SZA On New Album 'SOS', Being Pissed & What Makes Her Not Want to Put Out Music Again

Sza stopped to talk to Nessa on 12/6/22 about her new album 'SOS.'
Sza also gives her reaction to CTRL being triple platinum, explains how she chose the 23 songs on SOS, not letting people listen to SOS before it came out, feeling the pressure to put out a new album, what makes her never want to put out music again, getting a flip phone and being a farmer, going on social media sparingly, how she got the Ol’ Dirty Bastard collab, working with Phoebe Bridgers, how she got her collabs, and being grateful for the people that showed up for her including Travis Scott, Princess Diana inspiring the SOS album art, breaking up with her ex fiancé and how that inspired the song, “Nobody Gets Me”, that people are going to take things personally from this album, Doja Cat being on her song, “Shirt”, Lady Gaga at the Grammys, the general theme of her album, and clears up the story on her and The Rock arm wrestling backstage at SNL.
'SOS' comes out this Friday 12/9/22!
#SZA #HOT97 #NessaonAir
SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/HOT97Subscribe

[@_Priscilla92]

You can tell she feels the pressure. Her energy is different this time around but SZA we gotchu 🤎

[@gimmick4105]

with ctrl they basically had to stop her from working on it and submitted it without her even knowing , i hope everything on here is what she wanted

[@PaolaTheTimeLord]

i hope she feels supported by us fans because you're right, you can tell she doesn't want to be there because of the pressure

[@wonkat.v.7427]

Yup but atp I feel like no matter what we all are gonna be able to relate to something on this album and I can’t wait I pre-ordered it alr…

[@sauraford8841]

Yessss

[@kevatchiralzin3495]

Yeah she seems burned out, well gotta get her that paper and make my contribution ❤ she can rest easy now.

[@TheOfficialChe]

She so over it and I don’t blame her at all. The business side of the industry fucks up the fun & process of making something so personal, cathartic, and vulnerable. I hope she will be happy regardless of the outcome and feel all the love and respect that people have for her and her artistry.

[@IAMYUNGGAF]

Truth

[@jade-fg7fx]

Well said 😊

[@micahcook2408]

And that’s the thing most people, if not all, who haven’t dived into actual entertainment industry work do not understand… it’s not all creative freedom and roses. Especially when it comes to music…

[@terrancemcclendon456]

The business side

[@bigt2922]

true true trueeee

[@Moriabrosh]

I can’t ignore it ugh she looks so stressed and anxious about the album release and I feel like her music can’t be bad, she knows what’s up, sza we trust u don’t worry ❤️❤️❤️

[@Alex-ov5nq]

i think she’s just nervous that people might not like it since she said it’s different

[@Geishadoll1]

💋🤑👍🔥🌼🙃💓💕💕💕💕💕

[@jubilantsleep]

She’s a perfectionist so she will never be good enough in her own head. 😢. I’m the same way. Her album is gonna be banger after banger after banger as per usual!

[@Moriabrosh]

@@jubilantsleep me as well, I’m really hard on myself and I understand the pressure she’s in, I just wanna tell her that she doesn’t need to worry, I literally know that this album is gonna become one of the biggest albums ever…

[@austriker1016]

I can't imagine the pressure to release a follow up to one of the greatest albums of all time. I'm not even looking for something to surpass it, I just want to hear more of her art, that's all I care about. SZA is special, I really feel for her right now, and I hope everyone appreciates this new release. We should contribute to our hobbies only for the love of it, if it's not fun anymore for her then I would understand her stepping away. I'm sure the corporate side of things is awful. I hope she has a strong network to lean on, or like a veteran mentor just to keep her spirits up. You've worked hard gurl, take some time for you. Thank you so much for the new album

[@fatimahperry9272]

This was so well said. It’s hard when you have to monetize your artistry.

[@sedi2066]

Cntrl was great and SOS is an excellent follow up. Really fkn solid

[@Strawberryfearsforever]

Yll live putting 20 on 10. Greatest albums ever? I love Ctrl, but come on. 1:45 If she would've taken off like 6 or 7 sings, the album would've been amazing. And Nessa 0:58 We BEEN waiting for Rihanna.

