Solána Rowe, better known by her stage name SZA, has become an R&B sensation in a seemingly short amount of time. Her unique sound has captivated audiences and landed her a multitude of awards and nominations. Here’s a look at SZA’s journey to stardom, from TDE rookie to R&B queen.
SZA was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1989. She was raised in a Muslim household and developed an early love for music. She spent most of her childhood listening to reggae and soul music, which heavily influenced her sound.
After graduating from high school, SZA attended a college in New Jersey but eventually dropped out to pursue music. In 2012, she began uploading music to SoundCloud and caught the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), the record label that would later sign her.
SZA’s first official release was her EP “See.SZA.Run” in 2012, which garnered her attention from major publications like The Fader and Complex. The EP was followed by her second EP “S” in 2013, which featured collaborations with producers like Felix Snow and Emile Haynie.
In 2014, SZA released her third EP “Z,” which received critical acclaim and cemented her as a rising star in the R&B world. The EP featured collaborations with artists like Chance the Rapper and Isaiah Rashad and produced the hit single “Babylon.”
SZA’s debut studio album, “Ctrl,” was released in 2017 and was met with widespread critical acclaim. It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart and was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards. The album included hit singles like “Love Galore” and “The Weekend” and showcased SZA’s vulnerability, honesty, and unique sound.
Throughout her career, SZA has been praised for her unique, soulful voice and her ability to blend genres. She often tackles tough, personal subject matter in her music, such as self-doubt and toxic relationships.
SZA’s journey to stardom has not been without its challenges. She has been vocal about her struggles with anxiety and depression, and has spoken out about the difficulties of being a woman in the music industry. Despite these challenges, SZA has remained true to herself and her music.
Today, SZA is considered one of the top R&B artists in the world. She has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, such as Maroon 5, Travis Scott, and Kendrick Lamar. Her music has touched the hearts of fans all around the world, and her journey to stardom serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere.