SZA was the first black female artist signed to TDE, Top Dawg Entertainment, she self-released her mixtape See. SZA. Run in 2012 and an EP, S in 2013. Solána, also known as SZA has now accomplished things such as topping the Billboard 200 chart for several weeks to presenting at the Grammys in 2023. SZA is a beautiful, talented, role model for young Black women across the world.
SZA released a studio album in 2017 called Ctrl. put the artist SZA herself on the map and the label she was signed to, TDE. Since Ctrl. was released, SZA’s career has taken off even more! The album was a huge success and received multiple Grammy nominations.
SZA continued to collaborate with other artists and release new music. She has worked with artists like Travis Scott, Maroon 5, and Doja Cat. She’s been making waves in the music industry ever since. SZA hasn’t released a full-length album yet, but she has dropped many singles and collaborations. Some notable ones include “Good Days” and one of her most famous collaborations is “All The Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, which was featured on the “Black Panther” soundtrack. SZA’s unique style and mesmerizing vocals make her collaborations stand out.
“When I first heard her song it was like, “This eats”, she’s been on replay nonstop.” SZA fan, Britney Amankwah, explained in an interview with The Greyhound.
Solána Rowe was born in Maplewood, New Jersey. Solána was raised in orthodox Muslim tradition and went to Muslim prep schools in addition to her regular education. She wore modest clothing and a hijab to honor her religion but she often felt ostracized due to being one of the very few black people living in a white neighborhood. After the attack of 9/11 Solána explained experiencing an uptick in bullying which resulted in her having to take off her hijab to fit in. Despite these challenges, she remained one with her religion.
“I’ll feel most comfortable with Islam forever,” she said in an interview in 2013. (Britannica.com)
Growing up Rowe was introduced to and recognized musical talent through her parents and voice lessons. But before her kick-off into sensation, Solána played many sports and later went to three colleges trying to find out which of the three was best for her and decided on Delaware State to study marine biology. Life as a college student was difficult for Rowe, she excessively drank and smoked. After failing many classes she decided to drop out in her last semester.
While struggling to stay afloat, SZA worked as a bartender in a strip club and was also experiencing tension with her parents. They did not know about her job and would not approve due to their religious background. That summer Solána went to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
“She interned for Billionaire Boys Club, a clothing brand founded by fashion designers and music producers Pharrell Williams and Nigo, and later worked for 10. Deep, a streetwear clothing brand”, says Britannica. Com.
After that summer Ctrl. took off. Solána brings her touch to every song she’s a part of and fans are eagerly waiting for her next album to come out!
