Why SZA Was Worried About Being Featured on Rihanna’s Hit Album ‘ANTI’

Before achieving pop stardom, SZA harbored concerns about Rihanna featuring her song ‘Consideration’ as the opening track on the 2016 album ‘ANTI.’ Despite her worries that this might signify the peak of her career, SZA has since navigated a remarkable journey from her early life to becoming a prominent figure in the music industry.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

ACCRA, GHANA – SEPTEMBER 24: Sza performs on stage during Global Citizen Festival 2022: Accra on September 24, 2022 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

Born Solána Imani Rowe in 1989, SZA spent her formative years in Maplewood, New Jersey, although her birth took place in Missouri. Her father played a crucial role in shaping her musical tastes, introducing her to jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane. In 2010, SZA embarked on her musical journey, creating music with friends as she explored her creative potential.

BROOKLYN, NY – AUGUST 24: SZA poses for a portrait backstage during day 2 of the AFROPUNK festival at Commodore Barry Park on August 24, 2014 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty Images)

Aside from her musical pursuits, SZA was engaged in various sports during her upbringing, including cheerleading and gymnastics. The young star eventually enrolled at Delaware State University with aspirations of a career in marine biology. However, fate had different plans for SZA.

From The Billionaire Boys Club to TDE Signing

Deviating from her marine biology aspirations, SZA found herself working for a clothing company founded by Pharrell Williams and Nigo called The Billionaire Boys Club. This transition marked a pivotal moment in her life, setting the stage for her entry into the music scene.

Pharrell Williams attends the Billionaire Boys Club Store during "Fashion's Night Out" on September 10, 2009 in New York City. — NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Pharrell Williams attends the Billionaire Boys Club Store during “Fashion’s Night Out” on September 10, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Nicole Sweet/Getty Images)

In October 2012, SZA released her debut EP, ‘See.SZA.Run,’ which quickly garnered widespread recognition. Legend has it that while delivering clothing to someone at the Top Dawg Entertainment label, an executive heard her EP. By 2013, she made history as the first woman to be signed to TDE, catapulting her into the mainstream music scene.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 03: (L-R) SZA and Doja Cat accept the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award for ‘Kiss Me More’ onstage during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Since signing with TDE, SZA’s career has been on a meteoric rise, solidifying her status as one of the most significant names in pop music today. Her accolades include an impressive 24 nominations, and her latest album, ‘SOS,’ is a contender for Best Album of the Year at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Navigating Concerns and Current Success

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The initial worry about ‘Consideration’ being the opener for ‘ANTI’ reflected SZA’s apprehension about reaching her career peak too soon. However, her subsequent achievements have proven otherwise. As fans eagerly anticipate the 2024 Grammy Awards, SZA stands as a testament to artistic evolution and the limitless possibilities that await an artist willing to embrace change and growth.