@Tokoyamishadow]

@@wss465look at her interviews from 7 years ago she’s always sounded like this

[@princessnicki63]

@@wss465 She's literally always talked like this...? Y'all are not fans of this lady and it shows LMFAO

[@BryceRodriguez-zr5ly]

She’s white washed fame really changes people

[@neffgowat4119]

@@wss465It’s Not. It’s Gotten A Little Lower Since Her SoundCloud Days… She’s Always Sounded That Way.

[@cos37]

She’s such a great soul

[@hotchick5736]

This just reminded me of how amazing Sza’s catalog is. Now i have to go back and listen to everything again

[@AlijahP23]

You know your lyrics when YOU write them! 😅 love her 🫶🏾

[@futura4eva]

i always come back to ctrl hits every time!!! the story telling, the emotion, and the unique sound. thank u sza

[@AtlantisEsquire]

I love her authenticity it’s so special and rare to see these days. She’s here to stay. Best friend in my head🌹♥️🌹♥️🌹

[@softneticc]

SZA is just a wonderful, creative and such beautiful soul. This is why I love her and her music so much and have for years.

[@hakeemv6737]

My #1 artist. I love her energy and her music. So happy I got to see her live ❤

[@kevinmaikel3178]

Girl you've unveiled some things that are really amazing, love to see u happier and in this state of mind, so thrilled to listen nonstop to LANA cuz I know I'm gonna adore it.

[@tarisweezy2]

You can tell she’s lowkey like 😬 to some of the lyrics because they leave her ‘naked’ & exposed. I appreciate the bold things she has shared with us over the years❤

[@norwoodsstokes3883]

I love how fearless u present yourself....good, bad, flaws & all, in your music....so real....many ppl can't handle that level of truth in their music...but i' am so thankful for your voice....🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽♏🤗

[@kheirfrancis22]

I love how gracious she is, and the stuff she feels she cant put out, i hope she does, sometimes it just takes one person to make a difference 😊

[@Ty2Breezie]

Bring on the new music SZA! 🙌🏽 SOS constantly gets played everyday! Super proud of her and the accomplishments she has achieved! 👏🏽🩵

[@Brownie101abc]

The way we almost got a consideration video and a whole song 😭😭😭 I love Rih but I really like sza’s version

[@moe5415]

That song was Sza song they gave it to Rihanna, because she was the more bigger and establish artist at that time. If you listen to it they just kept, her background vocals on The song and made her a ft. ❤both of them but that was messed up what these record labels do.

[@stephanie6869]

⁠@@moe5415the label did the same thing to Tinashe with her song “Joyride”, it was the title track for her album and one of her fave songs she made at the time but Rihanna wanted it for her own album, she didn’t wanna give it up but had no say against the label. Just for Rihanna to not even use the song and she had to fight to get it back to put out on her album

[@ariellmoore0]

Her music, her personality, Sza herself is just beautifully perfect🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽.

[@PaniniWasteland]

That's so sweet of Variety to put in her in a backdrop with mountains and greenery so that way she feels more in her element ❤

[@notbenet]

She is so therapeutic to watch. I love her ❤️

[@preecelyy]

Its so cool to hear from her!!!! I LOVE YOU SZA!!!!😭❤️✨️🔥🔥

[@izzythagod2246]

The fans needed this! Thank you!

[@inukoko2012]

I love Sza. Her music is soo calming yet relatable. Beautiful inside and out. I have to make my way to one of her concerts.

[@nicholasgarrick8855]

Sza is so inspiring as singer ,and songwriter love her she deserves all the success and more so happy for her absolutely cant wait to hear more news music in 2024 🎉❤

[@hausofhanna5254]

Loved seeing her on my spotify wrapped and that cute personal video from her at the end!! I melted

[@SeeYaLove-lh3db]

Girl been with you since sound cloud,I still go back to all your old eps over there

[@christruesdale2860]

She so real for the statement of not wanting to be vulnerable but it sucks because to those who’d appreciate it have to miss out and not only that, vulnerability is such a strong and impactful thing, we’re really missing out.

[@Diamondboyjaylonn]

SZA literally got the calmest voice in the world

[@juan_arreche_music]

Lovely human ❤ Always enjoy and grateful for her work and honesty. I love that they included Ice Moon in this!

[@rayanramini]

ONE OF THE BEST ARTISTS!!!!!

[@rickibourne186]

I love SZA, I've not found an artist who has the ability to move me so much with their words since I first heard the words of Amy Winehouse.

[@ancestralabundance]

That’s so sweet to say wow. Have a good week 💚

[@tankiiso]

when she said, sharing less with people cause their aren't mature for such like damn felt also her saying she has more work coming out my goodness the day I see her live for days on end yes I'ma cry ❤

[@nikkigabriel8444]

I love her so much❤Her voice is absolutely amazing and beautiful when one of her songs just played in a mix and I feel in love with the sound of her voice

[@fairymary_555]

Sza is my inspo keep flourishing gurl 💗

[@dakotac180]

I love her personality because she's always been relatable.

