SZA Splits from Longtime Manager After Releasing ‘Lana’

SZA Announces Split From Manager

SZA confirmed her split from her longtime manager just five days after releasing her new album “Lana.”

Yesterday (December 25), the singer announced that she had parted ways with Terrence “Punch” Henderson, with whom she had collaborated since 2011.

Collaborative Efforts on Album

Henderson, co-president of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), played a significant role in the production of Lana, which debuted last Friday (December 20) after nearly a year of teasers. This album is not a standalone release but a deluxe version of her 2022 record SOS.

Less than a day after the album’s launch, SZA shared screenshots of her discussions with her former manager regarding the release of additional songs. “Punch has given the go-ahead to clean up and remove all songs…more in the works,” she posted on Twitter/X shortly after the album’s debut.

She then shared a screenshot of a chat with Henderson in which she sought the release of three more tracks titled “Take You Down,” “PSA,” and “Open Arms,” mentioning that “they are all already mastered.”

Henderson replied, advising SZA to “let it breathe for at least a week,” suggesting, “Give it to them for New Years or Christmas.”

Now, the fate of these songs appears uncertain after SZA addressed a fan’s inquiry on Instagram, stating about them: “These were amazing tracks, and I’ve discussed releasing a collaboration before. Apparently, he pulled away abruptly, so dealing with the fallout was a little more challenging. Please give me a second… they will be loaded.”

She continued, “And just to be clear, I love Punch! NO ONE should attack him or be violent on my behalf. Sometimes people disagree, and that’s okay.”

“There’s nothing to celebrate. The end of an era,” she added. “I wish him the best, whatever his choice.”

SZA answers questions about the release of “PSA” and “Take You Down” via Instagram:

“They were amazing tracks and I’ve talked about releasing them together before.
Apparently he pulled away abruptly, so dealing with the fallout was a little more difficult. Please give me a second.. they will… pic.twitter.com/LTF5N1gyjs

— Pop Base (@PopBase) December 26, 2024

SZA is parting ways with her manager Punch. pic.twitter.com/emG4d6oUEv

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 26, 2024

Release and Reception of “Lana”

The release of “Lana” faced delays, and SZA noted on X the day it came out: “Just need a few more hours for the new mixes to be received evenly across all platforms… (mixes are important) love you camp.”

When it was finally available at 20:00 GMT, it featured a report from Kendrick Lamar from 30 for 30. Additionally, Lil Yachty and Benny Blanco each produced a track.

On December 24, the singer informed her fans that she would be making adjustments to the album version on streaming services after listening to it again “with a clear mind.” She mentioned that updated mixes would be released “at Christmas,” writing: “This means nothing to you but I had to say it lol. Who knows, maybe you’ll notice.”

Lamar’s feature follows SZA’s appearance on his surprise album “GNX” last month, and the two announced a North American tour together for next year.

The album’s other collaborators mainly include those she worked with on “SOS,” such as Michael Uzowuru, ThanksGod4Cody, Rob Biesel, and Carter Lang. You can find the full tracklist here.

When “SOS” was released two years ago, it received critical acclaim and garnered nine Grammy nominations. It peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 and number two on the UK singles chart, achieving triple platinum status in the US.

In a five-star review, NME described “SOS” as a “comeback album worth waiting for,” adding that SZA stated, “For this next album, I’m making the best album of my life,” in an interview with Flaunt in 2020. “SOS” is indeed a phenomenal record that raises the bar even higher than before. However, this statement came with a caveat: “Because this will be my last album.” We hope SZA revisits this statement, but if this is indeed her farewell, at least she leaves on the highest note.