[@weerahk]

@@Strawberryfearsforever shhh

[@candice019]

!!!!!

[@aaronbarksdale8340]

The interviewer did a really good job! She was able to match her energy while being very professional and kind.

[@JulietEmmaline]

I hope she is looking back at this interview in her mind and knowing she should be SOOOOOO PROUD of herself because the album is sooooo beautiful. Her work. Her pen. Her voice has improved so much. She’s so honest. And she did not disappoint any of us. We love her so much.

[@4sup47]

Album was mid tbh but she got a few hits on their

[@keonaroy]

@@4sup47 there*

[@princess-jc7if]

@@4sup47 you’re mid

[@lovegalore]

@@4sup47 but like why are you here babes ? 🤨

[@cobymontana9275]

That new album 🔥 frfr

[@antireverie]

we not getting another album after this, I LOVE HER

[@salvadorcisneros3156]

We’re getting a delux though!

[@jordanlane2706]

AT ALL 😂 this is it y’all

[@nenej12]

She doesn’t seem excited at all!

[@FreddieJenkinsJr]

😂😂😂

[@Alexgocrazyondababy]

@@nenej12ya

[@sidhart514]

She is such a sensitive soul, I wish people were more gentle with artists 🤍 so happy we’re getting this album

[@ShaunLaFaun]

Nessa is becoming one of my favorite interviewers through them all, he energy is transparent and she has the gift of making her guests feel comfortable ✨️

[@Ciaunaa]

She’s so humble…I love it

[@randyramsey5425]

Her body of art work and soul is special, not too many can be transparent on tracks and take you on a journey of themselves, growing and evolving ✨. Real therapy for diligent listeners

[@denayet.2686]

Perfectly said

[@jaelnshomemovies]

Agreed 100%

[@maherlynmorency2012]

Facts

[@christophermoultrie4343]

SZA is good she got talent but she should make music she young to retire

[@alienlover7556]

@@christophermoultrie4343 it's her choice and there's so much that goes on in those contracts that we do not know. So you have to understand. Plus she has a life and she's no robot either

[@talantran]

She just puts the time and effort into every one of her songs and I love it. No matter what she releases its always a banger because she's so dedicated to her music and takes quality over quantity and that's what really sets her apart. SOOOO EXCITEDDDDD FOR FRIDAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! edit: it’s friday and as always she snapped

[@mojaslatt]

The album is doing GREAT, she has the hugest debut for a black woman ever on Spotify now! Her global streams are outstreaming TAYLOR SWIFT. SZA is loved and I hope she knows that, the people are connecting with her and I hope she remembers that her fans are loyal. We'll be here ❤

[@sateleim]

glad that the interviewer is making her feel welcomed and comfortable about what she’s doing

[@ObservingtheMatrix]

Yeah she did such good job ❤

[@JL-zv7bb]

Getting a sza interview is like getting a Beyoncé interview at this point 💀🤣🤣

[@StefanFerdinand]

I'm honestly grateful that this album is finally coming, regardless of how many tracks are on it. It makes up for the 5 year gap between Ctrl and SOS. I feel bad that SZA is going through the anxiety of releasing her follow-up album. The fanbase and demand has grown since 2017. I'm going to appreciate this album, even if some tracks don't hit me at first. Let's stream SOS as SZA deserves it 🙌

[@cupofken]

I feel like Bryson Tiller went through something similar

[@ductaperocks321]

she seems so defeated by all the pressure and expectations it’s sad:( album releases are supposed to be exciting i hope she feels some type of relief or joy once it’s released.

[@emerywills5814]

She is a Black American woman in an industry with people trying to genocide her ethnic group. It’s deeper than music dear.

