Rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar has been supportive of singer SZA whose real name is Solana Imani Rowe. The rapper had a few words to say after British Vogue announced Rowe as their December issue’s cover star. Lamar said SZA is not just an emerging star but also a ‘little sister.’
In an email to the magazine, the rapper called Rowe an outgoing but shy person open to knowledge. Calling her impressive, Kendrick Lamar wrote,
“The shy sh*t is completely out the window, to a degree, at least. She has the answers to some of the things she was curious about and is willing to tell it all in the most disruptive yet beautiful compositions this generation has ever heard.”
He also praised the singer for her bravery, noting that she offered a raw depiction of the human experience, with all its emotional highs and lows, reminding us that it's all part of being alive.
Beyond music, the two artists’ friendship has also inspired many. In the early 2010s, Kendrick Lamar and SZA's careers intersected under Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). One of their earliest joint efforts, Babylon from Lamar's 2012 album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, highlighted their seamless blend of soulful vocals and sharp rap, receiving both critical and commercial acclaim.
Over time, their partnership grew, with appearances on albums, singles, and live performances that pushed both artists to explore new creative territories. Lamar's consistent support of SZA, along with her recognition of him as a "musical mentor," highlights the deep connection that drives their artistic collaboration.
SZA interviewed Kendrick Lamar for Harper Bazaar’s November 2024 issue
Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s 2018 song All the Stars was featured on the Black Panther soundtrack, which Lamar also produced. The track earned nominations for prestigious accolades, including Grammy, Golden Globe, and Academy Awards.
Earlier this month Rowe got the opportunity to interview Lamar for Harper Bazaar’s November 2024 issue in which they discussed life, growing up, and struggles in the industry. As their conversation came to a close, the two expressed their appreciation towards each other as Kendrick Lamar said,
“I’m proud of you. I’m not only proud of your artistry, I’m proud of you in the sense of carrying and respecting who you are and being able to go through emotions and aware of it and say, “Okay, this is me. I can either grow from it or I can put it away and come back to it.” That’s what I get from you. I think you got a good sense of it. Just knocking out the fear of it all.”
SZA expressed admiration for Kendrick Lamar’s approach to challenges, describing it as a philosophy of pushing through adversity, even when it becomes intensely difficult.
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The deluxe version of SOS and SZA's third studio album, Lana, are in progress. Reflecting on her creative process, she noted that her music came from a place of possibility and beauty rather than angst. She emphasized a shift in perspective, moving away from identifying with past hardships and focusing on personal growth, gradually bringing a lighter tone to her work.
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