As 2025 drew to a close, two of hip-hop and R&B’s brightest stars, Doechii and SZA, joined forces to release a new single that’s already making waves across the music world. Dropped on December 30, “Girl, Get Up” marks the first collaboration between the Florida rapper and the chart-topping singer-songwriter since their acclaimed 2022 track “Persuasive.” In just a day, the music video for the single racked up over 350,000 views on YouTube, a testament to the duo’s combined star power and the anticipation that’s been building among fans for their reunion.
The track, produced by New Jersey’s Jay Versace—who notably contributed to SZA’s 2022 album SOS—is a moody, stripped-back affair. Built around a punchy drum groove sampled from Birdman and Clipse’s early-2000s classic “What Happened to That Boy,” the song’s smoky, undulating beat provides the perfect backdrop for Doechii and SZA’s understated, emotionally charged performances. According to Rolling Stone, the collaboration is also the final entry in Doechii’s “Swamp Sessions” series, a creative experiment where she challenged herself to write and record a song in just one hour, pairing each track with equally compelling visuals.
In “Girl, Get Up,” Doechii wastes no time addressing the online rumors and criticisms that have followed her meteoric rise. She takes on accusations of being an “industry plant” head-on, rapping, “All that industry plant shit whack / I see it on the blogs, I see you in the chats / You suck every rap n—a d—k from the back / But what’s the agenda when the it girl Black?” as reported by Billboard. She goes on to assert her work ethic and the legitimacy of her success: “Y’all can’t fathom that I work this hard / And y’all can’t fathom that I earned this chart.” These lines, delivered with characteristic grit and confidence, reflect the challenges faced by Black women in the industry and the persistent scrutiny that comes with the spotlight.
The song isn’t just a defense—it’s a celebration of resilience and self-assurance. SZA, who delivers the song’s soulful hook, croons, “I be in the back levitating, doing meditation, hear me girl, get up / Taking on all confrontation, fuck a limitation, hear me girl, get up / Somehow I know that I’ll have everything, it’s mine, mine, mine.” Her voice, both soothing and empowering, serves as a rallying cry for anyone facing adversity. The chemistry between Doechii and SZA is palpable, their voices intertwining seamlessly over Jay Versace’s minimal production.
The accompanying music video, directed by James Mackel, sees Doechii radiating confidence as she dances on a yacht and atop a stadium rooftop. The visuals mirror the song’s themes of elevation and triumph, with Doechii reflecting on her journey and newfound success. According to NME, the video’s imagery underscores the sense of freedom and self-possession that defines Doechii’s current moment.
“Girl, Get Up” arrives on the heels of a breakout year for Doechii. Her track “Anxiety,” originally released in 2019 and reissued after gaining traction on TikTok, became a top-10 hit earlier in 2025. The song’s viral success propelled her into the mainstream and earned her five nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. This recognition follows her Grammy win for Best Rap Album in 2024 with her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal. As Billboard notes, Doechii’s rise from cult favorite to crossover star has been anything but overnight, and she’s quick to remind listeners that her accolades are the result of years of hard work and perseverance.
Beyond her solo achievements, Doechii has kept busy with a string of collaborations and performances. In 2025 alone, she released the solo track “Nosebleeds,” teamed up with Jennie on “ExtraL,” with Alameda on “Beat a Bitch Up,” and appeared on a remix of The Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s “Timeless.” She also completed her “Live From The Swamp Tour” in North America and delivered a headline set at Glastonbury 2025, which NME praised as “a masterclass in hip-hop.” Her ability to command both the stage and the studio has cemented her reputation as one of rap’s most dynamic and innovative voices.
SZA, for her part, has enjoyed a banner year as well. Her joint tour with Kendrick Lamar was the fourth highest-grossing of 2025, and she earned a spot on Barack Obama’s annual music of the year list. She also made headlines by publicly criticizing Donald Trump for using her music in an ICE video, underscoring her willingness to speak out on issues that matter to her. SZA’s ongoing impact on the industry and her commitment to authenticity have made her a role model for a new generation of artists.
The release of “Girl, Get Up” has sparked conversation not only for its musical merits but also for its candid exploration of misogyny in hip-hop. Doechii has promised to address the issue more fully on her forthcoming album, declaring in the song, “These n—s misogynistic, I’ll address it on the album.” Her willingness to tackle such topics head-on signals a shift in the genre, as more artists use their platforms to challenge entrenched attitudes and advocate for change.
For fans, the collaboration between Doechii and SZA is a long-awaited reunion. Their last joint effort, the 2022 remix of “Persuasive,” was a standout moment for both artists, and their continued partnership speaks to a mutual respect and creative synergy. As UPI points out, the anticipation for “Girl, Get Up” had been building for months, with both artists dropping hints about a new project together. The result is a track that feels both timely and timeless, blending sharp lyricism, infectious melodies, and a message of empowerment that resonates far beyond the confines of genre.
As 2026 begins, “Girl, Get Up” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring strength of women in hip-hop and R&B. With Grammy nominations, critical acclaim, and a growing fanbase on their side, Doechii and SZA are poised to shape the sound—and the conversation—of the year ahead.
