It Looks Like SZA’s Album Is Set for 2017
Hold on a little longer, SZA fans. The singer’s highly anticipated debut album is set to drop in 2017.
On Friday afternoon, Top Dawg Entertainment CEO, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, posted an Instagram video in which he is seen entering the label’s headquarters to begin working on next year’s projects. He captioned the post: “It’s time to work on my 2017 release schedule… @sza are u ready 2 get them off my head?”
This is great news for SZA. Since the release of her third EP, Z, in 2014, her fanbase has been patiently awaiting her first studio album. Though there were several rumors it would drop sometime in 2016, it seemed unlikely after she sent out a now-deleted tweet that suggested the release was out of her hands. “I actually quit,” she wrote. “[Terrence “Punch” Henderson, co-president of TDE] can release my album if he ever feels like it. Y’all be blessed.”
The shocking announcement led many people to believe that there was some friction between SZA and TDE. And although some theorized the label was holding the project as a way to get back at the singer, Tiffith announced the album had yet to be completed as of mid-October.
In a November interview with Complex, SZA discussed her relationship with the label and also shed some light on her retirement announcement.
“I’ll probably just do something different, something visual, probably film. I’m really frustrated, and I’m kind of over it. I have a lot of anxiety and there’s a lot going on in my life,” said SZA, who later insisted she had no beef with TDE. “I don’t have any issues with my label. My label has been nothing but supportive of everything I’ve wanted to do.”
SZA said she spent the last year working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including famed producer Rick Rubin, fellow TDE signee Kendrick Lamar, as well as Frank Ocean, whom she said “fucked up her head.”
“I sat with Frank [Ocean], and that was crazy,” she said. “He has changed a lot. Watching his process, being in that musical place with him, just understanding and learning.”
Though SZA revealed the upcoming album will consist of “control and honesty” themes, there isn’t much information about it. We’ll have to keep our eyes peeled and ears opened as more details, including its title and release date, come through.