[@haggiej]

Very true

[@shadyjoanneboots]

I feel like her label and the industry kinda drained her passion for music, she seems so over it and eager to just put it out so it's out. I feel for her

[@paulinarojas6191]

same😔

[@sel7776]

exactly i kinda see what is going on but i wont say anything i just hope she’s okay

[@DeLucaSou]

yeah, she's literally OVER it, i feel sorry for Nessa tho lmao

[@fadethechannel]

Whoever didn’t turn in a verse for SZA really doesn’t understand the fanbase she has. Smh if they did, they would’ve definitely got that turned in.

[@randomplayer9025]

Isaiah Rashad really disappointed me here

[@Alexgocrazyondababy]

U mean Doja cat

[@xww6849]

I mean… I doubt that she gave them much time LMAO This girl is a procrastination queen

[@MannyG03_og]

@@AlexgocrazyondababySZA Said Doja is in a collab on the album. I should know… I was there

[@alexacosta3655]

I hope Shirt remix feat Doja and Hit different are in the deluxe version of the album. I can't believe she scrapped Hit different imo its a massive bop, i still play it on a daily basis

[@MR.KNGRICO]

Its so crazy how the things shes saying is flying right over some of yalls heads. She really is tired. This industry drives you mentally insane. She's clearly saying that she'll be done soon. I don't blame her.

[@mandisandlovu8914]

Literally every other comment on here is acknowledging that she’s tired and supporting her 😒

[@MR.KNGRICO]

@@mandisandlovu8914 🤙🏾

[@TGUTTAExiT21]

We lucky if we get 2 more albums out her MAX

[@mr.j410]

I could tell ever since she got that bbl. That went over your head

[@theofficialvontae]

Social media has ruined everything. I’m an artist too so I definitely understand. Praying that she liberates herself and continues doing what makes her happy. 🙏🏽❤️

[@theofficialvontae]

@knee pads fate I’ve actually removed the apps from my phone and deactivated my accounts. The only app I use is KZbin. I’m sure I’ll be back, just not for a while. There’s a certain piece you maintain when you don’t feel judged, pressured and consumed with the lives of others 24/7. I feel so much better emotionally without all of the chaos of social media. I don’t feel forced or rushed into being something I’m not and I living day to day for myself. I hope the same for you! 🙏🏽

[@thebaileykid]

SZA is so present that even when she not in the best mood I’m still drawn to her voice and energy

[@que7593]

She doesn’t even understand how much how much I relate to her and how much I appreciate her artistry, it’s sad what the world will do to an artist, even if she says f this music sht I’ll always love her, that first album got me through some dark times🫶🏽❤ can’t wait for sos on the 9th😮‍💨

[@olyvoil14]

We this is facts. This year has been such a lesson and challenge and tower crumbling moment for me, and BLIND is literally how I feel in my deepest core! I have everything I need inside me but I can’t see it. 😢

[@savb821]

Gurl. Same

[@MiracleGEverything]

Yeah she's not feeling it anymore. I'm glad she's about to put out this work of art out and soon I hope that she finds happiness within the career and hobbies she loves.

[@benzmusiczone]

The difference between her mood/energy in the very beginning of the interview versus the tail end of this interview is like night and day. Very beginning = over it, irritable…towards the end = relaxed, sarcastic

[@ohwelljamie]

she's the sweetest. So excited for the album and THE DELUXE!!!!!!!!!!

[@Alexgocrazyondababy]

Yes and we know that Doja ft for shirt will be on the deluxe

[@keyonna3907]

@@Alexgocrazyondababy she made it clear she wasn’t positive of that happening…

[@Alexgocrazyondababy]

@@keyonna3907but doja has been performing a lot lately

[@keyonna3907]

@@Alexgocrazyondababy true, i hope we’ll get it over all

[@Kingjovibes]

There’s a DELUXE? The album has 23 songs I’m surprised there’s gonna even be a deluxe

[@2cool4school567899]

I love her so much. I completely understand her. I feel like being an artist now is more difficult now cause ppl are so quick to switch up when they don’t get what they want. It’s so scary, but I’m sure she’ll kill it

[@tessc4615]

LITERALLY! one wrong move and there’s a whole hate train waiting for you 😒

[@EvieMasterton]

I feel so sad that she seems so stressed and unhappy. I feel such a deep connection to this body of work and I know it will be a long standing album in my rotation. She is honestly doing it like no one else and she is honestly so smart and unique.

