Fat Joe has dubbed Kendrick Lamar and SZA as the next Ja Rule and Ashanti. The comparison highlights the cyclical nature of hip-hop collaborations, with successful duos emerging periodically throughout the genre’s evolution.
The rap legend believes the regular collaborators – who have released tracks such as 2017’s ‘Doves in the Wind’ and December’s ’30 For 30′ from SZA’s reissue of ‘SOS’ (‘LANA’), as well ‘Luther’ and ‘Gloria’ on Kendrick’s latest LP ‘GNX’ – are the “greatest duo of all time” like the noughties hip-hop and R’n’B stars. Their collaborative chemistry has become increasingly evident with each release, showcasing complementary artistic styles.
“What you don’t know is that they’re going to be best friends and all that forever. Right now, they got about six or seven songs. They are number one. They could take the spot, 100 percent. They are fire together. I’m just saying if it ever gets rocky… [If it doesn’t] then they’re going to take the slot,” speaking on his podcast ‘Joe and Jada’, he said of the pair. The podcast has become a platform for industry veterans to share their perspectives on contemporary music trends.
“They’re on their way. They call Ja and Ashanti the greatest duo of all time, I’m just saying SZA and Kendrick are solo artists,” he added. This distinction emphasizes how both artists have maintained successful individual careers while creating magic together, much like their predecessors did in the early millennium.
“I would love that,” SZA recently said she wants to do a full album with the “genius” Kendrick. “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,” speaking on ‘Sherri’, the artist – whose real name is Solána Rowe – said. Her enthusiasm for a full collaborative project suggests the artistic partnership could expand beyond individual track features.
When it came to ‘GNX‘, SZA had no idea what tracks her vocals would end up on, but she did approve her takes. This organic creative process demonstrates the trust and artistic synergy between the collaborators, allowing for spontaneous musical moments to develop naturally.
“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.'” Her willingness to embrace uncertainty in the creative process reflects the modern approach to music-making, where flexibility often leads to breakthrough moments.
“That’s also part of the fumbling and finding,” SZA feels like she is “thrust into the spotlight” whenever she works with Kendrick, but praised the star for remaining “grounded”. “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,'” she continued. This mentorship dynamic has historically been crucial in hip-hop culture, with experienced artists guiding emerging talents through the industry landscape.
The pair hit the road for their ‘Grand National Tour’ in April, with the run set to conclude August 9. Live performances have always been essential for cementing musical partnerships, allowing artists to showcase their collaborative energy to audiences worldwide.
After wowing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans in February, the collaborators will be bringing their ‘Grand National Tour’ to Glasgow, Birmingham, London and Cardiff in July. The Super Bowl appearance represented a pinnacle moment for both artists, introducing their partnership to the massive mainstream audience that the event provides annually.
The UK run will begin on July 8 at Glasgow’s Hampden Park and wrap at London’s venues, demonstrating the international appeal of their collaborative work. British audiences have historically embraced American hip-hop and R&B collaborations, making the UK tour particularly significant for establishing their global presence.
Industry observers note that successful musical partnerships often transcend individual achievements, creating a combined artistic identity that becomes greater than the sum of its parts. The comparison to Ja Rule and Ashanti suggests that SZA and Kendrick may be positioned to define the sound of this generation, much as their predecessors shaped the musical landscape of their era. Their artistic chemistry continues to evolve with each collaboration, suggesting that Fat Joe‘s prediction about their potential legacy may prove prophetic.