[@Christy8285]

Yo when I say I met her she’s the realest in this industry I have most respect for her and only want her happy and to win the most Im rocking with her the long way no turning back fr she’s down to earth we need more people like her in the world fr 💙💛

[@THATONEINDOMIEPACKETT]

WE LOVE U SZAA

[@Krasauskaitevi]

I knew she was lying about stopping her music career! Cannot wait for whatever music she comes up with!

[@antoniodetoro]

i love her. such a pure soul

[@baddielonglegs]

im so glad they included ice.moon. I love SZA's music today but her older music meant so much to me. always will be my fav era of hers. love to see her evolution though!!!

[@ladycrillz]

Same! I was so surprised they threw it WAY back. Only real fans know about Ice.moon or Castles!

[@sljay90]

20 something hits so different ❤ I just love SZA !!!! Hate that I missed her show in Bmore 😢

[@Piasays]

Love her!! Omgosh. Im so sad i never got to see her in concert 😩

[@Meisure]

OH THE DELUXE IS COMINGGGG

[@nej617]

​@@amazingunreleasedalbumswell!

[@godfreyanthonyb]

the thing that i love most about her and her music is that she's just so genuine and it's kinda sad that now that it has more reach, it's starting to make her feel she should share less of her vulnerability

[@Miyahkalise]

I'm so ready for this new musiccc

[@Reasonable_username]

I just love SZA and her mindset. She’s so relaxing and understanding.

[@AhmetAkar]

Cant live without her music ❤

[@callielovestaylor]

she is so gorgeous omg, i could listen to her music for hours 💗

[@monastea4258]

Adore you Sza. You were my #1 artist in Spotify!!!! Love you for ever ❤

[@StephGarcia1]

IM EXCITED FOR THE NEXT ALBUMMMM

[@kai6115]

My god she’s so gorgeous fuck and the talent just goes without saying we already know what’s up. Amazing musician and writer

[@joaquinw18]

my favourite woman in the whole world. i’m so proud of how far she has come in life right now, she’s fckn killing it. herself and her music give me life and i’m so grateful to have been able to seen her perform twice this year. truly the best nights of my life and i will forever cherish them moments. i can’t wait to see what the future brings for her and for camp. - camp ctrl 4L 📺🌿🎶

[@awuraart2011]

Sza u were number 2 in my Spotify wrapped❤!!!

[@Valeirra]

throughout all of her music, i always gravitate to good days. it’s such a phenomenal song and when it comes on it’s just unskippable for me

[@jclark21218]

i'm sad that all of her EPs and mixtapes are not available on streaming.

[@Yessir_shine]

“Z” is the only one on streaming services

[@lauren5883]

Yeah.. Sza and Tinashe are the only reasons why I still have SoundCloud on my phone. To listen to their old EPs.

[@nik4975]

“ when its my turn, its my turn” girl 2023 grammys is all yours!!! 8 nominations!

[@yoyobeauty]

Sza, thank you for being vulnerable in your music. Songs like supermodel and 20 something’s really inspire me

[@makennastagaard2923]

I love her so much. This makes sense why she's my top artist on Spotify. The best human everrrrrrr

[@jelo146]

i did not expect this to be her talking voice😭

[@Vlogversity]

6:10-6:40 spot on and a lot of yall wouldnt understand lmao. sza so ahead of her time even back then. 2017 i was a junior in highschool thinking i knew what love was and ctrl was transformational to me on so many levels (yes back when yall aint know who she was) anyways sza music always takes me to a different dimension yet somehow that magic intertwines with my real life as i related so hard to those lyrics. i love her

[@OfficialZaidaa]

her voice is so translucent I love her so much 🤍

[@yoelp.5430]

omg sza i cant wait for more music!!

[@amarumascolo244]

The way she reads the lyrics 😭😍😍😍

[@isaiahtitus1780]

What are you talking about the music where you share the most of yourself is the best it’s so real and raw I love music like that ❤

[@angel.zay333]

Her songs are so relatable to me it’s crazy, love you solana

[@chrxstxanah]

Thanks for this amazing interview

[@TippiDiahann]

I love this. I love SZA

[@nicgarza3026]

Sza is seriously such a bless and icon for our generation 😍🤩😍🤩😍

[@giab6223]

NEW MUSIC?!?? Can’t wait ❤

[@jordanwilliams521]

I had never seen a black artist just be unapologetically indie alternative until I started listening to sza. Big inspiration to see you doing what they say we can’t ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🫶🏽( yes I’m black too)

[@user-lc5pp4gw5w]

I can listen to Sza all day her voice is so soothing 🎶🫠✨🦋

[@deviantmoore9744]

This vocal fry is killing me. Stoooop😭😭😂😂😂😂

[@carolijnkwezi4326]

Honestly one of the greatest artists of our time I hope she doesn’t let these people get to her head

[@JTytshorts]

She is extremely humble so it makes me happy to see her enjoying so much success

[@user-jb9ye2kg8p]

such an amazing lyricist, she's so beautiful ❤️