SZA has thrilled fans by officially announcing the release date for her much-anticipated sophomore album, S.O.S., following her first-ever skit appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL). The announcement came via a cryptic Instagram post on December 3, revealing the album will drop on December 9.
Captivating Teasers Build Hype for S.O.S.
The S.O.S. album rollout has been a masterclass in intrigue. In her second trailer, SZA showcased stunning visuals, including her perched on a diving board above a vast body of water — imagery mirrored on the album’s cover. The trailer closed with the morse code for “S.O.S.,” amplifying the album’s theme of urgency and introspection.
Fans were also treated to a snippet of the unreleased track “Blind”, which she later performed live during her SNL appearance.
SZA’s Reflections on Stardom
Ahead of the release, SZA opened up about her creative process and concerns about the music industry in an interview with Billboard. While excited about S.O.S., she admitted feeling uncertain about the longevity of her career.
“I don’t know if chasing superstardom…is sustainable for me or anybody,” SZA revealed. “I’mma give ’em my absolute best.” She emphasized her commitment to creating music that feels authentic and liberating.
A Fun SNL Moment: “Big Boys” Skit
In addition to debuting S.O.S. material, SZA made her comedic debut on SNL in a skit titled “Big Boys” alongside host Keke Palmer and cast members Cecily Strong and Ego Nwodim. The parody rap humorously praised dating plus-sized men during cuffing season, with SZA delivering the hook.
Behind-the-Scenes of S.O.S.
The journey to S.O.S. hasn’t been without drama. SZA revealed she recorded over 100 songs for the album but previously hinted at delays caused by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) executive Terrence “Punch” Henderson. However, Punch cleared the air in September, confirming the album’s completion and expressing excitement for its release. Her musical guest performance included “Shirt”, a track she released with a LaKeith Stanfield-starring video in October.
