SZA’s “Kill Bill” reaches diamond eligibility
SZA’s “Kill Bill” Hits Diamond Status
SZA has reached a career-defining milestone: her hit single “Kill Bill” is now diamond-certified in the U.S. That means the track has officially moved over 10 million units, a rare feat in today’s music industry. The song—fueled by raw emotion, cinematic storytelling, and a viral hook—has not only topped charts but also helped solidify her as one of R&B’s modern legends.
And that’s not all.
SZA is also captivating audiences around the world with her Grand National Tour, a co-headlining event alongside fellow superstar Kendrick Lamar. Together, the two artists are delivering an unforgettable experience that blends powerful visuals, genre-defying performances, and years of artistic chemistry.
“Kill Bill” Reaches Diamond: What That Really Means
To understand how big this is, let’s break it down.
The RIAA’s diamond certification is awarded when a single or album sells 10 million units in the United States. Only a select group of artists ever achieve this level of success. Think Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Eminem’s Lose Yourself, or Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance. Now, SZA joins that elite group—a massive win for both R&B and women in music.
Released in December 2022 as part of her SOS album, “Kill Bill” quickly became a fan favorite. It eventually soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 2023—SZA’s first chart-topping single. The song’s darkly comedic lyrics (“I might kill my ex…”) paired with its smooth melodies struck a chord across generations, and it continues to dominate playlists to this day.
“SOS” Album: The Launchpad for a New Era
SZA’s SOS was much more than a sophomore album—it was a cultural moment.
The project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, where it stayed for 10 non-consecutive weeks, a rare feat for an R&B album in the streaming era. It won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Progressive R&B Album and Best R&B Song for “Snooze.” Critics praised SOS for its genre-bending sound that fused R&B, pop, rock, and alternative influences.
With over 5 billion streams globally, SOS became one of the top albums of the 2020s. And the success of “Kill Bill” was its crown jewel.
In 2024, SZA followed up with a deluxe version of the album titled SOS Deluxe: Lana, featuring four new tracks. These additions gave fans more emotional depth, reinforcing the timeless quality of her work.
The Grand National Tour: Two Icons, One Stage
In April 2025, SZA and Kendrick Lamar launched the Grand National Tour, a massive joint effort showcasing two of the most influential voices of this generation.
The tour opened in Minneapolis and will span 39 shows across stadiums in North America and Europe, ending in Stockholm on August 9. This is the first full-scale stadium tour for both artists—each bringing years of experience, accolades, and a cult-like following.
SZA’s Live Performances: A Visual Wonderland
SZA’s portion of the tour is nothing short of breathtaking. She leans into rich, theatrical visuals with an enchanting forest-themed stage. Giant props like a towering ant, insect-costumed dancers, and a blossoming stage backdrop set the tone. During “Kill Bill,” an animation plays showing a female mantis devouring her partner—a metaphor that matches the song’s lyrical darkness.
Her wardrobe changes add even more flair. Think pixie dresses with holographic wings, gowns that morph mid-performance, and butterfly motifs that sync with the lighting design. It’s not just a concert—it’s performance art.
Her setlist features fan favorites like:
- “Kill Bill”
- “Snooze”
- “Saturn”
- “I Hate U”
- “Broken Clocks”
Each song transitions with cinematic interludes, pulling the audience deeper into SZA’s creative universe.
Kendrick Lamar’s Set: Political, Poetic, Powerful
Kendrick’s set opens with drama—he steps out of a sleek Buick GNX as flames erupt around him. He performs newer tracks from his 2025 album GNX, including “Wacced Out Murals” and “Euphoria,” interspersed with legacy hits like “DNA,” “HUMBLE.,” and “Alright.”
He uses light and silence as tools, letting his words sit heavy in the air. Black-and-white visuals contrast with bursts of saturated color, especially during his now-iconic “Not Like Us” performance—a song many consider the diss track of the decade.
Dancers move with precision, matching Kendrick’s storytelling in songs that touch on identity, race, and generational trauma.
Their On-Stage Chemistry: Decade in the Making
SZA and Kendrick’s chemistry didn’t come out of nowhere. Fans remember their earlier collaborations like:
- “Doves in the Wind” (Ctrl, 2017)
- “All the Stars” (Black Panther soundtrack, 2018)
On this tour, those tracks are brought to life with stunning choreography. During “All the Stars,” they stand on opposite sides of the stage, slowly rising on platforms as they trade verses under a glowing constellation backdrop.
The finale features them riding offstage together in the Buick GNX—a powerful image of unity and artistic partnership.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Buzz and Sold-Out Shows
Across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, fans are raving about the tour. Hashtags like #GrandNationalTour and #KillBillDiamond have trended multiple times. Concert clips showing SZA floating above the stage or Kendrick rapping in total darkness go viral overnight.
Tickets for most shows have sold out within minutes, and resale prices are through the roof. Merchandise lines wrap around stadiums. At select venues, SZA even launched her new Not Beauty lip products—available exclusively to tour attendees.
Why This Moment Matters
For SZA, going diamond with “Kill Bill” represents more than just sales. It’s a testament to her influence, her consistency, and her ability to evolve while staying authentic.
For fans, it’s validation. Many have followed her since her 2014 debut EP Z, and seeing her headline stadiums alongside Kendrick Lamar is deeply satisfying.
From chart dominance to unforgettable live shows, SZA is in the midst of her prime—and she’s only getting started.
What It Takes for a Song to Go Diamond
Want to know how a song like “Kill Bill” goes diamond? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- One digital download = 1 unit
- 150 streams = 1 unit
- Combine sales, streams, and radio play to hit 10 million units
- The RIAA then verifies and certifies it as diamond
Very few artists hit this milestone. For a female R&B artist, it’s even rarer. SZA’s entry into the diamond club puts her alongside icons like Whitney Houston and Beyoncé.
SZA’s diamond milestone with “Kill Bill” and the explosive success of the Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar underscore her dominance in music right now. She’s not just a trend—she’s a defining voice of her generation. And if this era is any indication, she’s just getting started.