SZA Net Worth
As of 2024, the accomplished R&B singer and songwriter SZA has been a prominent figure in the music industry since 2012.
Known for her distinctive style and soulful performances, SZA has carved a remarkable path in the world of music.
Delving into the details of SZA’s net worth reveals the culmination of her successful career, marked by hit songs, critically acclaimed albums, and widespread recognition.
SZA’s financial standing in 2024 is a testament to her artistic prowess and commercial success.
From her debut in 2012 to her continuous impact on the R&B scene, SZA’s net worth reflects not only her talent but also the resonance of her work with a diverse and appreciative audience.
Stay tuned to discover the full details of SZA’s net worth and explore the fascinating journey that has defined her career in the music industry.
SZA Biography
Solána Imani Rowe, born on November 8, 1989, and professionally known as SZA stands as an esteemed American singer-songwriter.
Her journey to recognition began with the self-released extended plays (EPs) “See.SZA.Run” (2012) and “S” (2013), marking her as the inaugural female artist signed by Top Dawg Entertainment.
The momentum continued with her third EP, “Z” (2014), which secured a top-ten position on the US Independent Albums chart upon its digital release.
Having entered a joint recording contract with RCA Records, SZA unveiled her debut studio album, “Ctrl” (2017), earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
This debut marked a significant achievement, garnering four Grammy Award nominations and holding the distinction of being the second longest-charting R&B album by a female artist on the Billboard 200.
In the subsequent year, SZA’s collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the hit single “All the Stars” earned her nominations at the Golden Globe and Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
Her contribution to Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” set a record as the longest-running all-female collaboration in the US top ten and secured a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
SZA’s second album, “SOS” (2022), achieved remarkable success, reigning atop the Billboard 200 for ten non-consecutive weeks and setting a new record for the largest streaming week for an R&B album in the US.
The album, featuring six singles including the top-ten hits “Good Days,” “I Hate U,” “Nobody Gets Me,” and “Snooze,” propelled SZA to her first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Kill Bill” in 2023.
Additionally, her guest appearance on Drake’s “Slime You Out” secured her second chart-topping single of the year.
Throughout her career, SZA has been honored with numerous accolades, including an American Music Award, a Guild of Music Supervisors Award, two Billboard Women in Music awards (including Woman of the Year), and a Brit Award nomination.
Notably, her skills as a songwriter extend to collaborations with artists such as Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, and Rihanna.
Early and Personal Life
Solána Imani Rowe, born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, found her upbringing in Maplewood, New Jersey. Her father, an executive producer at CNN, and her mother, an executive at AT&T, provided the backdrop for her childhood.
Rowe shares her family with an older half-sister, Panya Jamila, and an older brother, Daniel, known as Manhattan, who is a rapper. Raised in a household where her mother follows Christianity and her father adheres to Islam, Rowe was brought up as a Muslim and continues to practice Islam.
The values instilled by her faith, including the belief in one God and the principles of Islam, have played a crucial role in shaping Rowe’s spiritual connection.
Although she expresses a desire to wear a hijab, she is mindful of maintaining respect for her religion and family while pursuing her career, avoiding actions that may be perceived as disrespectful.
Rowe’s educational journey included attending a Muslim prep school, where, under her father’s influence, she wore a hijab. However, after experiencing bullying in 7th grade following the September 11 attacks, she decided to stop wearing it.
Her high school years at Columbia High School were marked by active participation in sports, including gymnastics and cheerleading. Graduating in 2008, Rowe embarked on college life, attending three different institutions before settling at Delaware State University to pursue marine biology. Despite reaching her last semester, she chose to drop out, opting for various jobs to support herself.
Her stage name, SZA, originated from the Supreme Alphabet, inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA. The last two letters, “Z,” symbolize Zig-Zag and Allah, while the initial letter “S” can represent either savior or sovereign. This unique amalgamation reflects her spiritual and creative identity, intertwining elements of her personal beliefs and artistic expression.
Career
2011–2014: Career Beginnings and EPs
SZA’s journey into the music industry commenced in 2011 during the CMJ New Music Report when her boyfriend’s clothing company sponsored a show featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Impressed by her early work, TDE president Terrence “Punch” Henderson facilitated SZA’s signing to Top Dawg Entertainment in 2013, making her the label’s first female artist. Her initial music, recorded informally with friends, led to the self-release of her debut EP, “See.SZA.Run,” on October 29, 2012.
Building on this momentum, SZA released her second EP, “S,” on April 10, 2013, receiving positive reviews. TDE officially signed SZA on July 14, 2013, and she embarked on a tour with Swedish band Little Dragon later that year. The EP “Z,” released on April 8, 2014, marked her studio debut, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hip Hop/R&B chart.
2015–2018: Ctrl and Breakthrough
SZA’s career reached new heights with her debut studio album, “Ctrl,” released on June 9, 2017, to critical acclaim. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, and SZA earned five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. The lead single, “Love Galore,” became a platinum-certified hit.
