MUSIC: SZA - Z

Big hair, baggy Tee, and Chuck T’s are three things associated with New Jersey singer SZA... Cool vocals, dope lyricism and unique production happen to be another three. As one of Top Dawg Entertainment’s latest signees, she sits on their roster alongside the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q. Since signing to the label, SZA has lent her vocals to a number of tracks by other artists, including Kris Kasanova’s “Tomorrow”, and Isaiah Rashad’s “Ronnie Drake”. In autumn 2013 she released the songs “Julia” and “Teen Spirit”, which were her first solo offerings under the TDE moniker.

Needless to say that her latest album, Z has been highly anticipated by both fans, and critics who were eager to hear more from Top Dawg’s newest recruit. Z is actually SZA’s third album, after her 2012 debut EP, See.SZA.Run, and 2013’s S. It follows S as the second installment of a trilogy of albums that together will spell out her name. Z is a satisfying pick ‘n’ mix of 80s synth pop, 70s cool and, spacey futuristic noises. The 10-track album features appearances from Chance The Rapper, Isaiah Rashad and Kendrick Lamar. And the production credits include DJ Dahi, (Drake, Casey Veggies) Emile Haynie, (Eminem, Kanye West, Lana Del Rey) and Toro y Moi. The beautiful thing about Z is that somehow, SZA manages to combine and layer so many artistic elements without it coming off as confused or over-processed.

Conceptually, Z picks up where S left off, in the sense that it covers the next step of SZA’s coming-of-age experiences. But although the two albums deal with a lot of the same themes and issues, like love, aspirations, and identity, there is a definite shift in the overall tone. Musically, there’s less of the spangley, base-heavy, Glitter-trap sound that prevails on S. And lyrically, it’s without the whimsical, other worldly imagery too. Where S has more of an introspective dreamy feel to it, Z is more rooted in the here and now. The personality of this project is altogether more confident and self- assured. But SZA is not trying to play like she has all the answers - this album is not about cockiness or ego. It’s about accepting yourself, warts and all; it’s about accepting the fact that you don’t have all the answers; and realising that this is OK, because actually nobody has the answers and those who try to act like they do are only fooling themselves. Put plainly, Z is about experience, growth and keeping it trill in the realest sense.

“Clarity is a state of mind

Freedom ain’t real, who’s sold you that lie? [...]

Superficial Superwoman?

Ain’t you tired of that wind in your face?

Your skin tastes like brussells sprouts, I swear.”

- Lyrics from "Ur"                      

This is a confident, skilled body of work that is held together by superb creative integrity and innovation; Z is gorgeous to listen to- every song is its own unique treat. I love that SZA is quietly doing something different: and she's not being too noisy about it. She’s the rebel under your radar, and she is one artist who is truly dancing to her own tune, big hair, baggy t-shirt and all.

Have a listen to one of the album's stand out tracks, "Babylon" ft Kendrick Lamar. Also, check SZA's DECODED interview for Jay Z's digital magazine, Life + Times below.

Enjoy,

Love B x

Click here to read my full review for WPGM.