SZA On Being Inducted To The Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Thanks to SZA’s recent induction to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, she is having “Good Days.” The Grammy winner discussed her reaction after receiving the Hal David Starlight Award Thursday (June 13) night.
“As an artist, I’ve been a lot of different people,” the “Kill Bill” singer said. Going into her drastic weight changes from 200 to 130, the 34-year-old detailed her journey. She adds that she doesn’t dance on stage at times, while other times, she’s trying her best to dance.
The artist has been open about her struggles on social media to her fans, and during her speech, she let people in once again. “I think, ‘Oh man, I struggle with the artist thing,’ but I never felt like writing was where I felt like a person, and I had value and showed that I was smart.”
During the speech, SZA added, “It was beyond ‘Am I pretty? Am I Liked?’ and that basically meant everything to me. It made me feel like a person that was doing something worth something. Basically, receiving this award validates my entire career, and I’m so grateful.”
A number of iconic artists have been recipients of the Hal David Starlight Award in recent years. Some of the previous winners include John Legend, Ne-Yo, Drake, Lil Nas X, and Post Malone. “This is such an exciting time for songwriters and music. Phenomenal artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are pushing the envelope of what success looks like, but who could argue that the last two years belong to SZA,” SHOF Chairman Nile Rodgers said in a statement. “Incredible songwriting, incredible performances, incredible artistry. She so deserves to be the 2024 recipient of the Hal David Starlight Award!”
SZA is currently working on her long-awaited deluxe version of SOS, which she’s titled LANA. Due to various leaks, the project has dealt with numerous delays.
The R&B singer took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to air out her feelings on the matter. “LEAKING MY MUSIC IS STEALING . THIS IS MY JOB . THIS IS MY LIFE AND MY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. YOU ARE A F—— THIEF AND I PROMISE TO PUT MAXIMUM ENERGY INTO HOLDING EVERYONE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW . I AM TIRED,” SZA wrote back in January.
In 2023, the artist said fans “ruin” songs when they leak them. “Then it’s not mine anymore; it’s actually yours. It’s something unfinished that you decided was ready to be shared,” she said.
