Chapter 1
Olivia Rodrigo and the raw pop-punk revival
Chapter 2
Chappell Roan and the theater of camp pop
Chapter 3
SZA and the evolution of modern R&B pop
YOUR GOAL
Master of The new pop queens
Ch 3 · SZA and the evolution of modern R&B pop
sonia SZA's sophomore album SOS spent ten non-consecutive weeks at number one, cementing her status as a global pop-R&B queen.
sonia SZA's debut album Ctrl became a modern classic by exploring insecurity, modern romance, and twenties angst with brutal honesty.
Fun Fact
SZA's name origin: SZA's stage name is derived from the Supreme Alphabet, standing for Sovereign, Zig-Zag, and Allah.
Glossary
contemporary r&b (noun)
A music genre that combines elements of rhythm and blues, pop, soul, funk, and hip-hop. SZA helped redefine this genre with her highly acclaimed 2017 debut studio album, Ctrl.
A music genre that combines elements of rhythm and blues, pop, soul, funk, and hip-hop. SZA helped redefine this genre with her highly acclaimed 2017 debut studio album, Ctrl.
Quiz
Which 2020 standalone single, later included on SOS, comforted fans during the pandemic with its optimistic lyrics about 'good days on my mind'?
Quiz
Which legendary hip-hop record label did SZA sign to in 2013, becoming its first female artist?
Quiz
For which collaborative hit song with Doja Cat did SZA win her first Grammy Award in 2022?
Quiz
SZA's stage name is formed using letters from the Supreme Alphabet. What does the 'S' stand for?
Quiz
Which iconic actress made a surprise cameo in the music video for SZA's 2017 song named after her?