SZA, the versatile artist known for her unique blend of R&B and soul, recently opened up about her frustration with being pigeonholed into a single genre due to her race. In a candid interview with DAZED, the 34-year-old expressed her concerns about how she is perceived in the music industry.
According to SZA, the label of “R&B artist” is often applied to her solely because she is Black, which she finds limiting and reductive. She believes that this classification fails to capture the breadth of her artistic expression and stifles her creativity.
Unlike artists like Justin Bieber, who is free to explore various genres without being confined to a single label, SZA feels constrained by expectations based on her race.
“I simply just want to be allowed the same opportunity to make whatever I want without a label, [without it being] based on the colour of my skin, or the crew that I run with, or the beats that I choose,” SZA expressed in the interview.
Despite her frustrations, SZA remains focused on her music and is determined to break free from the constraints of genre classification. She wants her work to be appreciated for what it is, without being confined by preconceived notions.
While SZA acknowledges the challenges she faces in the industry, she remains grateful for the support of her fans. She recently took to social media to thank her supporters for recognizing the brilliance of her song “Snooze,” which she initially underestimated. The track, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won Best R&B Song at the 2024 Grammy Awards, has been celebrated for its impact and influence.
Despite the accolades, SZA’s journey as an artist is far from over. She continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations, refusing to be defined by narrow categorizations. As she navigates the complexities of the music industry, SZA remains committed to her craft and the pursuit of artistic freedom.
In a landscape where artistic expression is often confined by labels and expectations, SZA’s refusal to be boxed in serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and individuality. As she continues to evolve as an artist, SZA’s journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation in hip-hop and R&B.