[@fae_mj]

I love SZA and her music so much.

[@mauricehuff3540]

SZA looks adorable and so pure here. 😂❤

[@joshuabellamy6355]

It’s already gonna do big numbers !!! Her debut album was massive … it’s so surrealistic that that body of work was and still is fire 🔥

[@madhilama]

Sza is one of the most amazing artist of this generation to me. Her voice, her writing, and props to producers, and engineers as well. I'm so grateful to be witnessing this. Love you Sza!!! ❤️

[@breonnaliddell9600]

Awwww you can literally feel her exhaustion and frustration in this video. I hope she realizes how much her real supporters truly adore her no matter what, and we understand that she is still human at the end of the day! And but the way, the album was phenomenal! You did a great job with this project

[@Jessicatheepro]

We love you Sza. You’ve consistently put out hits. This album will be nothing different. Every change you’ve made thus far has elevated you as an artist and we’re here for the growth sis. We trust you.❤

[@narcisoanasui246]

This interview was so genuine. You can tell Nessa genuinely appreciates SZA and she asked amazing questions. Dope interview

[@alirutter5895]

SZA is so intelligent and emotionally bright. Her responses are so eloquent and they make sense! Her music is so unique and physically feels emotional..... I am personally very impressed with her as an artist, a human, a woman, a muse

[@annaisaieva]

She told the same thing (about not putting music again) years ago but luckily she did it many times since then. I hope she keep her mental health and anxiety right. Sza is too good.

[@thekawaiicupcake00]

i don’t know nessa well, but you could tell she meant every word with her compliments towards sza. very sweet to see!

[@Obayqueenv1212]

Sza if you see this, just know that there’s people that worship you for working so hard✨💜

[@VEJJIETALES]

Sza’s visuals areeee definitely remarkable. That’s the word. I was like “WOW!!!” Love her.

[@laurenpost9536]

I saw her live in 2015 after I graduated high school. My cousin got us tickets to Bonnaroo in Tennessee, and I went to her show. I remember her being SO humble, and when she went on stage, she said that she was worried no one would show up to her show. Look at her now. I’m so proud of everything she has accomplished. Her music always speaks to me, and I wish her nothing but happiness and success.

[@hollownights6946]

27 years old now been listening to Sza since 15-16 your music is healing and beyond magical, much love for your existence and contribution to Timeless music ❤🙏🏾

[@zza3812]

Girl same here 🥺😭 love u SZA

[@alivingjoy4028]

SZA we know you worked so hard 🤎🤎

[@Faaade_]

“I’m always praying for you.” Such a great gift. It’s lovely to know someone wants the best for you. Nessa gave the heartfelt interview us fans needed. I can tell SZA doesn’t fully receive it yet but she is the type of magic we must protect. 🙏🏿💙 gratitude.

[@kinneypagge]

The general theme is “I’m pissed” I already love this album

[@lorenzoherbert7110]

It’s the honesty for me, that’s why I love her. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@vitoriamarinhooo]

just thinking about listening to it makes me emotional!! I really wished we could see ourselves like we see each other sometimes... everyone is so connected to her music and to her craft that honestly.. she cant do no wrong!! its so much more than just the music at this moment! at least for me, I look foward to hearing the emotion, the vulnerability, the crafted melodies, the lyrics so that I can relate, so that I can talk to myself through her songs like in "Good Days".. girl that is my own fucking mantra til this day. your music is so powerful, I wish you could fathom how deeply you touch us. I am excited af to hear the new album and I know im gonna cry and sing these songs all the timeeee. frr i love you szaaaaa and i cant remember the last time an artist resonated so much with me. this album is already incredible.

[@harmonychinez9944]

She’s so unbelievably talented I’m so ready to experience this album

[@Gordonandres]

I like how genuine, honest and pure she is!! I’m now a fan!

