SZA Joins Lizzo On "Special" Remix

BYGabriel Bras Nevares2.0K Views
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On this new version of Lizzo's 2022 standout, the TDE singer opens up the track beautifully.

Lizzo and SZA just released a remix of the former's standout track from last year, the uplifting and soulful "Special." Moreover, it's the title track on Lizzo's 2022 album, not SZA's SOS cut of the same name. Even though this new version doesn't switch up much from the original, it was already powerful to begin with. Furthermore, the TDE vocalist adds some gorgeous background vocals throughout its runtime. Given Lizzo's recent Grammy win for Record of the Year, this song takes on a particularly triumphant feeling. As SZA supports her industry colleague, you can feel the confidence and gratitude pour out.

SZA onstage at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

However, the "Kill Bill" singer didn't stop there. In fact, she opens up this new version with a short, but thematically fitting narrative. Throughout her lines and beneath her soothing vocal tone, she handles negativity from external sources and finds comfort in self-affirmation. While many might try to bring them down, both artists look inward for satisfaction and are proud of their emotions. After her verse ends, the chart-dominating artist supports Lizzo as she sings her parts. Even if it's a minimal addition, it's certainly a powerful one that adds more dynamism to the track.

Meanwhile, SZA also appeared at the Grammys and presented Bad Bunny with the Best Música Urbana Album. After all the incredible success of SOS, we're sure she'll make a show-stopping return to the Recording Academy next year. Still, what did you think of Lizzo and SZA teaming up on the former's inspiring album track, "Special"? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out some notable lines from SZA's verse down below. Also, if you haven't heard the song yet, you can find the remix on your preferred streaming service. As always, check back in with HNHH for the best new music releases in hip-hop, R&B, and beyond.

Quotable Lyrics
Woke up this morning to somebody judging me
No surprise they judging me, don't know who I'm 'posed to be
I'm just acting up, I'm pressed as f**k and never saying sorry
Found it in the end, I can only do it for me

About The Author
Gabriel Bras Nevares is a staff writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined HNHH while completing his B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication at The George Washington University in the summer of 2022. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gabriel treasures the crossover between his native reggaetón and hip-hop news coverage, such as his review for Bad Bunny’s hometown concert in 2024. But more specifically, he digs for the deeper side of hip-hop conversations, whether that’s the “death” of the genre in 2023, the lyrical and parasocial intricacies of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake battle, or the many moving parts of the Young Thug and YSL RICO case. Beyond engaging and breaking news coverage, Gabriel makes the most out of his concert obsessions, reviewing and recapping festivals like Rolling Loud Miami and Camp Flog Gnaw. He’s also developed a strong editorial voice through album reviews, think-pieces, and interviews with some of the genre’s brightest upstarts and most enduring obscured gems like Homeboy Sandman, Bktherula, Bas, and Devin Malik.
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