SZA Discusses Navigating Fame: ‘I’m Not Sure What’s Happening’

Sza’s Journey to Fame

SZA has shared her thoughts on her journey to fame, admitting that she was unaware of what she was getting into when she began her career.

• READ MORE: SZA Live at Glastonbury 2024: Mesmerizing Werewolf Proves Her Place as Headliner

The R&B sensation and 2024 Glastonbury headliner appeared on Additional this week to promote her new film, One of them, a buddy comedy where she stars alongside Keke Palmer.

Perceptions of Fame

When asked about her views on fame, she expressed: “I don’t really know what’s going on. I don’t know what the hell is going on. I didn’t become famous; I grew up in the suburbs, went to a regular school, went to a regular college, worked regularly until things got better.”

“I have never been examined in this way,” SZA added. “I feel at ease knowing that I’m not in danger just because people I don’t know have opinions about me.”

She also mentioned, “They say, ‘This is what you signed up for,’ but I say, ‘Actually, I didn’t even know what I was signing up for.’ I just wrote a couple of songs, was grateful that I liked them, and then moved on.”

SZA first garnered significant attention when she became the first artist signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2013, going on to win four Grammy Awards and a Brit Award.

Recent Endeavors and Tributes

One of them, produced by Issa Rae and directed by Lawrence Lamont, is currently showing in US cinemas, although a UK release date is still pending.

In other SZA news, she recently honored her late friend and collaborator Mac Miller following the release of his second posthumous album, “Balloonerism.” She expressed on X, “I love my friend, I miss my friend. Grateful that he saw something in me before most and treated me with love from day one. I wish he could see how right he was about everything that he really was. Please go to the ‘Aeronautics’ stream RIGHT NOW.”

Meanwhile, SZA’s latest release, “Lana,” came out last month after nearly a year of speculation. Rather than being a standalone album, it serves as a deluxe version of her 2022 second studio album, SOS.

“Lana” features Kendrick Lamar on “30 For 30,” as well as production from Lil Yachty and Benny Blanco on individual tracks. Lamar’s involvement follows SZA’s appearance on his surprise album GNX, and they have also announced a North American tour together this year.

“SOS” earned nine Grammy nominations and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 and number two on the UK Singles Chart, achieving triple platinum certification in the US.

In a five-star review, NME described it as “a comeback album worth waiting for.”