SZA has become a prominent figure in the music world, particularly known for her heartfelt ballads that capture the essence of heartbreak. Tracks like “Kill Bill” and “SOS” not only showcase her vocal talent but also resonate deeply with listeners, revealing the raw and vulnerable sides of love and loss. While many artists might turn their relationships into a public spectacle, SZA has distinctly carved out a more private space for her romantic life, using her lyrics as a conduit for expressing the complexities of her emotional experiences rather than discussing them in interviews.
In a candid conversation during an interview with Chicken Shop Date in 2024, SZA opened up about her views on love and relationships, articulating the inherent challenges of maintaining lasting connections. She remarked, “I don’t even know if we’re like meant to fall in love ’cause like, who’s actually doing it and sustaining it?” This sentiment reflects a profound disillusionment with the traditional notion of everlasting love. Instead, SZA posits that relationships may exist in fleeting states, marked by moments rather than commitments. “I feel like I can catch ’em, but I cannot keep ’em,” she confessed, painting a picture of the struggles that often accompany genuine connectivity.
This perspective underpins much of her songwriting, as she crafts pieces that explore her experiences rather than romanticizing them. The artist’s reluctance to label herself as a devoted partner sheds light on her struggles with intimacy and trust, echoing sentiments many of her fans relate to, making her music all the more poignant.
Drake: A Past with No Regrets
One of the notable narratives surrounding SZA’s romantic history involves her brief relationship with rapper Drake. Fans were taken aback when Drake mentioned in his 2020 song “Mr. Right Now” that he previously dated SZA. This revelation prompted her to clarify the timeline on social media, indicating they had indeed dated but only for a brief period in 2009. In her Twitter commentary, SZA emphasized the innocence of their relationship, referring to it as “completely innocent” and pointing out that both were exceptionally young during their time together. Even in subsequent interviews, like with Rolling Stone in 2023, she characterized the relationship as a product of youthful experimentation rather than a serious romance.
The gravity with which SZA approached the subject of her past relationship with Drake signals her commitment to portraying her life authentically, even when giggles and headlines might otherwise sensationalize the encounter. Their collaborative work years later, particularly on the single “Slime You Out,” reinforces a sense of camaraderie that has transcended their brief romantic interlude.
SZA’s most substantial relationship was a long-term romance with a fellow creative—a fashion designer—whom she was engaged to for five years. This relationship, however, remains shrouded in mystery, as she refrains from unveiling his identity. In a discussion with Rolling Stone, she elaborated on how entwined their lives became, especially considering their journey began when she was still transitioning from adolescence into adulthood. She credits him for her entry into the music industry, saying, “When I started making music, it was to my ex-fiancé, because he was paying for everything.”
The implications of this co-dependency were significant, as she articulated how their dynamic impacted her music and, consequently, her self-identity. This relationship shaped her creative expression, providing an evocative backdrop against which many of her songs, like “Nobody Gets Me,” were birthed. The emotional tales she weaves into her music resonate with listeners who have navigated similar complexities, highlighting the transformative power of love—both its uplifting and heartbreaking aspects.
During performances, SZA has been notably candid about her heartbreak experiences. In a revealing moment during a London concert in 2023, she referred to a painful incident involving infidelity, leading many to speculate it was her former fiancé. “I never told anybody, but like, my boyfriend cheated on me in this city before,” she lamented, conveying a level of weariness that many fans could empathize with. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities on stage creates a deeper bond with her audience, turning concerts into a shared space for healing and connection.
This openness extends to her potential dalliances with other notable figures, such as Travis Scott. Rumors surfaced when he joined her during a tour, heightening fans’ curiosity about their chemistry. Despite being linked romantically, SZA maintains the essence of her personal life as a private affair, ever focused on her artistry rather than celebrity gossip.
SZA’s exploration of love, loss, and vulnerability is not just a recurring theme in her music but a testament to her personal journey. Through both her lyrics and public engagements, she invites her listeners into the complexities of her world, crafting a narrative that resonates universally—a journey marked by love’s ephemeral nature and the indelible scars left by heartbreak.