SZA “would love” to do a joint album with Kendrick Lamar. The collaboration would mark a historic moment in music, as both artists have consistently topped charts and garnered critical acclaim throughout their careers.
The ‘Saturn’ singer has released a slew of collaborations with the hip-hop superstar; from 2017’s ‘Doves in the Wind’ and 2018’s ‘All the Stars’ to December’s ’30 For 30′ from her reissue of ‘SOS’ (‘LANA’), and ‘Luther’ and ‘Gloria’ on his latest LP ‘GNX’. Their track ‘All the Stars’ has amassed over 300 million streams globally and earned four Grammy nominations.
SZA – whose real name is Solána Rowe – learns a lot whenever she works with the “genius” rapper and would jump at the chance to create a full record with the ‘HUMBLE’ hitmaker. Their creative partnership has already resulted in multiple award nominations and wins, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.
Speaking on ‘Sherri’ on Wednesday (08.01.25), she said: “I would love that. I think that would be amazing. He’s such a genius. And a part of his genius is like him being so elusive and so mysterious and I love it.” The sentiment echoes widespread industry recognition of Kendrick’s innovative approach to music, which has earned him 17 Grammy Awards.
When it came to ‘GNX’, SZA had no idea what tracks her vocals would end up on, but she did approve of her takes. This collaborative process has become characteristic of their working relationship, which spans nearly a decade of musical innovation.
“I don’t know what’s going on as much as you don’t know what’s going on,” she explained. “When ‘Luther’ came out, I said, ‘OK, that’s the vocals we’re using, period.’ Same with ‘Gloria.’ I said, ‘OK.'” Their spontaneous creative process has produced some of modern hip-hop’s most memorable collaborations, garnering praise from critics and fans alike.
SZA, 35, feels like she is “thrust into the spotlight” whenever she works with Kendrick, 37, but praised the star for remaining “grounded”. Both artists have maintained their artistic integrity while achieving commercial success, with SZA’s ‘SOS’ album spending a record-breaking 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
“That’s also part of the fumbling and finding,” she continued. “He’s a huge part of my fumbling and finding era because I’m trusting his expertise and being thrust into these moments and spotlight and saying yes. He’s so good at saying yes, but staying grounded. So I’m just like, ‘Teach me, sensei, what you know.'” Their mentor-mentee dynamic has evolved into one of music’s most respected partnerships, influencing a new generation of artists.
The close pals and collaborators are set to hit the road together on the ‘Grand National Tour’ of North America in April. The tour, spanning 32 cities, is expected to be one of the highest-grossing tours of 2025, with presale tickets already breaking venue records.
Their creative synergy extends beyond music, with both artists known for their thought-provoking lyrics and visual storytelling. Their previous collaboration on the Black Panther soundtrack demonstrated their ability to create culturally impactful music that resonates with global audiences.
Industry experts have noted that a joint album between SZA and Kendrick could potentially redefine the landscape of contemporary R&B and hip-hop. Their diverse musical backgrounds and shared commitment to artistic excellence suggest that such a project would push creative boundaries while maintaining commercial appeal.
The announcement of potential collaboration comes at a time when both artists are experiencing unprecedented success in their careers. Kendrick’s latest album ‘GNX’ has been praised for its innovative sound and compelling narratives, while SZA’s recent releases have dominated streaming platforms worldwide.
Their upcoming tour will feature elaborate stage designs and unique performances, showcasing their combined artistic vision. The tour will include special guests and surprise collaborations, making it one of the most anticipated musical events of the year.
The possibility of a joint album has sparked excitement among fans and industry professionals, who recognize the potential for a groundbreaking musical project. With their proven track record of successful collaborations and individual artistic achievements, a full-length album could represent a milestone in contemporary music history.