[@mont341997]

I love SZA. She’s always been herself even though the bs. SOS will be on repeat 💖

[@GabrielaGarcia-iz2zb]

I appreciate this interview so much because Nessa asked all the questions I wanted to know, she was a good host and such a polite fan I love her sm this was amazing!!!

[@wikidxb]

She's just so incredibly awesome. Every word she says feels therapeutic. such energy she has around her -

[@rufarojunior]

This interview was so humble and sza is so calm and down to earth

[@xoxo_305]

she's like the most humble free spirited human ever🥺makes me love her more❤️🦋

[@jimmmaayyyyyyyyy]

The compassion and connection in this interview is unparalleled. I loved the support and I love that you were able to relieve some of her anxiety or stress surrounding the album.❤

[@jamzyy]

The business side to the entertainment industry could be so dark. SZA, you are a *LIGHT. You touch my MF soul. I thank you, please keep true art alive* 🤞🏾🤎💐

[@marcanazco7061]

Can’t wait for the album!! Long time fan of SZA. First time watching Nessa interview, and I like her style. She asks great questions from the artist’s perspective. A lot of interviewers aren’t able to get to these kinds of questions. Keep it up!

[@joevanned3133]

She is so sweet. I don't want her to worry, we got this.

[@alicemiriah]

Every snippet sounds amazing, which was expected. Can’t wait for the album Friday ❤

[@MsDaniB314]

SZA, know that you are loved sis. Hang in there, you are a gem. Your music and your voice is so valuable. Beautiful interview Nessa, I love how compassionate and warm you were with SZA. You can tell she’s been under a lot of stress and pressure with the album, it’s dope to see how caring you were in this interview toward her. 🙏🏾💜

[@xoxpepe]

Omg i can tell her energy …. She feels the pressure i genuinely love her and her talent is like no other … sza we got yo back mama !

[@PourLaMourDeLargent]

Nessa is so sweet & comforting while still asking provoking questions. Loved that. Love SZA baby don't worry we got you! Great interview!

[@CamGaGa18]

I’ve listened to SZA for yearssssssss. Even before her first full album. Timeless sound. Incredible artist. We love u SZA

[@Bebe_90]

When she said it’s super alternative and the mention of phoebe Bridgers now I’m even more excited!!!! Love her layers she’s so unique and I love she loves that side of music as well.

[@damondominique]

Love SZA AND Nessa did such a good job w the interview. It was just smooooooth and real. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Yungkarim255]

❤❤❤❤❤ I love her & I cant wait until she drop this Album Sza it just something about you I just love you

[@laurenanne9108]

I love that she's just doing the interview on her bed lol

[@internetj3r]

I’d love to know who these ppl are that expect so much from her and hate what she puts out…because I’m my experience SZA doesn’t miss. I’ll always take time out of my day to listen to anything new or old from her. Objectively speaking as well, she has such beautiful range and cadence to her voice. Once you realize how solid you are as an artist and how well rounded your voice is anything is possible. I do appreciate that she understands and feels the pressure so she knows how to stay self critical through this process. Much love everyone and happy release week!

[@nana-iv3si]

They're both such wonderful souls, i loved the interview ❤️❤️❤️

[@gevongrant6950]

Sza is a Legend of music,style,art, talent and heart

[@MRJLS15]

So happy she is back and we actually getting this new body of work as fans

[@beloncekamz2821]

So ready for the album S.O.S ✨. SZA❣️

[@angelnumber0723]

I am grateful for her art ❤️. The new album lives up to her talent.

[@neptunes3198]

i’m so ready for this album!!!!!

