SZA’s “SOS” album earns 13th total week at number one in US

SZA’s “SOS” returns to number one in US for 13th week

In an era where albums often have fleeting moments at the top, SZA continues to prove that true artistry has lasting power. Over two years after its initial release, her sophomore album, SOS, has stormed back to number one on the Billboard 200, marking its 13th total week atop the chart.

This milestone isn’t just a victory lap—it’s a statement that SZA’s impact on R&B, pop, and music culture overall isn’t slowing down any time soon.

‘SOS’ Returns to Number One: How It Happened

This week, SOS climbed back to the Billboard 200’s top spot by moving an additional 52,000 units. This includes a blend of album sales, individual track downloads, and streaming numbers. In today’s music landscape—dominated by constant new releases and viral moments—such a sustained performance is rare.

Since its initial debut in December 2022, SOS has shattered expectations. It spent 10 consecutive weeks at number one upon release, making it the longest-running number-one female R&B album in Billboard history at the time. Now, with its 13th non-consecutive week at number one, it joins legendary projects that have reappeared at the summit years after release.

Albums that focus on storytelling, emotional vulnerability, and sonic innovation tend to have longer shelf lives. SZA’s SOS is the latest proof.

The ‘Lana’ Deluxe Release: Even More Gems

Fueling this renewed momentum was the highly anticipated deluxe edition of SOS, titled Lana, which dropped in December 2024.

Lana wasn’t just a deluxe in the traditional sense. It added 19 brand-new tracks, essentially giving fans an entirely new body of work. Songs like “No More Hiding”, “Diamond Boy”, and “BMF” showcased SZA’s range, while features from artists like Don Toliver and notably Kendrick Lamar made it a cultural event.

One track, in particular, “30 For 30” featuring Kendrick, quickly became a standout, praised for its introspection and powerhouse lyricism. The collaboration blended Kendrick’s piercing storytelling with SZA’s soulful reflections, resulting in a track that resonated deeply with fans of both artists.

Bonus Songs After the Super Bowl: SZA Keeps Giving

If 19 new songs weren’t enough, SZA surprised fans again just two months ago. To celebrate her historic Super Bowl Halftime Show performance alongside Kendrick Lamar in New Orleans, she added four additional songs to the Lana deluxe edition.

They were uploaded across all streaming platforms the same night as the Super Bowl performance. Each new song further expanded the emotional universe SZA has built with SOS and Lana—filled with yearning, self-realization, and cathartic release.

Fans love how SZA stays unpredictable, giving them new music drops when they least expect it—building loyalty beyond streaming numbers.

Grand National Tour: SZA’s Stage Presence Reaches New Heights

SZA’s momentum doesn’t stop at chart success. Just last weekend, she officially kicked off her Grand National Tour. This ambitious global trek includes over 40 dates across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

The tour is already earning rave reviews. From the first show, it was clear that SZA has elevated her live performances to new levels. Stunning visuals, intricate choreography, live band arrangements, and heartfelt interactions with the audience make every night feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Setlist highlights:

• “Kill Bill”

• “Good Days”

• “Snooze”

• “30 For 30” (with Kendrick appearing as a hologram during the first show!)

• “Broken Clocks”

SZA’s willingness to innovate on stage shows she’s not just about hits—she’s building an emotional connection with fans through the entire concert experience.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early—merchandise lines can get long fast, and SZA has been known to pop out for surprise meet-and-greets in select cities.

‘Luther’ with Kendrick Lamar: Chart-Topping Collaboration Magic

As if dominating the Billboard 200 wasn’t enough, SZA and Kendrick Lamar are also ruling the Billboard Hot 100.

Their latest collaboration, “Luther“, from Kendrick’s critically acclaimed GNX album, is currently spending its ninth week at number one on the Hot 100. The track blends SZA’s haunting vocals with Kendrick’s precise storytelling, offering a modern-day anthem about resilience, betrayal, and personal evolution.

Why “Luther” works so well:

• It taps into nostalgia while sounding futuristic.

• Their chemistry is undeniable.

• Both artists lean into their vulnerabilities without sacrificing lyrical excellence.

SZA’s Lasting Impact on R&B and Music

What makes SZA’s success even more impressive is how she has reshaped what it means to be an R&B star today. She’s unafraid to blend genres, to talk about messy emotions, and to exist outside traditional industry molds.

Since debuting with her critically acclaimed 2017 album CTRL, she’s paved the way for a new generation of artists who prioritize honesty over polish. In a world where curated social media personas dominate, SZA’s rawness feels refreshing.

Vulnerability never goes out of style. Artists who embrace their imperfections tend to build stronger, lasting connections with audiences.

What’s Next for SZA?

Though SZA hasn’t officially announced her next studio album, there are strong hints that she’s already recording new material while touring. In a recent interview, she teased the idea of exploring more acoustic and folk-inspired sounds, surprising fans who know her for her silky, layered R&B textures.

Potential upcoming projects include:

• A collaborative EP with Kendrick Lamar

• A live album from the Grand National Tour

• A possible documentary series chronicling the SOS and Lana eras

As of now, SZA is content letting her current projects breathe—but knowing her pattern of surprise drops, fans should definitely stay tuned.

SZA’s incredible run with SOS, Lana, and the Grand National Tour highlights a rare and beautiful thing in today’s music world—longevity built on authenticity. She doesn’t chase trends; she creates emotional experiences that stay with listeners long after the song ends.

In returning to number one more than two years after its release, SZA proves once again:
Real artistry never goes out of style.