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Jeff Kravitz / Contributor via Getty Images, Mike Coppola / Staff via Getty Images, and Prince Williams / Contributor via Getty Images
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SZA, Frank Ocean, Future
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The eagerly awaited third studio project from SZA, LANA, is approaching its release. Although she has kept details sparse since officially announcing it in September, the Top Dawg Entertainment artist revealed insights into her creative writing journey during a conversation with Kendrick Lamar for Harper’s Bazaar on Monday (Oct. 21).
Much of the discussion revolved around the Compton rapper’s impressive year, his track “Not Like Us,” and reflections on his childhood, but he redirected the conversation towards SZA towards the conclusion of their chat. The “Love Galore” performer shared her experience of crafting a song in the summer of 2023 that was ultimately too vulnerable to release.
“Sometimes being in the studio feels too painful. Maybe that’s why I immerse myself and take on the personas of others,” she expressed. “I find it simpler to view myself through their narratives, like pretending to be you, Frank [Ocean], or Future rather than confronting the harsh truths I often face when I look in the mirror.”
“I suppose I want to speak kinder truths to myself. So, I think maybe it’s wiser to see things through someone else’s perspective,” SZA continued. The artist subsequently recounted her thoughts on Kendrick’s 2022 release, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, and how it inspired her to “dismantle the ego from within.”
Sadly, SZA and Ocean have not yet collaborated officially. Despite this, the Blonde artist has previously covered SZA’s hit “The Weekend.” Meanwhile, Future has teamed up with the St. Louis talent on tracks such as DJ Khaled’s “BEAUTIFUL” and Travis Scott’s “TELEKINESIS.”
In terms of her solo endeavors, SZA introduced her track “Saturn” in February, accompanied by live, sped-up, acapella, and instrumental versions of the song. As of now, there are no updates regarding its inclusion on LANA, which has already faced one leak.