Who is SZA? What to know about the Super Bowl 59 halftime guest
A Super Bowl Sunday halftime show featuring superstar rapper Kendrick Lamar was guaranteed to a be a surefire hit
But, the Grammy-nabbing rapper doubled down by inviting another Grammy winner — R&B singer SZA — to join his performance.
The North Jersey native is forces with Lamar, with five Grammys, to bring down the house at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans during the mid-point Sunday’s showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here's more to know about the 35-year-old whose musical style combines elements of rhythm and blues, hip-hop and soul.
Who is SZA?
Solána Imani Rowe, known by her stage name SZA, grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey and first came to popularity with the release of her debut album "CTRL" in 2017. The album has seen continued success on the Billboard Music R&B albums charts.
The most-nominated artist at the 2024 Grammy Music Awards, SZA walked away with three wins last year, although Taylor Swift took home album of the year for her hit "Midnights," besting SZA's critically acclaimed sophomore release "SOS."
SZA is currently starring in Sony Pictures' movie "One of Them Days" with Keke Palmer — hitting the No. 2 spot at the box office.
On Feb. 2, SZA snagged her fifth Grammy award, winning best R&B song for "Saturn." She performed the ethereal single during the 2024 Governors Ball in New York City.
How do SZA and Kendrick Lamar know each other?
SZA and Kendrick Lamar have a storied history, as former Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates and frequent collaborators.
SZA and Lamar recently released "30 for 30" off her new album "SOS Deluxe: Lana" in December. Within 24 hours of its release, the song had been streamed over 3 million times on Spotify. SZA also appeared on the tracks "Luther" and "Gloria" on Lamar's latest album "GNX," which dropped in November. The duo also received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for their 2018 track "All the Stars" from "Black Panther: The Album."
The pair also announced in December they were hitting the road for the "Grand National Tour," which kicks off in April and will make stops in the Garden State in May.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.