Words by Shurida Lundi
Women love her because she makes music about things we want to say but are afraid to, and men love her because she has big hair, a big voice and cute little freckles. Stuck in those 20-somethings, Happy 27th Birthday SZA!
Born as a Muslim in St. Louis, but raised in New Jersey, Solána Imani Rowe has been on the music scene for some time, but it is her recently-released album CTRL that really put her on the map.
In 2012, she released her debut EP See.SZA.Run, and her second EP S which caught the attention of record label Top Dawg Entertainment.
Even though she sings about wishing to be a ‘Normal Girl’, we love SZA the way she is. Her eclectic sounds and her laid back style are refreshing to the R&B world. SZA has performed at the BET Awards, nominated for Best New Artist at this year’s VMA’s and has racked up four nominations at this year’s Soul Train Awards. CTRL is certified gold, ‘Love Galore’ featuring Travis Scott is platinum, and two of her songs ‘Quicksand’ and ‘Supermodel’ were featured on the Insecure Season 2 soundtrack.
With her vulnerability, ability to talk about topics most women won’t talk about and unapologetic attitude, SZA will stick around in this music game for a while. She’s already working on her second album. Seems like those 20-somethings aren’t so terrible after all.
