SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe on November 8, 1989, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and music video director who has a net worth of over $6 million. This article will delve into the life and career of one of the most successful and talented artists in the music industry, including SZA’s early life, career highlights, and major awards and nominations.
Early Life
SZA was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, in a household with a Christian mother who worked at AT&T and a Muslim father who was an executive producer at CNN. As a child, SZA attended a Muslim prep school after regular school, where she was bullied for wearing a hijab following the September 11th terrorist attacks. She was also involved in sports, such as cheerleading and gymnastics, at Columbia High School.
After graduating in 2008, SZA studied marine biology at Delaware State University, but left during her last semester to pursue a music career. In 2013, she self-released her EPs “See.SZA.Run” and “S,” before being signed to Top Dawg Entertainment as their first female artist.
Career Highlights
In 2014, SZA released the EP “Z” which contained the hit singles “Babylon” (featuring Kendrick Lamar) and “Child’s Play” (featuring Chance the Rapper). She also collaborated with Jill Scott and wrote songs for Beyoncé and Rihanna before signing with RCA Records in 2017.
Her debut studio album, “Ctrl,” was released in 2017 and reached #1 on the “Billboard” Top R&B Albums chart, #2 on the “Billboard” Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #3 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. Her career reached new heights with her collaborations with Kendrick Lamar on “All the Stars” from the 2018 “Black Panther” soundtrack, which received an Academy Award nomination, and Doja Cat on “Kiss Me More,” which won a Grammy.
SZA has directed several of her own music videos, such as “Teen Spirit,” “Babylon,” and “Broken Clocks,” and has also written songs for Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Travis Scott.
Awards and Nominations
SZA has been nominated for more than a dozen Grammys and won her first in 2022 for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Kiss Me More” with Doja Cat. She has also been nominated for Best New Artist, Best R&B Performance (“The Weekend”), Best R&B Song (“Supermodel”), Best Rap/Sung Performance (“Love Galore”), and Best Urban Contemporary Album (“Ctrl”) in 2018 and Song of the Year (“Kiss Me More”), Best R&B Song (“Good Days”), Record of the Year (“Kiss Me More”), and Album of the Year (Doja Cat’s “Planet Her – Deluxe”) in 2022. In addition, SZA received an Academy Award nomination for “All the Stars” from “Black Panther” and won a Black Reel Award, African-American Film Critics Association Award, Hollywood Music In Media Award, and International Online Cinema Award.
SZA’s Impact
SZA’s music has impacted the music industry in numerous ways. She has been praised for her unique sound, which incorporates elements of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and alternative music. Her music often revolves around themes of self-empowerment, self-discovery, and personal growth. SZA’s ability to write and direct her own music videos has also allowed her to express her creative vision fully.
In addition to her music, SZA’s collaborations with Crocs for Mental Health Awareness Month has brought attention to mental health issues. She also strives to promote self-care and mental wellbeing through her music. SZA’s talent and impact will undoubtedly continue to be felt throughout the music industry for years to come.
Conclusion
SZA’s net worth of $6 million is reflective of her hard work, dedication, and talent as an R&B singer, songwriter, and music video director. SZA’s music has made an impact on the music industry and has earned her numerous accolades and nominations, including a Grammy in 2022. Her collaborations with Crocs for Mental Health Awareness Month have also brought attention to mental health and self-care. SZA’s journey from a Muslim prep school to the Grammy Awards is an inspiration to many and a testament to her remarkable talent and perseverance.
