SZA’s 2021 smash hit “I Hate U” skyrocketed from a low-pressure SoundCloud drop to chart-topping success, resonating with fans worldwide. But in a fiery Twitter rant, SZA clarified the inspiration behind the track—and it’s not about men, as many assumed.
Who Is “I Hate U” Really About?
On May 3, SZA took to Twitter to explain the universal frustration driving the song. “I was talking to everyone. Not men. For the record, ‘I Hate U’ was a universal emotion. Take care,” she wrote. The tweet dismissed the notion that the lyrics targeted a specific group, instead highlighting the raw emotion behind her words.
SZA’s Frustration with Public Perception
The TDE artist didn’t hold back her feelings about public reception. “Y’all suck the joy and life out of EVERYTHING,” she tweeted, expressing gratitude for her art as her outlet. “Now run with that.” She added humorously: “NOW EVERYONE HAVE A COCKMEAT SANDWICH AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS.”
The Impact of “I Hate U”
Despite the rant, “I Hate U” remains a significant milestone in SZA’s career. The song peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and claimed the No. 1 spot on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs and Rhythmic Airplay charts. Its success proved SZA’s ability to transform a spontaneous release into a cultural phenomenon.
Fans eagerly await SZA’s upcoming album, set to release in summer 2022. During the 2022 Met Gala, she revealed her excitement for the project, even asking fans whether 15 tracks would be too many for the album. This will be her first full-length project since Ctrl, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in 2017 and earned her five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist and Best Urban Contemporary Album.
With the promise of new music and the enduring impact of “I Hate U,” 2022 is shaping up to be another defining year for SZA. Fans can expect heartfelt artistry, bold perspectives, and plenty of reasons to keep it on repeat.
