Singer SZA has expressed her admiration for the legendary director Martin Scorsese through her recent track titled "Scorsese Baby Daddy," featured on her album, SOS Deluxe: Lana, released on December 21, 2023. This unexpected homage has ignited conversations among fans and critics alike, showcasing SZA's unique ability to intertwine personal expression with cinematic influences.
With lyrics like, "I rolled up all my problems / And then I smoked about it / I could've called my mom up / I'd rather f** about it / Addicted to the drama / Scorsese baby daddy," SZA cleverly links her emotional experiences to the intense narratives emblematic of Scorsese’s films. The 82-year-old Oscar-winning director is known for his powerful storytelling, and SZA's tribute recognizes this influence.
The song gained even more attention when Francesca Scorsese, Martin Scorsese’s daughter, gave it her seal of approval through social media, captioning a photo of her father with SZA’s track by saying, "SZA, Queen sht." SZA’s enthusiastic response—"The fact this isn’t AI, and it is actually Martin Scorsese 😭"—reflects her surprise and joy at receiving such recognition from the director's family.
But SZA isn't the only one reminiscing about Scorsese's impact. Comedian Billy Crystal, who studied film at New York University during the late '60s, vividly recalls Scorsese as his professor. Crystal described Scorsese at the time as "scary," noting his intense focus and rapid-fire speech, which made for memorable but intimidating classroom experiences.
Crystal remarked, "He looked like everybody. He’d stand behind you… and he would be very scary." He humorously remembered Scorsese asking students challenging questions about their film choices: "Why’d you shoot it this way? Use a wide shot!" His tales reveal not only Scorsese's formidable presence but also his dedication and passion for filmmaking, which would later inspire countless artists.
The influence of Martin Scorsese stretches beyond the walls of academia. His directorial career has produced iconic films such as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and most recently, Killers of the Flower Moon. Despite the varying themes and styles, what remains constant is Scorsese’s ability to evoke deep emotional reactions and provoke thought, traits SZA captures through her lyrics.
With the inclusion of the song "Scorsese Baby Daddy," SZA pays tribute to the world of cinema. Her fascination with film isn’t new; her original album SOS also drew heavy influence from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. By celebrating Scorsese, SZA aligns herself with the cinematic storytelling tradition, portraying her vivid emotions and experiences through the lens of his cinematic style.
Both SZA and Billy Crystal’s experiences highlight the ways Scorsese's influence transcends time. While Crystal reminisces about his intimidating lessons, SZA embodies the new-age artist inspired by those very lessons, creatively weaving them back to his legacy. This generational connection captures the cyclical nature of influence within the arts, from film-classroom narratives to chart-topping music.
Scorsese’s films often contain deeply complex characters and morally ambiguous scenarios, which serve as fertile ground for emotional exploration. SZA’s lyrics reflect this complexity, weaving her own experiences within the framework created by Scorsese. This intertwining of artists across generations displays how influences continue to affect new work and creative expressions.
Notably, SZA's debut acting role alongside Keke Palmer in the film One of Them Days, which hits theaters on January 24, 2024, adds another layer to her burgeoning career. Here, she takes on new challenges by stepping from music to acting, showcasing her versatility and ambition. This transition marks yet another pathway for artists inspired by giants like Scorsese, fostering innovation across forms of entertainment.
Despite often facing challenges within the industry—whether through censorship, as seen with Scorsese’s film The Departed, which was banned from China due to political sensitivities, or the evolution of audiences—it’s clear Scorsese’s narratives still resonate deeply. His films evoke what it means to be human, addressing the good and the bad, much like SZA’s raw and emotional lyrics.
Whether one is listening to SZA's music or viewing Scorsese's films, the underlying messages are clear: storytelling remains powerful. These artists continue to enlighten and entertain, reaffirming the significance of art as both reflection and projection of life's chaos. Martin Scorsese's legacy is not merely as a director—it’s about inspiring generations to confront their truths through compelling storytelling.
Both SZA and Billy Crystal's nods to Scorsese encapsulate the director's continued relevance within contemporary discussions about creativity and narrative construction. Their experiences serve as reminders of how interconnected the arts can be, with one generation paving the way for the next through mentorship, inspiration, and heartfelt tribute.
