SZA has officially solidified her place in music history with a stunning performance at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, joining Kendrick Lamar on one of the world’s biggest stages. Her rise to fame, marked by vulnerability, innovation, and genre-defying artistry, has been nothing short of spectacular. From an underground sensation to a Grammy-winning superstar, her career has been a testament to the power of authenticity in music.
Humble Beginnings and the Rise of a Star
Born Solána Imani Rowe in St. Louis, Missouri, SZA grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, where she was heavily influenced by jazz, alternative rock, and hip-hop. Her early musical journey was unconventional—she had no formal training but found solace in writing and experimenting with sounds.
Her career took off when she signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2013, making her the label’s first female artist. She released two critically acclaimed EPs, See.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013), showcasing a dreamy, poetic, and experimental R&B sound. Her Z EP (2014) gained her a larger audience, setting the stage for her breakthrough debut album.
Breaking Through with Ctrl
SZA’s career-defining moment came in 2017 with the release of her debut studio album, Ctrl. A deeply personal and emotionally raw project, Ctrl resonated with millions, exploring themes of self-worth, love, insecurity, and modern relationships. The album featured hit singles like “Love Galore” (feat. Travis Scott), “The Weekend,” and “Broken Clocks,” earning widespread critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations.
The success of Ctrl transformed SZA into one of the leading voices in contemporary R&B, blending elements of neo-soul, alternative, and hip-hop. Her confessional songwriting and airy, effortless vocals made her an instant icon for a generation navigating the complexities of love and self-acceptance.
The Evolution: SOS and Global Domination
After a five-year hiatus, SZA returned in 2022 with her long-awaited sophomore album, SOS. The project was an even bigger cultural reset, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and staying atop the charts for weeks. Featuring hits like “Kill Bill,” “Snooze,” and “Shirt,” SOS showcased her evolution as an artist, expanding her sound to include elements of pop, alternative rock, and folk.
SOS cemented SZA’s place at the top of the music industry, earning her multiple Grammy Awards, sold-out tours, and collaborations with artists like Doja Cat, Phoebe Bridgers, and Drake.
A Super Bowl Moment to Remember
Fast forward to 2025, and SZA has now graced the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, performing alongside Kendrick Lamar in a dazzling spectacle. Their collaboration, including All the Stars from Black Panther: The Album, has become anthemic, making this performance a full-circle moment for both artists.
With her unmatched talent, raw storytelling, and fearless artistry, SZA’s Super Bowl performance isn’t just another milestone—it’s proof that she’s one of the most important voices in modern music. And with her trajectory only going up, the world eagerly awaits what’s next for this genre-defying superstar.
[Photo: Instagram]
