Over the years, when you need to kick back and relax while swooning to music, R&B often comes to mind. Think about Whitney Houston’s iconic “I Will Always Love You” or Celine Dion’s soul-stirring “My Heart Will Go On.” These tunes aren’t just songs; they’re like old friends, always there when you need them. Indeed, the importance of R&B music cannot be overemphasized. It’s a genre that speaks to our hearts and souls, touching us in ways that other music simply can’t. And today, one of the leading ladies in the R&B scene is SZA.
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Here is a look at her journey…
SZA: A rising star in R&B
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SZA, or Solána Imani Rowe, gained global recognition with her debut album, “Ctrl”. Her unique voice and raw lyrics resonated with fans worldwide, and she quickly earned critical acclaim for hits like “Love Galore” and “The Weekend.” SZA stands out in an industry filled with cookie-cutter pop stars, bringing authenticity and depth to her music. And it’s no wonder she’s been recognized with numerous prestigious awards.
Triumph at the iHeartAwards
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At the recent iHeartAwards, SZA won the R&B Triple Crown, taking home the awards for Best R&B Song for her hit single, “Snooze,” R&B Album Of The Year for SOS, and Song Of The Year for “Kill Bill.” Interestingly, she was also crowned R&B Artist of the Year in 2023. Winning Song of the Year and the R&B Triple Crown in 2024, SZA solidified her place as one of the most talented artists in the industry. Her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics resonate with audiences of all ages, and her impact on the music world cannot be denied. Indeed, her success is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and staying true to yourself.
SZA’s emotional acceptance
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In a condensed version of her acceptance speech, the Grammy winner wrote on Instagram, “THANK YOU SO MUCH, @iheartradio, for playing my music and turning this normal girl into a legit radio artist.” “For so long, everyone told me I just didn’t make radio records and had no radio history, so they couldn’t take the risk on me. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT TOOK A RISK AND BELIEVED IN THIS ALBUM AND THESE SONGS. I love and appreciate everyone.”
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When T-Pain and Meghan Trainor presented her with the “triple crown” of R&B Artist, Song, and Album of the Year, SZA revealed that she once feared songwriting. “It was frustrating. I want to toss everything out and start over.” She stated that her main goal today is to “enjoy myself and be happy“.
A step towards inclusivity
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But SZA’s achievements go beyond just her music. As a black woman in a predominantly white industry, she’s breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of artists. The need for recognition and celebration of black artists cannot be overstated. Also, their contributions to music and culture are immeasurable, and it’s time they received the recognition they deserve.
Looking ahead with SZA
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As SZA continues to rise to the top of the charts, her influence continues to grow stronger. Her unique blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop continues to captivate audiences around the world, and there’s no telling what the future holds for this talented artist. The sky is the limit.
Here’s to hearing many big things from SZA!
Featured image: Kanya Iwana for TIME via @sza/Instagram
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