Solána Imani Rowe, known as SZA, is an American singer-songwriter. She gained initial recognition for her self-released EPs "See.SZA.Run" (2012) and "S" (2013). This led to her signing with Top Dawg Entertainment, becoming their first female artist. Her third EP, "Z" (2014), saw a digital release and reached the top ten on the US Independent Albums chart.
2014: Collaborations with TDE Labelmates
Throughout 2014, SZA collaborated with several artists on various projects. Notably, she worked with Kendrick Lamar on "Untitled 04 | 08.14.2014."
2015: Planned Release of Ctrl and Initial Delays
SZA's debut album, *Ctrl*, was originally slated for release in 2015. However, disagreements between SZA and TDE executives led to several delays.
2016: Collaborations and Brit Awards Performance
In 2016, SZA collaborated with Rihanna on "Consideration," co-writing and featuring on the track from Rihanna's album *Anti*. She also performed the song live with Rihanna at the 2016 Brit Awards. Additionally, SZA wrote for other artists, including Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, and Travis Scott. She also collaborated with her labelmates Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Isaiah Rashad, and Kendrick Lamar.
April 2017: SZA Signs with RCA Records
In April 2017, SZA officially signed a recording contract with RCA Records, paving the way for the release of her debut studio album.
August 2017: Ctrl Release and Start of North American/Oceanic Tour
In August 2017, SZA released her debut album *Ctrl* to critical acclaim. She also began a North American and Oceanic tour to promote the album.
August 2017: Collaboration with Maroon 5
SZA collaborated with Maroon 5 on their single "What Lovers Do" in August 2017, which became her first top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
October 17, 2017: Start of European Tour with Bryson Tiller
On October 17, 2017, SZA embarked on the European leg of Bryson Tiller's "Set It Off Tour" in support of his album *True to Self*.
November 2017: Grammy Nominations
In November 2017, SZA received five Grammy Award nominations, including Best New Artist, making her the most-nominated female artist of that year.
November 30, 2017: End of European Tour with Bryson Tiller
SZA concluded her run on the European leg of Bryson Tiller's "Set It Off Tour" on November 30, 2017.
January 2018: Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on "All the Stars"
SZA collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on "All the Stars" for the *Black Panther* soundtrack in January 2018, securing her second top-ten hit.
February 2018: End of North American/Oceanic Tour
In February 2018, SZA wrapped up her extensive North American and Oceanic tour promoting *Ctrl*.
2018: Grammy Awards Ceremony
SZA attended the 2018 Grammy Awards ceremony but did not win any of the five categories she was nominated in.
May 2019: Collaboration with DJ Khaled
SZA was featured on DJ Khaled's track "Just Us" from his album *Father of Asahd* in May 2019.
2019: Second Album Announced
In 2019, SZA announced her upcoming second studio album in an interview, though its release was subsequently delayed.
February 2020: Collaboration with Justin Timberlake
In February 2020, SZA teamed up with Justin Timberlake for "The Other Side," a song featured on the *Trolls World Tour* soundtrack.
April 22, 2020: New Jersey COVID-19 Relief Concert
SZA participated in a benefit concert on April 22, 2020, supporting New Jersey's COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts, alongside artists like Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Halsey.
May 25, 2020: Interest in Releasing Unreleased Songs
On May 25, 2020, SZA expressed interest on Twitter in sharing a collection of approximately twenty previously unreleased tracks with her fans.
August 2020: Publicly Addresses Label Tensions
SZA publicly hinted at tensions with her label, TDE, in August 2020, expressing frustration over delays regarding her second album.
September 4, 2020: Release of "Hit Different"
On September 4, 2020, SZA returned with "Hit Different," featuring Ty Dolla Sign and produced by the Neptunes.
2020: "Shirt" Teased and Previewed
In late 2020, SZA initially teased "Shirt," and a snippet later appeared in the outro of the "Good Days" music video.
December 2021: Official Release of "I Hate U"
Following its viral popularity on TikTok, SZA officially released "I Hate U" in December 2021, after initially sharing it on SoundCloud in August.
June 9, 2022: Release of Ctrl Deluxe Edition
A deluxe edition of *Ctrl* was released on June 9, 2022, marking the album's fifth anniversary and featuring seven previously unreleased tracks.
October 28, 2022: Release of "Shirt"
SZA released the single "Shirt" on October 28, 2022, accompanied by a music video starring LaKeith Stanfield, after the song gained popularity through a TikTok trend.