SZA – “Drive” [VIDEO]
SZA releases “Drive” single ahead of “Lana” album
SZA’s SOS era continues to evolve, and fans are in for even more excitement. After teasing her upcoming deluxe edition, Lana, the Grammy-winning artist has just dropped the highly anticipated single Drive. The track, which features a cameo from legendary actor Ben Stiller, is one of the eight new songs on the SOS deluxe album, set to release on December 20, 2024. This release comes one year after SZA first hinted at Lana and its various cover art concepts.
As if this wasn’t enough, SZA has also earned two new Grammy nominations for her hit single Saturn, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. With her SOS deluxe edition on the way, plus her recent Grammy nods, SZA’s star continues to rise.
SZA’s New Single “Drive” Is Here—And It’s Cinematic
SZA has always been an artist who takes risks and pushes boundaries, and Drive is no exception. The single, which was first previewed by the artist last weekend, is an atmospheric and emotionally charged track that blends SZA’s soulful voice with a deep, evocative production. It captures the essence of longing and introspection, themes that have become synonymous with SZA’s sound.
But it’s the accompanying music video that has really caught people’s attention. In an unexpected and delightful twist, Drive features a cameo from actor Ben Stiller. Known for his roles in films like Zoolander and Night at the Museum, Stiller’s appearance in the video adds a touch of humor and surrealism, enhancing the song’s emotional depth. His presence is a perfect example of SZA’s unique ability to blend vulnerability with playful artistry.
The video is visually stunning, featuring surreal imagery and a storyline that complements the song’s themes of self-reflection and personal growth. Stiller’s understated yet impactful performance adds an unexpected layer of intrigue, making the visual experience as engaging as the song itself. With Drive, SZA proves once again that she’s not just a talented musician but also a storyteller, blurring the lines between music and film.
SOS Deluxe Lana: What to Expect from the New Album
SZA’s SOS album, released in December 2022, was an undeniable success. It topped the Billboard 200 chart, making it her first number-one album, and delivered hit singles like Kill Bill, Snooze, and Good Days. The album’s blend of R&B, soul, and pop with deeply personal lyrics struck a chord with listeners, catapulting SZA to superstardom.
Now, with the release of Lana on December 20, 2024, fans are about to experience a new chapter in the SOS saga. Lana adds eight new tracks, further expanding the world SZA created with her original album. These new songs are expected to explore even more emotional depths, blending themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, with SZA’s trademark vulnerability.
The album’s cover art, revealed just last weekend, features SZA in a forest wearing a bug mask. The striking image evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue, aligning with the album’s anticipated experimental and introspective nature. Fans are eager to hear how these new tracks fit within the SOS universe while also introducing fresh sounds and ideas.
The decision to release Lana as a deluxe edition of SOS makes perfect sense. It gives SZA the opportunity to expand on the themes of the original album while offering fans a deeper, more complex listening experience. With Lana, SZA continues her journey of self-discovery, and fans are sure to be captivated by the new material.
SZA’s Grammy Nominations for Saturn: A Well-Deserved Recognition
As if the excitement surrounding Lana wasn’t enough, SZA has also received two Grammy nominations for her standout single Saturn. The song, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, has become one of the most beloved tracks from SOS.
The two nominations SZA received are for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. Saturn has been praised for its soulful production and powerful lyrics, and it’s no surprise that the Grammys have recognized the track’s impact. The song blends rich instrumentation with SZA’s emotive vocal delivery, capturing the vulnerability and complexity that has become her signature.
The Grammy nominations are just the latest in a string of accolades for SZA. Her ability to create songs that resonate with listeners on such a personal level has made her one of the most influential voices in contemporary R&B. With Saturn earning recognition at the Grammys, it’s clear that SZA’s artistry continues to have a lasting impact.
SOS and Lana: SZA’s Artistic Evolution
With SOS, SZA established herself as an artist who doesn’t shy away from exploring complex emotions and difficult experiences. The album’s rawness, combined with its genre-blending production, made it a standout in the R&B and pop worlds. Tracks like Kill Bill became instant classics, blending catchy hooks with deeply personal narratives.
Lana will build on this foundation, but it will also showcase SZA’s evolution as an artist. The new tracks are expected to push the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from her, experimenting with new sounds while maintaining the emotional depth that made SOS such a success. With Lana, SZA proves that she is not afraid to take risks and continue growing both musically and creatively.
SZA’s Upcoming Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar
Looking ahead to 2025, SZA’s Grand National Tour is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of 2025. The tour, which will feature SZA alongside Kendrick Lamar, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans. The duo’s chemistry on tracks from Kendrick’s latest album GNX, where SZA appears on two songs, has fans buzzing with excitement about what their live performances will bring.
Both SZA and Kendrick Lamar have consistently delivered powerful, emotionally charged performances, and their collaboration on stage is sure to elevate the experience to new heights. The Grand National Tour will be a celebration of both artists’ incredible talents and will undoubtedly feature some surprise collaborations and special moments along the way.
As SZA prepares for the tour, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to see her perform her most iconic tracks live, as well as the new material from Lana. With Kendrick Lamar by her side, the Grand National Tour is set to be a highlight of 2025.
SZA’s Film Debut: One of Them Days with Keke Palmer
In addition to her music and live performances, SZA is also making her mark in the world of film. Her upcoming movie One of Them Days, co-starring Keke Palmer, will hit theaters in January 2025. The film tells the story of two friends trying to make it in Los Angeles while navigating the challenges of adulthood and financial struggle.
For SZA, this move into film feels like a natural progression. Her music has always had a cinematic quality, and One of Them Days will offer fans a new way to experience her storytelling. The film’s exploration of friendship, ambition, and survival in LA aligns with many of the themes SZA has touched on in her music, giving her the opportunity to bring her artistic vision to the big screen.
With Keke Palmer as her co-star, the movie promises to be a powerful exploration of relationships and self-discovery. Fans are excited to see how SZA’s unique artistic voice translates into the world of film.
What’s Next for SZA?
With Lana on the way, SZA is poised to continue her reign as one of the most influential and innovative artists of her generation. From her collaborations with Kendrick Lamar to her upcoming film debut, SZA is expanding her creative boundaries and showing that she is more than just a singer-songwriter.
Her upcoming Grammy nominations for Saturn, coupled with the excitement surrounding Lana and her Grand National Tour, make it clear that SZA’s journey is far from over. Fans can look forward to even more musical and artistic evolution from the star in the years to come.
Whether through her music, her live performances, or her acting, SZA is proving that she is a force to be reckoned with—and she’s just getting started.