SZA, the record-breaking SOS artist, has candidly shared how her rise to stardom has brought not just accolades but also significant personal challenges. In a heartfelt interview with Zane Lowe ahead of her Apple Music Live performance at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, the “Kill Bill” singer admitted that fame often makes her feel “uncomfortable” and even “not a kind person.”
The Struggles of Fame: Anxiety and Pressure
“A lot of this shit is not normal,” SZA began, reflecting on the pressures of fame. She explained how constant perception, entitlement, and expectations from fans and the industry have impacted her mental health. “It actually makes me on edge and not a kind person because of the anxiety of wondering…there’s so much perceiving going on,” she added.
The pressure of being in the public eye has made her feel detached from her naturally shy and introverted personality. “I hate being perceived. I hate coming outside. I don’t want to party. I don’t want anybody to really look at me,” SZA confessed. To cope, she revealed she had consumed calming gummies before the interview.
Wrestling with Anxiety and Social Media
SZA also opened up about her complex relationship with social media, describing how it exacerbates her anxiety and FOMO (fear of missing out). On X (formerly Twitter), she shared: “I get anxious posting about my life, then get FOMO watching other people post, then experience more life so there’s more to post, and get anxious about the volume of material.” Her candid admissions resonate deeply with fans, highlighting the emotional toll of balancing personal life with the expectations of millions of followers.
Teasing New Music and the “Lana” Deluxe Edition
Despite these struggles, SZA continues to thrive artistically. Last week, she posted six potential album covers for the deluxe edition of SOS, captioned “LANA.” Fans speculate this new material might drop. The covers feature SZA in a No. 15 football jersey, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her next chapter. In a previous teaser, she cryptically posted: “Alright y’all be safe now love you bye ps this will make sense soon.” SZA’s honesty about the challenges of fame adds depth to her public persona. As fans await her SOS deluxe edition, her vulnerability and ability to turn life’s struggles into art continue to inspire millions.
