Solána Imani Rowe, professionally known as SZA, is an American singer-songwriter renowned for her introspective lyrics and genre-blending sound that fuses R&B, hip-hop, and alternative music. Born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, in a Muslim household. Her early life was marked by a blend of cultural influences and a strong emphasis on education and discipline. Before pursuing music, SZA studied marine biology in college but eventually dropped out to focus on her passion for music. Her stage name, SZA, is inspired by the Supreme Alphabet, with “S” standing for “Savior” or “Sovereign,” “Z” for “Zig-Zag,” and “A” for “Allah.”
SZA began her music career by releasing self-produced extended plays (EPs), including See.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013), which garnered attention for their unique sound and lyrical depth. These early works led to her signing with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2013, making her the label’s first female artist. In 2014, she released her third EP, Z, which further established her as a rising star in the alternative R&B scene.
Her debut studio album, Ctrl, released in 2017, was a critical and commercial success. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 and received widespread acclaim for its candid exploration of themes like love, self-esteem, and empowerment. Ctrl earned SZA four Grammy nominations, including Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best New Artist. The album’s enduring popularity has made it one of the longest-charting R&B albums by a woman on the Billboard 200.
Following the success of Ctrl, SZA collaborated with various artists, contributing to hits like “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar for the Black Panther soundtrack, which earned Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations, and “Kiss Me More” with Doja Cat, which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
In December 2022, SZA released her highly anticipated second studio album, SOS. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and broke several records, including the largest streaming week for an R&B album in the US. Its lead single, “Kill Bill,” became her first global number-one hit and was the third best-selling song of 2023. SOS showcased SZA’s versatility, incorporating elements of rock, hip-hop, and pop, and solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary R&B.
In December 2024, she released a deluxe edition of SOS titled Lana, featuring additional tracks like “Saturn” and “30 for 30,” the latter a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar. These songs continued to perform well on the charts, demonstrating SZA’s consistent ability to connect with audiences.
Beyond her music, SZA is known for her distinctive fashion sense and has cited film directors like Spike Lee and Wes Anderson as style influences. She often incorporates free-flowing clothing and natural hairstyles into her aesthetic, aligning with her authentic and unfiltered approach to artistry.
Throughout her career, SZA has received numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, an American Music Award, and recognition from the Songwriters Hall of Fame with the Hal David Starlight Award in 2024. Her contributions to music have not only redefined the R&B genre but have also inspired a new generation of artists to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their work.
As of 2025, SZA continues to evolve as an artist, with plans for further collaborations and a joint tour with Kendrick Lamar. Her journey from self-released EPs to chart-topping albums exemplifies her dedication to her craft and her impact on the music industry.
