SZA, the acclaimed R&B artist, has officially released the much-anticipated deluxe edition of her sophomore album, ‘SOS’, titled ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’. The expanded project, which dropped on December 20, 2024, features a total of thirty-eight tracks, including fourteen new songs alongside the original twenty-three tracks from ‘SOS’. The release faced a slight delay; initially scheduled for midnight, it was postponed to noon due to final mixing adjustments. SZA addressed the delay on social media, stating: “Just needed a few more hours to make sure everything was perfect for you all.”
Among the new additions, the track ‘Drive’ has garnered significant attention, accompanied by a music video featuring actor Ben Stiller. Stiller is seen driving and emotively lip-syncing to the song, culminating in a dance sequence on an empty highway. SZA makes an appearance toward the video’s end, transitioning to the new track, ‘Crybaby’, outfitted with prosthetics reminiscent of the album cover. Reflecting on the evolution since the original ‘SOS’ release, SZA expressed her gratitude toward her supporters, stating: “This past year has been a whirlwind, and I’m so thankful for everyone who has listened and connected with my music. Lana is a continuation of my saga, and I can’t wait for you all to experience it.”
The original ‘SOS’ album achieved remarkable success, spending ten weeks atop the Billboard 200 and earning SZA her first #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. With the release of ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’, SZA continues to solidify her position as a leading figure in contemporary R&B, offering fans an expanded and enriched musical experience.
Interestingly, the artist is also gaining traction for her playful nod to cinema. Alongside her hit ‘Drive’, SZA unleashes another cinematic homage titled ‘Scorsese Baby Daddy’. This track has already sparked discussions, as it references legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The song celebrates her admiration for Scorsese, with the line, “Addicted to the drama, Scorsese baby daddy,” capturing the imaginative essence of her fandom. The lyrics express whimsical aspirations for situations akin to his renowned films. Following the release, Scorsese’s daughter Francesca shared her approval via social media, with SZA excitedly responding to the gesture.
Fans have been buzzing about the newfound references to Hollywood icons, illustrating SZA’s intuitive blending of her music with broader cultural dialogues. This move marks not only artistic growth but also demonstrates SZA’s engagement with her community. "The fact this isn’t AI, and it’s actually Martin Scorsese,” SZA gushed. It’s clear fans are eager to embrace the playful side of this R&B powerhouse. Online chatter indicates enthusiasm over whether the legendary director has had the chance to hear her work, adding to the track's allure.
SZA's new album does not fall short of surprises; it includes features from notable artists, including Kendrick Lamar on the dynamic track '30 for 30'. Comparable to the conversations surrounding her playful allusions to cinema, Lamar's verse on this track has ignited speculation among fans, as his bars appear to take jabs at possibly rival Drake. One lyric reads: "You fckn' with n*ggas that's thinkin' they cuter than you,” leading to mixed interpretations about its intended subject. Commenters on social media have debated whether Lamar’s statements reference SZA's past involvement with Drake, or if they are simply general observations on the music scene.
Yet, SZA remains tight-lipped on this speculation, allowing the rumors to swirl as she promotes her expansive project. It's not her first time collaborating with Lamar; they previously rocked the stage together, with SZA frequently sharing her admiration for the artist’s influence. The chemistry between the artists signifies their shared history and respect, which dates back to their time on the Top Dawg Entertainment label.
Indeed, SZA is riding high on the unprecedented success of her sophomore album and its deluxe counterpart. The excitement surrounding ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’ demonstrates how her artistry has evolved since her last major release. By incorporating personal anecdotes and referencing cultural icons, SZA crafts music deeply intertwined with her identity. Fans have applauded her for the continued growth demonstrated across this body of work.
After two years, SZA finally fulfilled her promise to release the deluxe edition of ‘SOS’, which not only showcases her musical talents but also her ingenuity and relatability as she navigates the ups and downs of life and fame. With lyrical content expressing vulnerability, humor, and sincerity, her tracks resonate widely, opening dialogues about women’s roles and emotions.
The reception of ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’ is characteristic of SZA’s overall impact on the music industry, as she continues to break boundaries and connect with listeners on diverse levels. Anticipation builds around what she will reveal as she embarks on upcoming projects, engaging her devoted fanbase and enthralling new listeners alike.