[@jenm4751]

SZA we luv u no matter wat plz leave all 23 songs we can never have too much music from u 😩😩😩😩 we breathe u literally 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@BlackblondieTv]

So Excited! OMG I’ve been waiting for so long! Yes Sza for a lot of tracks Yes!!!! ❤❤❤

[@desmondforever08]

solana you are so amazing and pure and wee see you through your music. i can listen to cntrl the rest of my life and be satisfied, but you blessed us with more of your wisdom 🤍🤍

[@Sunjamaa]

Sza is such a talented real person. I love her so dang much. ❤ we blessed

[@mamosamodikela5864]

23 songs thank God 🙏 u giving us more SZA 🎉😭😭😭🥺🥳 I am so happy u dropping a new album 🥵🥺😍❤️🔥 I love you so much 🥰

[@MrEric09]

I’ve watched this interview over a dozen times already…and I love that SZA kinda has this nonchalant attitude because the album is DONE. She is over all opinions, all naysayers, and all rejection. She is FREE. I commend her for wanting it to be all over, because none of us know what has happened behind the scenes…especially dealing with TDE. SZA we ADORE you…and I’m so excited for Friday!! I hope she can rest easy knowing it’s done, and please invest in your Motorola flip phone!! It’ll keep her from being so nervous. Loved this interview, and great job Nessa!!!

[@SadeWatkins]

Nessa 🌱🌱🌱 There’s a naturalness to your approach in interviewing that while you may not consider it a big deal because you’re just being yourself, - you alone provide a resounding sense of safety to speak freely and that’s what any real artist needs. May God continue to Bless you with the endurance of a servant’s heart and send the right people into your life that will pour the same light into you. 💗💗💗🕊🕊🕊💗💗💗 You are Appreciated

[@jubilantsleep]

We LOVE you SZA!!!!! ❤❤❤ We got your back and your front!!! Thank you for your hard work!!!!

[@ikexbankai]

Can’t wait until Friday

[@EboJ13]

This was such a well done interview. The ending was especially beautiful.

[@ToDaMaxxx]

Literally everything she has dripped has been fire. She should relax and release woth ease. I think the fact she took so long made it even more anticipated.

[@fatimahperry9272]

Sza doesn’t understand that she about to release the album of the year and it’s the last album of the year. Sza is a perfectionist I can tell she’s so anxious but she doesn’t understand how good it’s about to be.

[@MsFamousMimi]

Love that Nessa is a real one and is really genuine with the artists and with the questions. Great interview!!!!

[@forrest_ation]

Can’t believe I’m about to be blessed with a new SZA album she makes me happy to be alive fr

[@damnitsemman]

Tomorrow is the day! SZA we love you! I swear i be playing the album nonstop. I LITERALLY BOUGHT A SUBSCRIPTION IN SPOTIFY FOR THIS. Cmon now...

[@RealSkyyBleu]

I actually love how Nessa treated Sza she’s such a sweet person this was a genuine interaction you can tell.

[@ambercampbell1965]

My soul needed this album... thank you SZA

[@destinytarot3405]

We love sza💜every album she makes is beautiful

[@jeremylin5372]

I just want to thank NESSA for being so kind and soft and gentle with SZA 😭 I love Sza but its true this world is soooo ughhhhh and those who didnt turn their verse in Ima end em hahahaa

[@xavierlopez810]

“I’m pissed” I love her. We’re valid😢😊

[@chasitythomas8652]

Love you SZA!!! Your album is going to break the charts. I already have my alarm set for Friday at Midnight. Your musical presence has been missed and don't let these so-called "music execs" take away your artistry.

[@Vidalin21]

Awesome interview! Can’t wait for her new album

[@benjay6763]

the fact that she said she gonna have some alternative in this makes me stan even harderrrrrr… i think this era might even top ctrl bc it’s soley HER… and from all of her previous projects she’s always gave HER and it works

[@deontegathers3795]

sza' please dont stop making music 😭 this album is definitely going to change the landscape of music going into next year and hopefully make everyone step there games up. 💜 . Great sophmore debut and definitely album of the year grammy nom.

[@shannawallace7855]

I don't believe she's really gonna quit, I think she's just saying that out of stress. She'll be back at it after she's had some time to recuperate

[@maincoasters]

i really do love sza , she’s everything!

[@cortney6025]

Honeyyyy Her fans are the camp. We will love whatever she gives us. She shouldn’t worry iykyk