SZA still owes Beyoncé for sampling her music on SOS

SZA’s Sampling Debt to Beyoncé Highlights Music Industry Bonds

In 2025, the music industry continues to thrive on creative collaborations, with sampling as a cornerstone of innovation. R&B superstar SZA recently sparked conversation by revealing on Instagram that she owes Beyoncé half of her publishing royalties from her album SOS for sampling her work, yet Beyoncé has never pressed for payment. Calling her a “generous Queen,” SZA’s anecdote underscores their mutual respect.

Genre-Bending Greatness: How SZA Took Over R&B and Pop

Solána Imani Rowe, better known as SZA, is one of the defining voices of contemporary R&B and pop—an artist whose career has been marked by emotional transparency, genre-defying creativity, and steady evolution. Born November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, SZA began releasing music independently in the early 2010s. Her early EPs, See.SZA.Run and Z, caught the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), leading her to become the label’s first female signee in 2013—a major move at a time when TDE was primarily known for its roster of male hip-hop talent like Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q.

Her debut studio album, Ctrl, released in 2017, was a breakout moment. Blending neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop, and indie influences, the album resonated with a generation of listeners navigating self-worth, love, and growth. Ctrl earned four Grammy nominations, critical acclaim, and cult status. It also went on to become the second-longest-charting R&B album by a woman in Billboard 200 history, proving that SZA had long-term cultural staying power.

Her sophomore album SOS (2022) marked another massive leap forward. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and held that position for an impressive 13 weeks. The album’s raw honesty and sonic versatility—ranging from grunge to yacht rock—struck a chord. The single “Kill Bill” became her first global No. 1 hit, catapulting her from R&B favorite to pop phenomenon. The 2024 deluxe reissue Lana added more momentum, with top-10 singles like “Saturn” and “30 for 30,” each showing her lyrical growth and sonic expansion.

SZA Beyoncé Sampling Debt

In a May 2025 Instagram comment responding to a fan’s question about collaborations, SZA disclosed she owes Beyoncé publishing royalties for sampling her music on SOS (2022). While she didn’t specify the track—likely “F2F,” which interpolates Destiny’s Child’s “Get on the Bus” (1998), co-written by Beyoncé—SZA noted Beyoncé has never sought payment, describing her as a “generous Queen.” The remark, reported by Billboard, went viral, with fans praising the artists’ camaraderie. Others suggests the sampling involves publishing splits, common when using copyrighted material.

SZA’s candidness highlights a rare glimpse into industry friendships. Further, emphasizing Beyoncé’s graciousness and SZA’s gratitude. While also setting a positive tone amid competitive music landscapes.

SZA’s Influence Beyond Music

Beyond her musical acclaim, SZA has also made waves in film. In 2025, she co-starred with Keke Palmer in the buddy comedy One of Them Days, directed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton. The film follows two friends on a chaotic mission to come up with rent money after one of their boyfriends recklessly spends it. With a supporting role from Katt Williams, the movie became a surprise box office hit, grossing over $51 million. Released by Sony Pictures Releasing on January 17, 2025, One of Them Days showcased SZA’s comedic timing and natural on-screen chemistry with Palmer, further proving her versatility as a multi-hyphenate artist.

Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, Billboard Music Awards, and the prestigious 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Hal David Starlight Award, which honors her influence as a lyricist and voice of a generation. What makes SZA so significant isn’t just her chart success—it’s how she redefined what vulnerability and power sound like in modern music.

With co-signs from artists like Beyoncé, her name etched in the genre’s evolution, and performances that captivate both the mainstream and the margins, SZA continues to blur lines and break ceilings. Her cultural impact isn’t a moment—it’s a movement.

An Iconic Legacy

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, born September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas, is a global icon. Rising with Destiny’s Child, her solo debut Dangerously in Love (2003) launched number-one hits like “Crazy in Love.” Albums like Lemonade (2016) and Cowboy Carter (2024) redefined visual and concept albums, with the latter earning Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys. Her Cowboy Carter Tour, launched April 28, 2025, celebrates Black musical history, grossing over $325 million, per Billboard.

With over 200 million records sold and 32 Grammys, Beyoncé is the most-awarded artist in Grammy history. For readers, her generosity toward SZA reflects her role as a mentor, enhancing her legacy as a barrier-breaking artist.

Music Sampling Legal Stipulations

Sampling, the use of portions of existing recordings or compositions, is governed by strict legal stipulations. According to the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, sampling requires permission from both the sound recording copyright holder (often the label) and the composition copyright holder (songwriters or publishers). Failure to secure licenses can lead to lawsuits, as seen in the 1991 case Grand Upright Music v. Warner Bros., which set a precedent for mandatory clearance. Rolling Stone notes that costs vary—$1,000 to $100,000 for major artists like Beyoncé—often involving royalty splits, as in SZA’s case.

For those curious, SZA likely secured clearance for SOS through Top Dawg and RCA Records, with Beyoncé’s publishing share (via Parkwood Entertainment) unclaimed, reflecting her generosity. Fair use rarely applies to sampling due to commercial use, making legal agreements essential to avoid infringement.

A Musical Bond

SZA’s public acknowledgment of her sampling debt strengthens her bond with Beyoncé, rooted in mutual respect. Their history includes SZA co-writing “Feeling Myself” for Beyoncé’s 2013 self-titled album, and Beyoncé’s shoutout to SZA during her 2018 Coachella set. The Fader suggests Beyoncé’s decision not to pursue royalties reflects her support for younger artists, a trait seen in her mentorship of Chloe x Halle. Fans on Instagram celebrated the exchange, noting its rarity in an industry often marked by legal disputes over sampling.

This moment underscores how personal connections can transcend business. Offering a heartwarming narrative amid competitive music dynamics. While further highlighting the artists’ shared commitment to creativity.

Cultural Significance of Sampling in Music

Sampling is a cultural cornerstone, particularly in hip-hop and R&B, fostering innovation and homage. Pitchfork traces its roots to 1970s DJs like Kool Herc, with modern examples like Kanye West’s use of Daft Punk in “Stronger.” SZA’s sampling of Beyoncé on SOS bridges generations, connecting Destiny’s Child’s late-90s R&B to 2020s alternative sounds. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter itself samples Nancy Sinatra and Linda Martell, reclaiming Black contributions to country. A 2024 NPR report notes sampling drives 20% of Billboard Hot 100 hits, shaping modern music’s soundscape.

Additionally for music enthusiasts, SZA and Beyoncé’s story illustrates sampling’s role in preserving legacies. While pushing boundaries, encouraging reflection on how artists honor their influences ethically.

The Power Behind True Collaboration

SZA’s revelation about owing Beyoncé for sampling on SOS, paired with Beyoncé’s generosity, resonates. Whether you’re an R&B fan, a music producer, or intrigued by industry ethics. This story, set against the backdrop of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour and SZA’s Lana success. Further, highlighting the power of collaboration and respect in music. For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate two icons reshaping R&B and pop. For others, it’s a window into sampling’s legal and cultural complexities.