After a series of delays and much anticipation, SZA has officially unveiled the release date for Lana, the eagerly awaited deluxe edition of her critically acclaimed album SOS. This exciting new project is set to be released on Friday, December 20, as confirmed through an engaging teaser video that was shared across various social media platforms. Fans can expect an enriched listening experience as SZA promises new tracks and exclusive content that showcases her artistic evolution and creativity.

In a captivating clip shared on Monday, December 16, actor Ben Stiller showcases his enthusiasm as a superfan by dramatically lip-syncing to what is believed to be SZA’s new track “Drive.” The scene unfolds as he drives through a rain-soaked night, creating a visually striking and emotionally resonant moment that perfectly complements the mood of the song. This creative presentation adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming release of Lana, giving fans a sneak peek into SZA’s new musical direction and artistry.

The scene may evoke a sense of nostalgia, particularly for those who recall Stiller’s memorable cameo in Jack Johnson’s “Taylor” music video back in 2003. In that iconic appearance, he was seen lip-syncing while playing a guitar; however, this time around, he swaps the instrument for a steering wheel, adding a fresh twist to his performance. This playful homage to his past work not only highlights Stiller’s comedic talents but also builds excitement for SZA’s forthcoming project, drawing in fans of both the actor and the artist.

The anticipation for Lana has been building for over two years, with SZA initially teasing it as “a whole other album” filled with outtakes and new materials that fans have been eager to hear. In a revealing interview with British Vogue, she discussed her evolving creative process, stating, “I think I am making music from a more beautiful place. From a more possible place versus a more angsty place.” This reflection indicates a significant shift in her artistic perspective, inviting listeners to engage with her music on a deeper emotional level as she explores themes of growth and healing.

SZA further elaborated, “I’m not identifying with my brokenness. It’s not my identity. It’s stuff that happened to me. Yeah, I experienced cruelty. I have to put it down at some point. Piece by piece, my music is shifting because of that, the lighter I get.” Her words reveal a profound understanding of personal transformation and resilience, illustrating how her music is becoming a reflection of her journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment. This evolution in her artistry resonates with many fans who relate to her message of overcoming adversity and finding strength in vulnerability.

The upcoming deluxe release of Lana marks another significant milestone in the SOS era, which has proven to be immensely successful and influential in the music industry. The album has not only captured the hearts of fans but also set new standards for R&B music with its innovative sound and relatable lyrics. SZA’s ability to connect with her audience through poignant storytelling has solidified her place as a leading voice in contemporary music.

Upon its release, SOS made a remarkable debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, garnering an impressive 318,000 equivalent album units. This achievement marked the third-highest debut week of 2022 and established a new record for the biggest streaming week for an R&B album by a woman. With 404.6 million official on-demand streams for the album’s tracks, as reported by Luminate, it spent an incredible 10 weeks at the top of the chart. Additionally, it became the first R&B album by a female artist to achieve double-digit weeks at No. 1 since Mariah Carey’s self-titled debut in 1991, showcasing SZA’s monumental impact on the genre.

With the confirmation of Lana‘s release date, it aligns seamlessly with SZA’s highly anticipated stadium tour alongside Kendrick Lamar, set to commence in 2025. This tour, named the Grand National tour, will be presented by Live Nation, pgLang, and Top Dawg Entertainment. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans as the duo embarks on a North American stadium tour starting in April 2025, bringing their electrifying performances to audiences across the continent.

The Grand National tour is set to kick off in Minnesota on April 19 and will make stops in several major cities, including Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, the greater New York area, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Detroit, Chicago, and even Toronto. The tour will conclude in Washington, D.C., on June 18, promising a series of exhilarating performances that fans will not want to miss. This combination of the album release and tour showcases SZA’s commitment to delivering exceptional music and memorable live experiences.