SZA Would “Love” To Release Collaborative Album With Kendrick Lamar
SZA has opened up about the possibility of working with frequent collaborator and fellow music star Kendrick Lamar on a joint album.
In a candid moment during her appearance on Sherri this past Wednesday (Jan. 8), SZA expressed her willingness to team up with her former TDE labelmate, whom she first paired up with in 2014 on the song “Babylon.”
When host Sherri Shepherd posed the question, “Would you and Kendrick together consider doing a joint album?” the answer was clear. “I would love that,” the 35-year-old responded enthusiastically.
SZA attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The Grammy-winning artist elaborated further on the idea, sharing her admiration for Kendrick’s unique artistry. “I think that would be amazing,” she said. “He’s such a genius, and part of his genius is him being so elusive and so mysterious. I don’t know what’s going on as much as you don’t know what’s going on.”
SZA explained how Kendrick’s innovative approach has influenced her own creative journey, noting his role in her “fumbling and finding” era. “He’s a huge part of my ‘fumbling and finding’ era, because I’m just trusting all of his expertise and being thrust into these moments.”
Kendrick Lamar accepts the Best Rap Album award for “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The SOS singer expressed deep respect for Kendrick’s ability to remain grounded despite his immense success. “He’s so good at saying yes and staying grounded, so I’m just like, ‘Teach me, Sensei, what you know,’” SZA said, underscoring the mutual admiration between the two artists.
Demand for a collaborative album from SZA and Kendrick Lamar has grown in recent years, as the pair’s chemistry has resulted in multiple fan-favorites. These include the GRAMMY nominated Black Panther soundtrack cut, “All the Stars,” and their more recent joint efforts, “Luther” and “Gloria” from Kendrick’s GNX album.
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In a more recent social media post, SZA, who recently returned to the top of the charts with her SOS: LANA Deluxe album, shared a whimsical take on her future plans, hinting at a retreat from the spotlight after completing her contractual obligations to TDE.
“To fulfill my last 2 album requirements I think I just wanna make peaceful children’s music n get outta here,” she wrote. “Then go be a farmer n donate the produce to underserved communities.”
SZA and Kendrick Lamar are currently gearing up to embark on the Grand National Tour, which begins April 19 and includes stops in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Toronto, and Chicago.
See SZA speak on a potential album with Kendrick Lamar below.