SZA, the influential voice of modern R&B, has had a journey defined by mystery, artistic integrity, and struggle. The video explores her tumultuous rise, which includes battling personal demons, overcoming industry obstacles, and even a recent flare-up of tension with rapper Nicki Minaj.

The Latest Tension: SZA vs. Nicki Minaj

The most recent drama involves a collaboration that never happened. The tension reportedly traces back to 2020 when Nicki Minaj reached out to SZA’s then-manager, Punch Henderson, for a feature. Punch claims he simply informed Nicki that SZA was deep in album mode and couldn’t take on features at the time. This simple business refusal has since “spiraled into a very public, very personal attack.”

A Life Defined by Pressure and Perfectionism

Before her music career, SZA planned to be a marine biologist. Born Solána Imáni Rowe, she moved to Maplewood, New Jersey, and grew up Muslim in post-9/11 America, where she faced bullying and discrimination that fueled her anxiety and self-doubt.

Neurodivergence and Perfectionism: SZA has been open about her ADHD, which she says affects her creative process and contributes to her intense perfectionism, making project completion a struggle.
The TDE Conflict: After signing with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), SZA found herself fighting twice as hard as the only woman on the male-dominated label to get resources and maintain her artistic vision.
The 5-Year Wait: Following the success of her debut album, Control (2017), fans waited five years for new music. Behind the scenes, SZA was battling perfectionism, label conflicts, vocal issues that required surgery, and anxiety that made creating music feel impossible.

The SOS Triumph and Financial Power

SZA finally returned with her sophomore album, SOS (2022), which was a massive success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and becoming the longest-running number one album by a woman in over a decade.

Grammy and Oscar: Her music led to an Oscar nomination for “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar and her first Grammy win for “Kiss Me More” with Doja Cat.
Mental Health Advocacy: Even with her success, SZA remains candid about her struggles, openly discussing therapy and medication, becoming an advocate for Black women’s mental health.
Financial Advantage: As of 2025, SZA’s net worth is an estimated $12 million. This is built on a strategically diversified portfolio, including a unique record deal with TDE and RCA that reportedly grants her a favorable 70/30 split—a nearly unheard-of term in the industry.

Expanding the Empire

SZA is now leveraging her success to expand into new fields:

Acting Debut: In January 2025, SZA made her acting debut in the buddy comedy One of Them Days with Keke Palmer, which was a box-office success.
Fashion Partnership: She has been announced as the new artistic director for Vans in a multi-year partnership, cementing her status as a cultural influencer beyond music.
Upcoming Music: SZA is currently co-headlining the “Grand National Tour” with Kendrick Lamar and is rumored to be working on her next album with Pharrell Williams.

SZA’s story is proof that her authenticity and willingness to be vulnerable were not weaknesses, but her greatest superpower, leading her from life’s difficult moments to extraordinary success.