R&B singer-songwriter SZA has opened up about her complicated relationship with fame, revealing the challenges that come with being in the spotlight.

In a candid conversation during One of Them Days alongside Issa Rae and Keke Palmer, SZA (real name Solana Imani Rowe) shared that even after spending more than a decade in the public eye, she still finds the experience of being perceived by others to be quite “weird.” This ongoing struggle highlights her authenticity and the genuine feelings that accompany her journey.

“Some people are very well acclimated in being perceived and also have a different mechanism to approach that,” she elaborated. “Keke has this incredible network of strategies that allow her to navigate the limelight seamlessly, as if everything just flows naturally, even when the cameras are on.” This insight emphasizes the variety of experiences among artists regarding fame and public scrutiny.

For SZA, who recently released SOS Deluxe: LANA, the concept of fame feels foreign and overwhelming. “I don’t really know what is happening. I don’t know what the hell is going on,” she continued, emphasizing her struggle to understand the whirlwind of success that has enveloped her.

“I didn’t grow up in the limelight; I spent my childhood in the suburbs, attended regular schools, and worked ordinary jobs until everything exploded in my career.” Her journey reflects the stark contrast between her past and the present, showcasing her resilience and authenticity as an artist.

The four-time Grammy winner elaborated on her experiences, stating, “I’ve never been examined in this way. … I find comfort in letting my guard down and understanding that I’m not in danger just because I’m being perceived by people I don’t know.” She resonated with Keke Palmer’s perspective, describing fame as “weird” and acknowledging that many people assume she is more comfortable with it than she truly feels.

SZA also reflected on her unexpected rise to superstardom: “People say, ‘That’s what you signed up for,’ but I didn’t even know what I was signing up for, actually. I just created a few songs, was grateful for the positive reception, and kept moving forward.” This reveals her humility and passion for music, showcasing her love for the craft over the fame that comes with it.

In a recent social media post, SZA expressed her intention to develop two children’s albums, viewing this as a way to channel her creative energy while pondering a future beyond mainstream music. This new direction illustrates her desire to explore different artistic avenues and connect with audiences on a more personal level.

“Every day I grapple with, ‘Am I done with music?’ Maybe I’m just not cut out for fame – I feel like I’m crashing and burning, behaving erratically,” the singer told British Vogue last year. Her candidness about her struggles with anxiety adds depth to her artistic persona and resonates with many fans who face similar challenges.

“It’s not for me because I have so much anxiety. But why would God put me in this position if I wasn’t supposed to be doing this? So I just keep trying to rise to the occasion. But I’m also just like, ‘Please, the occasion is beating my ass.’” This transparency highlights her vulnerability and the internal conflict many artists face in the pursuit of success.

SZA’s recent accomplishments speak volumes about her talent and resilience. Her latest album, SOS Deluxe: LANA, launched on December 20, 2024, builds on the monumental success of SOS, which dominated the Billboard 200 chart for multiple weeks. Remarkably, SOS returned to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in December after 22 months, primarily due to the renewed interest from the deluxe reissue.

Alongside her solo work, SZA’s collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “30 for 30” from the SOS Deluxe: LANA album soared to No. 1 on the Hot R&B Songs Chart, with both artists gearing up for a highly anticipated joint tour in 2025. This partnership not only showcases her versatility as an artist but also strengthens her position in the music industry.