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SZA has created a vast following with a diverse musical talent and honest story telling. Her career has shown strong relationships with many people inside and outside of her own industry.
SZA's hit song “Drew Barrymore” from her album Ctrl was made in the actresses' honor after stating she admired Barrymore’s “you-ness.” Barrymore is described as having a quirky energy. Barrymore gave SZA inspiration and has long been an admired source .
SZA was open about how she feels seeing that her insecurities often reflect the beauty in Drew's. SZA admired Drew for her relatable nature that includes having an imperfect smile and her own unique style of communication. Also noting her unique speech pattern resonated with aspects of herself that she thought would bring her criticism in the past. In this setting Barrymore gave a permission for being herself which the singer said inspired her very much.
On the Drew Barrymore show SZA described her feelings for the show host. She mentioned previously writing Drew a letter detailing how her unique journey and energy had impacted her life but did not send it. In return Drew admitted that she thought the “ Drew Barrymore ” song had just used her name in passing but understood the impact and message after learning from SZA first hand.
Drew spoke about how her personality is one that may inspire people because of a “lack of assumption”. That many seek permission to be themselves by finding someone who relates and gives others confidence. The openness both had for what made them unique shows how the both had given comfort for just being yourself to one another while allowing an impact for all.
SZA recently released “Lana” as a deluxe version of the hit album SOS and is showing high ratings. With consistent presence on the Billboard 200, the star continues to garner recognition for all creative endeavors. All the success that the music receives allows more visibility which has created all these very large talking points throughout mainstream culture and social media.
The influence from others may change her next project with a change of direction towards a less mainstream sound as she says that she wants to do music she has an actual love for that may shift her current style for more child focused themes with “peaceful music”. This shows that she is ready to explore all facets of her style while changing the sound to follow more passion projects instead of following only popular culture.
SZA's career however has seen a recent curve ball after being implicated in a law suit. SZA with Future and Travis Scott have been accused of using lyrics in their song “Telekenisis” from an unreleased song. She and several other notable people in music have been implicated by an artist called Victory Boyd.
The lawsuit stated she wrote the song “Like the Way it Sounds” in 2019 which she had shared with Ye aka Kanye West who was then alleged to have had shared with Travis Scott and all of which was to be used without her knowledge in the song that has a title now called “Telekenisis”. The lawsuit shows an interest of payment to which she believes that she deserves to be recognized.
Victory is seeking both financial and permanent injunction preventing broadcast of any of her original work. The song is credited in many cases but still under review to understand the level of copyright. Her lawsuit also brings up a discussion on ethical approaches to sampling music along with respecting intellectual properties in a digital age. It highlights how quickly something that is new can become mainstream for millions while impacting its origin in great magnitude with no control over how it may be used in various facets of mainstream media.
Aside from this legal battle SZA continues to gain attention on a multitude of different levels in entertainment, including her recent role in the film “One of Them Days” as well as being seen working with several collaborators in the recording space.
SZA has recently received a lot of attention in areas relating to body image which she has been seen as challenging through open discussion. She challenges societal standards of beauty by having real and raw conversations as a person who continues to rise to new heights in various mediums which further proves her influence and staying power.