In 2018, SZA collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on “All the Stars,” the lead single for the “Black Panther” soundtrack. The track peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite receiving multiple Grammy nominations, SZA did not secure a win.
2019–Present: Collaborations, SOS & Lana
SZA continued her musical endeavors with features on DJ Khaled’s album “Father of Asahd” in May 2019 and a collaboration with Justin Timberlake on “The Other Side” for the Trolls World Tour soundtrack in February 2020.
Amidst collaborations and performances, SZA faced delays in releasing her second album, hinting at strained relations with her label, Top Dawg Entertainment. She made a triumphant return on September 4, 2020, with “Hit Different,” featuring Ty Dolla Sign.
In April 2021, SZA featured on Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More,” a chart-topping hit. She also covered “The Anonymous Ones” for the “Dear Evan Hansen” soundtrack.
SZA’s much-anticipated second studio album, titled “SOS,” was released on December 9, 2022, achieving significant success. The album spent its first seven weeks atop the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, making history as the longest-running number-one woman album of the decade. SZA embarked on the SOS Tour in 2023, consisting of 54 shows across North America and Europe. The album’s success solidified SZA’s position as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B.
Influences
Music
SZA’s musical journey reflects a diverse tapestry of influences shaped by her family’s varied tastes. Growing up, her mother’s love for R&B and church music, her father’s appreciation for jazz and funk icons like Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, and John Coltrane, and her sister’s inclination towards melodic rap and hip-hop, notably Tupac Shakur, all contributed to the eclectic foundation of her music.
Ella Fitzgerald serves as a vocal inspiration, while Lauryn Hill holds a significant place among her personal influences.
SZA has expressed deep admiration for singer Ashanti, considering her a major inspiration since childhood. Beyond these, her musical palette extends to Meelah, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, LFO, Macy Gray, Common, Björk, Jamiroquai, and iconic figures like Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Mos Def, and Jay-Z.
Her unique sound incorporates “layers of sliced, delayed, and reversed vocals,” with a vocal style described as a blend of jazz singer’s “lilt.” SZA’s songs delve into themes of sexuality, nostalgia, and abandonment, featuring “unraveling lyrics” that express her passion for writing and poetry.
Inspirational Encounters
SZA’s artistic journey involves encounters with influential figures. Meeting Beyoncé for the creation of “Feeling Myself” left a profound impact, with SZA describing Beyoncé as “the most perfect, beautiful being” and an “inspirational woman.” Rihanna, in SZA’s eyes, embodies strength, confidence, and a commitment to creating music on her terms.
Reflecting on her diverse influences, SZA emphasizes her openness to various genres, resisting being pigeonholed into a specific label.
Her work challenges the historical segregation of Black artists within R&B, and for her second studio album, “SOS,” she aimed to showcase versatility beyond conventional genre boundaries.
Fashion
SZA draws inspiration not only from the realm of music but from the broader canvas of art. Her influences extend beyond traditional artists, with admiration for figures like gymnasts, ice-skaters, saxophonists, painters, and movie directors. Film director Spike Lee stands out as a particular inspiration.
Her style inspirations often derive from movies, with Wes Anderson films leaving a significant imprint. She appreciates Anderson’s “pantone color palette” and expresses a desire to dress like characters from his movies.
SZA’s fashion sense, comparable to neo-soul artists Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, goes hand in hand with her music. Her performances are characterized by “free-flowing” attire, emphasizing comfort and often featuring pajamas or baggy clothing onstage.
Awards and Nominations
Grammy Awards
Throughout her career, SZA has made a significant impact in the music industry, earning one Grammy Award from an impressive fourteen nominations. Notably, at the 2022 Grammy Awards, she secured a win alongside Doja Cat for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, celebrating their collaborative hit “Kiss Me More.”
Golden Globe and Academy Award
SZA’s influence extends beyond the realm of music, as she received a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nomination for her contributions. These nominations underscore her multidimensional talent and recognition in the broader entertainment landscape.
American Music Award and Billboard Music Award
SZA’s accolades include an American Music Award and a Billboard Music Award, highlighting her popularity and success within the industry. These awards showcase her impact on the American music scene.
MTV Video Music Awards and BET Awards
SZA has secured two MTV Video Music Awards and two BET Awards, including the prestigious Best New Artist title in 2018. These accolades reflect her prowess in visual storytelling and her standing as a prominent figure in the BET Awards’ Best New Artist category.
Billboard Women in Music Event
In 2018, SZA received the “Rulebreaker Award” at the Billboard Women in Music event, a testament to her ability to challenge norms and break barriers within the music industry.
Soul Train Music Award
Recognizing her outstanding contribution, SZA was honored with the Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist in 2017. This award signifies her impact on the R&B and soul music landscape.
TIME100 Next List
In September 2022, SZA was acknowledged as one of the rising stars on the TIME100 Next List, further solidifying her position as a noteworthy and influential artist.
Rolling Stone’s 200 Greatest Singers
In 2023, Rolling Stone recognized SZA’s vocal prowess by ranking her at number 180 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time. This acknowledgment reflects her enduring impact on the world of music.