SZA’s “SOS” units new Billboard 200 high 10 report

SZA’s “SOS” units new Billboard 200 high 10 report

On this planet of latest and alt-R&B music, few artists have formed the final decade fairly like SZA. The genre-defying singer-songwriter, recognized for her emotional honesty and sonic experimentation, has achieved what many thought not possible. Her 2022 sophomore album SOS has damaged the Billboard report for the longest-running high 10 album by a feminine artist, surpassing Adele’s 21 with an unbelievable 85-week streak on the Billboard 200 chart. This additionally comes after SOS surpassed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” because the longest operating high 10 album by a Black artist in Billboard 200 historical past, in March.

This feat isn’t only a headline—it’s a testomony to SZA’s endurance, artistry, and skill to faucet into the center of a era.

From Ctrl to Tradition-Shifting Stardom

SZA’s journey didn’t start with SOS. Again in 2017, her debut studio album Ctrl caught hearth nearly immediately. A mix of R&B, neo-soul, and various sounds, Ctrl provided followers an unfiltered look into trendy relationships, self-image struggles, and rising pains. It resonated deeply with Millennials and Gen Z alike, constructing a loyal fanbase and demanding acclaim.

Regardless of the success, SZA took her time with the follow-up. Followers waited 5 lengthy years for her subsequent undertaking—but it surely was properly value it. When SOS lastly dropped in December 2022, it felt like a launch of pent-up emotional vitality, each from SZA and her viewers.

SOS: A Style-Blurring, Emotionally Charged Album

SOS is a masterclass in storytelling. With 23 tracks and a runtime that spans over an hour, the album navigates heartbreak, rage, self-reclamation, and vulnerability. It’s confessional, however not cryptic. Poetic, however nonetheless relatable.

Songs like “Shirt” and “Snooze” turned instantaneous fan favorites, with lyrics that captured the disjointed, stunning messiness of affection. However it was “Kill Invoice,” a darkly humorous breakup anthem, that took SZA’s attain to new heights, topping the Billboard Scorching 100 and changing into a cultural second.

Past the solo performances, the album’s collaborations elevated its enchantment. Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, and the late Ol’ Soiled Bastard all contributed distinctive flavors to the report, serving to SOS push the boundaries of what R&B will be in 2025.

A Report-Breaking Legacy

Whereas its lyrical vulnerability is spectacular, what units SOS aside is its industrial efficiency. Not solely did the album debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, it spent 12 non-consecutive weeks in that spot—an achievement no different R&B album by a girl had reached in almost 4 a long time.

Now, with 85 weeks and counting within the high 10, SZA has dethroned Adele’s 21, which beforehand held the report for the reason that early 2010s. For context, 21 was a world juggernaut with enduring enchantment. That SOS has overtaken it speaks volumes about how deeply SZA’s work connects with listeners right this moment.

This type of longevity is uncommon, particularly within the streaming age the place albums usually have quick life cycles. SZA’s consistency is pushed by each her artistry and an unusually engaged fanbase that continues to assist her lengthy after launch week.

Lana: The Deluxe Drop That Modified All the pieces

To additional gas the momentum, SZA dropped the deluxe model of SOS—titled Lana—in December 2024. This wasn’t a primary repackage with a number of bonus tracks. As a substitute, she added 19 brand-new songs, giving followers a completely new chapter to discover. In February 2025, 4 new songs have been added, to rejoice SZA’s Tremendous Bowl Halftime Present efficiency with Kendrick Lanar.

The deluxe featured the extremely anticipated observe “30 for 30” with Kendrick Lamar, a reunion between two High Dawg Leisure (TDE) alumni. The observe, full of lyrical depth and mutual respect, rapidly turned a standout second. Its launch additionally signaled a return to kind for Kendrick, and a reminder of the simple chemistry between the 2.

Different new songs like “PSA,” “Take You Down,” and “Saturn” provided extra introspective layers, mixing ambient R&B with existential musings, solidifying the undertaking as each emotionally charged and sonically wealthy.

SZA and Kendrick Lamar Launch the Grand Nationwide Tour

In one other huge transfer, SZA and Kendrick kicked off the Grand Nationwide World Tour on April 19, 2025, in Minneapolis. The tour pairs two of music’s most introspective and progressive voices on the identical stage—an occasion followers have been ready for for the reason that early TDE days.

The setlist spans their complete careers, together with Ctrl, SOS, Mr. Morale & The Large Steppers, and DAMN. The following tour cease lands in Houston on April 23, and anticipation is sky-high.

Past the music, the tour presents high-concept visuals, immersive stage designs, and emotionally resonant moments. It’s a reside present that doubles as an expertise, bringing their deeply private lyrics to life.

Why ‘SOS’ Nonetheless Issues Two Years Later

So, what makes SOS greater than only a profitable album? Why is it nonetheless climbing charts almost two years after launch?

• Emotional Realness: SZA’s lyrics learn like a journal. Individuals see themselves in her songs. She doesn’t cover behind metaphors or ego—she places her insecurities on show.

• Style Fluidity: From alt-rock riffs to lo-fi beats, SZA doesn’t stick to 1 sound. This freedom attracts a large, numerous viewers.

• Cultural Relevance: From TikTok traits to award reveals, SZA’s music stays within the dialog. She is aware of tips on how to stay seen with out overexposure.

• Timeless Themes: Love, heartbreak, id, anger, development—these usually are not fleeting matters. SOS will resonate with future generations simply as Ctrl nonetheless does right this moment.

R&B is Thriving, and SZA is Main the Cost

The present panorama of R&B is wealthy and numerous. Alongside artists like Brent Faiyaz, Summer season Walker, Giveon, and Jazmine Sullivan, SZA stands on the forefront. Her success isn’t a fluke—it’s half of a bigger renaissance of Black storytelling in music that values emotional depth and sonic exploration.

But what units SZA aside is her capability to stability vulnerability and energy. She owns her flaws. She makes music that speaks to individuals navigating the messy strategy of changing into themselves.

The Way forward for SZA: What’s Subsequent?

With SOS and Lana nonetheless dominating, it’s unclear when SZA will launch her subsequent undertaking—however followers are already speculating. Will she enterprise into movie? Drop an acoustic EP? Collaborate with a left-field artist like Frank Ocean or Rosalía?

No matter route she takes, one factor is for certain: the world might be watching—and listening.

SZA’s Legacy is Nonetheless Being Written

In an period outlined by quick drops, viral singles, and fleeting fame, SZA is a reminder that authenticity, endurance, and craft nonetheless matter. She waited 5 years to drop SOS, and in doing so, created a physique of labor that’s rewriting historical past and reshaping the way forward for R&B.

With over 85 weeks within the high 10, a Grammy-winning discography, and a sold-out world tour, SZA’s second isn’t coming—it’s right here, and it’s constructed to final.