SZA Says Early Career Was Motivated by Wanting to ‘Prove a Point’ to Her Ex
In an intimate conversation with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, SZA opened up about the early motivations behind her music career and the challenges she faces in dealing with public perception.
The successful New Jersey artist shared that her entry into the music industry was driven by a desire to prove herself to her then-fiancé, who was financially supporting her at the time. SZA expressed how her co-dependency and feelings of inadequacy led her to pursue music as a means to establish her own value.
Reflecting on her past, she stated, “I was going to music to prove a point. When I started making music, it was to my ex-fiancé because he was paying for everything – my food, my clothes, where I lived. And he was like eight years my senior, so I was so co-dependent.”
SZA further explained that her ex-fiancé’s previous partners were accomplished professionals, adding to her sense of lacking value as a college dropout and strip club bartender. Music became an outlet where she discovered unexpected talent and a sense of validation.
In the broader discussion, SZA delved into the challenges of handling fame, expressing discomfort with being perceived and the pressure associated with public expectations. She shared her struggle with maintaining kindness and patience amid the scrutiny and opinions from the outside world.
Despite her fame, SZA confessed to being the same shy person she was in high school, expressing a strong aversion to public appearances, parties, and being in the spotlight. The artist candidly admitted to finding solace in anonymity and revealed her ongoing battle with anxiety, noting that the pressure of being perceived differently can be overwhelming.
The interview offered a rare glimpse into the personal struggles and growth of SZA, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the artist behind the music.
