Solána Imani Rowe is an American singer-songwriter who is best known by her stage name “SZA.” She was born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, but spent most of her childhood in New Jersey. SZA was raised as a Muslim and wore a hijab throughout high school. Although the aspiring musician attended Delaware State University, SZA eventually dropped out to pursue music full-time. She got her stage name after being inspired by fellow rapper RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan.
SZA started gaining traction in 2012 after the release of her first extended play “See.SZA.Run.” The following year, she dropped two more extended plays, “S” and “Z,” and signed up with Top Dawg Entertainment. After the success of her independent releases, SZA officially signed a recording contract with RCA Records and delivered her debut studio album “Ctrl” in 2017. The album was met with critical acclaim and earned her four Grammy nominations. SZA’s later collaboration “Kiss Me More” with Doja Cat also won her first Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
After five years, SZA released her much anticipated sophomore album “SOS” in 2022. The album was an instant critical success and spent ten weeks atop the Billboard 200. One of its six singles, “Kill Bill,” became SZA’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Since her debut, SZA has earned an American Music Award, Guild of Music Supervisors Award, and Woman of the Year Award by Billboard.
As a relatively new artist in the music industry, there has been a lot of curiosity surrounding SZA. It’s no surprise considering that she’s a total powerhouse when it comes to creating hits and performing onstage. From her mysterious love life to her ambiguous sexuality, fans are dying to know the truth. So, is SZA gay? You’ll finally find out the answer below.
VOTE: What is SZA’s Sexuality?
SZA’s Dating History
SZA is pretty tight-lipped when it comes to her relationships. Throughout the years, she’s been linked to multiple artists and public figures. However, none of those affairs were officially confirmed. At the start of her career, SZA was rumored to be dating Kendrick Lamar, Jack Harlow, and Scott Sasso. Here are more of the singer’s more notable relationships.
SZA and Drake (2009)
In 2020, the internet broke when it was revealed that SZA dated fellow rapper Drake in 2009. The revelation was made by Drake himself when was featured in the 21 Savage song, “Mr. Right Now.” In the lyrics, he admitted that he “used to date SZA back in ‘08.” Drake has had his fair share of high-profile relationships but somehow his affair with SZA went under the radar, so this was news to fans.
Drake’s particular line was also scrutinized by listeners. Going by his proclamation, SZA would have only been 19 years old when he dated the rapper who was aged 22. The criticism gained so much traction that SZA had to address the issue on Twitter. In a series of tweets, the singer clarified that they dated in 2009 and that the changing of the year was an artistic choice. Although they have since parted ways, SZA is still in good terms with the rapper.
It was actually 2009 lol…I just didn’t want anybody thinking anything underage or creepy was happening. Completely innocent.”
SZA via Twitter, 2020
SZA and Travis Scott (2023)
Since the release of her second album, SZA has been linked to rapper, Travis Scott. The duo collaborated on one of the singer’s tracks, “Open Arms,” but it wasn’t the first time that they worked together. One of their earlier works included the song “Love Galore” in 2017. By 2023, Scott had broken up with reality television star Kylie Jenner.
In June, rumors started heating up when Scott made a surprise appearance at SZA’s concert in the UK. The pair’s onstage chemistry was so strong that it had fans speculating about their relationship. Many people approved of the pairing and shared their sentiments about how the couple “made sense.” Neither Scott nor SZA released public statements addressing their affair. However, there are talks about the pair collaborating on more tracks in the future.
The Singer’s Subtle “Coming Out”
In 2021, rumors emerged that SZA was dating another singer, Kehlani. The pair were spotted arm-in-arm while attending Rihanna’s MET Gala after-party. They were also spotted getting cozy with Kehlani’s arm around the “SOS” singer.
This wasn’t the first time that the duo were seen together. A few months earlier, SZA and Kehlani were seen leaving a restaurant while holding hands. Although they were with other friends, the paparazzi photos were enough to encourage speculation.
In April 2022, fans became hysterical when SZA had a “subtle coming out.” Apparently, one fan tagged the singer in a video where she was being referred to as a lesbian. SZA replied with a tweet saying, “It’s not wrong lol.”
It’s worth noting that SZA has never publicly addressed her sexuality nor confirmed the dating rumors with Kehlani.
Talks About Mental Health And Other Issues
SZA is incredibly vocal when it comes to discussing issues about mental health. In an interview with Complex in 2022, she talked about living under the spotlight and having imposter syndrome. Here’s what SZA had to say:
It’s exhausting. The physical exhaustion, the mental exhaustion does not come from making music. I love making music. I love creating. It’s kind of my own source of therapy and meditation, but the exhaustion really comes from expectations, berating, and dehumanizing from outside forces. And that shit makes me feel like, ‘Why am I doing this? Why would I set myself up to be bodied like this on a regular basis?’”
SZA to Complex, 2022
The singer has even contemplated leaving her celebrity lifestyle behind.
So many times I’m like, ‘Damn, I’m about to go be a farmer. My contract is about to expire, I might as well be a farmer… Because the pressure of dropping another album, making sure my deals make sense […] building this life is way harder than abdicating my responsibility [as an artist].”
SZA to Complex, 2022
Is SZA Gay?
No, SZA is not gay. Although she has been linked to another female rapper, she has never confirmed the relationship. Unless SZA releases an official statement regarding her sexuality, it’s safe to assume that she identifies as straight.
Featured Image: “SZA”, by The Come Up Show, licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED