SZA, the talented singer-songwriter, is still putting the finishing touches on the deluxe version of her highly successful sophomore album, SOS, titled Lana. This deluxe edition is set to be released on February 9th at 7 p.m. ET, just half an hour after she takes the stage with Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. This news was shared on her official website, exciting her fans who have been eagerly awaiting the updated album.
Originally, Lana was expected to drop on January 6th, but that date came and went without the album’s release. This delay led to some fan frustration, with one even calling her "unprofessional" on social media. SZA responded to the criticism, explaining that the delay was due to sample clearances taking longer than anticipated. She humorously replied, "Cause sample clearances always happen within the preferred time frame lmao? I shoulda NEVER tried to give yall what u asked for. It wasn’t professional. It was KINDNESS AND A WILLINGNESS TO APPEASE u lunatics." Her response highlights the challenges artists face in meeting release deadlines due to factors like sampling issues.
The journey to releasing Lana has been a long and winding road for SZA. She first mentioned the deluxe edition of SOS back in December 2022. Over the following years, she teased the album and even previewed some new songs at her live shows. However, the process was not without setbacks. In March 2024, after a few songs from the deluxe album leaked online, SZA decided to scrap the project and start over. She expressed her frustration on Twitter, saying, "So we’ll make this really simple. Y’all leaked 3 songs from the deluxe. Atp y’all can keep the throw aways and leaks. I’ll be starting LANA from scratch do not ask me about it again. Thank you 🫶🏾🙏🏾💗."
Despite the hurdles, SZA finally released the 15-track deluxe version of SOS at the end of 2023. The album was a huge success, reclaiming the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart with an impressive 178,000 units sold in its first week. The project also amassed over 200 million official streams, solidifying its impact on the music scene and showcasing SZA’s enduring talent and dedication to her craft.
The forthcoming release of Lana on February 9th is a testament to SZA’s commitment to her artistry and her fans. After the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which promises to be an unforgettable performance alongside Kendrick Lamar, she will treat her audience to new music, further enhancing the legacy of her already groundbreaking album SOS. Fans are eagerly anticipating this release, knowing that SZA consistently delivers music that resonates deeply and pushes boundaries.
In summary, SZA’s journey with Lana highlights the complexities and challenges of creating and releasing music in today’s fast-paced industry. Despite delays and setbacks, including leaked tracks and the need to start over, SZA has remained dedicated to her vision and her fans. The upcoming release of Lana is not just an addition to her discography but a celebration of her resilience and artistry. Her ability to navigate the often unpredictable landscape of the music industry while maintaining her creative integrity is a true testament to her talent and dedication.
