This week’s latest addition to the ever growing list of phenomenal “Women That Rock” is an American singer songwriter hailing from St.Louis Missouri. SZA, is a twenty-four year old very talented artist that was born in St. Louis, now residing in Maplewood New Jersey. Born as Solana Rowe, she formed her stage name from the Supreme Alphabet taking influence from RZA, the last two letters stand for Zig-zag and Allah. The first letter SZA found herself changing it from Savior to Sovereign. This versatile artist showcases her love for all genres of good music. Her music can be best described as Alternative R&B filled with elements of soul, chill wave, and experimental house. SZA’s lyrics express themes of erotic sexuality and complex relationships. You also can hear her love for poetry and the ability to express whatever is on her mind. The depth of most of music reminds you of various artists like Billie Holiday, D’angelo, Bilal, and Bjork with touches of Jamiroquai. In 2012 she released an EP titled See.SZA.Run, which she then followed up with her second EP titled S. Then in October 2013, she signed with Indie Label Top Dawg Entertainment through which she released her third EP and major retail release titled Z released in April 2014. Her latest project includes various collaborations with several known artist.
This extremely talented artist has worked with high profile artists such as Jill Scott on a track entitled Divinity which lasts seven and a half minutes.
The first release off the album is entitled “Child’s Play” featuring Chance the rapper. I’m definitely feeling her laid back vibe of this track. The follow up release is entitled Babylon which features Kendrick Lamar. The rest of the album is a combination of electronic, downtempo mixed with neo-soul influences. The album debuted in the UK. at number thirty-two on the r&b charts. The album also peaked at number nine on the U.S. Hiphop and R&B charts. In May of last year she announced she headed out on an international tour and has begun recording her fourth album. I can’t wait to catch this amazing artist on a stage on the east coast doing her thang. So, for all my neo-soul, experimental R&b and chill out music lovers I truly recommend checking out this extremely talented young lady.
Leslie Thomas is a music blogger, traveler, and lover of all things music! Follow me on Twitter @LBoogie252005.
