SZA Explains Frustrations With TDE Early In Her Career

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2022 Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 05: Sza performs during the 2022 Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival at Golden Gate Park on August 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
She loves that the label let her execute creative freedom, but she recalled reminding them about hair, makeup, and publication coverage.

As S.O.S. continues to break records, SZA is the new cover girl for Billboard. The outlet named the singer their Woman of the Year, and she caught up with them to pose in a stunning photoshoot and speak on the album and the evolution of her career. In 2013, SZA's life changed when she signed a deal with Top Dawg Entertainment. The Carson, California-based label was making waves with their Rap-heavy roster, but the songbird caught their attention. Soon, she was the First Lady of TDE.

"I didn’t mind the lack of female artists. I just felt like I was always the first to do something, and that was frustrating. It was me telling y’all I need hair and makeup because I’m super hands-on, on top of being a woman. I’m making PowerPoints trying to explain why I want to be in this type of publication versus that type of publication."

SZA Remembers Early Days With TDE

The climb to the top wasn't easy for SZA. "It was tough," she recalled. "But by the same token, I think all of us grew together at the same time. They never had to do anything like this before, and we were all being so randomly innovative together by trying to figure out what makes sense. And I also liked that they weren’t trying to clean me up and look like anybody else."

It was important for the singer to have certain levels of creative freedom. It seems that TDE let her express herself as is. "They were just taking me as I was," she further shared. "That was really priceless, just to express myself visually how I wanted to and without the judgment of “Let’s make her pretty or sparkly and shiny and sterile.”

SZA Reveals S.O.S. Deluxe Will Arrive Soon

With S.O.S. taking over playlists and charts, a deluxe version is only fitting. SZA shared that the updated installment of her sophomore record is on the horizon, and it will host an impressive 10 extra tracks. "After I do the deluxe, I’m hoping to be able to accept that this chapter is done," said SZA. "I’m looking forward to actually feeling proud of myself and not just smiling and nodding at accolades but really feeling it internally and knowing that I’m good enough."

About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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