SZA recently featured on Hot Ones and gave an emotional look into what she’s fighting these days. On the September 26, 2024 airing of the series, the R&B crooner made it known that she is fighting a sour breakup. On increasingly spicy chicken wings, SZA delved deep into some of the raw emotions in her life-she revealed her ex-fiancé “hates” her due to the weight associated with already cementing a complex situation.
This came about while Sza was speaking about how this breakup affects her emotional state. Even though she did not go into details about it, by the tone and words used, it could be well noted that this split has had a major impact on her. Known for making sense of what’s going on in her mind through the music, SZA spoke about how she often uses this career as a manner of working out her emotional world , comparing her turmoil with that which is put onto her artistic expression. In this interview, SZA compared her connection to music with one that is “toxic but fulfilling,” speaking to how strongly connected-often painfully-she is to both her work and her emotions.
For years, SZA has become resonant with her vulnerability: songs mostly about loves, heartbreaks, and self-discovery. During the Hot Ones episode, SZA broke down some of the most emotionally deeper cuts from “Nobody Gets Me.” SZA added that this song really touches a spot in her heart because it captures the complex dynamics of her past relationship, especially how it made her feel so misunderstood and alone emotionally.
But that wasn’t all she revealed. In a symbolic-and somewhat unexpected-turn of events, SZA donned a bug prosthetic for the interview. Asked why the unusual choice, she said it was representative of her desire to detach from her persona altogether and find some sense of peace away from pressures and expectations that come along with famous life. It was, in a way, closer to an elaboration of how she sometimes feels more at ease when she can retract from being “SZA” and just exist outside the constant public spotlight.
Besides “Nobody Gets Me,” SZA also delved into her emotionally deep cuts like “Normal Girl” and “Drew Barrymore,” songs of turmoil in relationships with herself, then. Similarly, most of her discography mirrors the ups and downs of her personal life, which she shares rather candidly with her audience. SZA was open about her feelings, which made people relate to her since they saw glimpses of their own lives through her words.
All the more SZA opened up about how much emotional toll her music career takes on her, comparing this profession with an abusive relationship. She says, it can be frustrating working with a fickle industry that sometimes takes away and leaves her depleted and conflicted. Not surprisingly, SZA admits that music-like toxic relationships-continues to facilitate meaning and fulfillment in her life amidst pain.
