SZA Expresses That She Is Only Labeled An R&B Artist Because She Is Black; “I simply just want to be allowed the same opportunity to make whatever I want without a label”

Cousins! SZA has recently opened up regarding her frustration towards the music industry and how feeling boxed in one genre has influenced how people perceive her artistry!

While in conversation with Dazed magazine, SZA discussed how her music is often categorized and how it ultimately takes away from her expressiveness as a creative.

When asked how she personally defines her sound as she is generally known as an R&B artist, SZA responded “The only reason I’m defined as an R&B artist is because I’m Black. It’s almost a little reductive because it doesn’t allow space to be anything else or try anything else.

“Justin Bieber is not considered an R&B artist; he is a pop artist who makes R&B, folk music, or whatever his heart desires. I simply just want to be allowed the same opportunity to make whatever I want without a label, [without it being] based on the color of my skin, or the crew that I run with, or the beats that that I choose. I want “F2F” to be seen as what it is. I want “Nobody Gets Me” to be seen as what it is. I want “Kill Bill” to be seen as what it is. 

She goes on to clarify, “At the same time, it’s nothing to get bent out of shape about, because it’s just how people are processing you. As long as I don’t process myself that way. I don’t necessarily box myself into anything. I’m just trying to make music, trying to vibe out and enjoy the experience. “

The 34 year old was asked about rising Black female artists who are quickly labeled as R&B artists. She expressed, “once we’re dead and gone, there will still be work to do in terms of how we’re seen in the world as Black women, and who we are allowed to be seen as – the multifacetedness and all our spectrums of expression.”

“ I lthink humanity will be constantly unfolding itself, and we will be showing each other who we are beyond the reductive labels our brains are regurgitating, from whatever we saw on the internet or learned in college or at home through socialisation. We’ll get beyond that, and that’s just part of being human. I’m down to be human. 

As for her future, SZA shares that she is excited about this point in her life and all that has yet to come. “I think everything excites me right now. Even the fear of the future is exciting. I guess genuinely not knowing what is next – I have no idea where I’m headed. I’m just excited about the edge of discovery. The unknown is inherently exciting these days. “

While doubling down on her statements online, social media users attempted to drag SZA.

“I’m curious what other category would would she be assigned to? Serious question 🙋🏿‍♀️,” wrote an Instagram user.

“I just wanna be free to create anything! you can look at songs like: Julia ,f2f ,drew Barrymore ,prom nobody gets me ‚kill bill, ghost in the machine , HIl Jack, green mile, shattered ring, omega and my entire first two projects before Z, none of those are rnb. Whoever connects to the music connects! it’s okay to be more than one thing lol. It’s also okay if all you know from me the weekend and snooze Y I’m grateful regardless call it whatever u want,” SZA replied.

Fellow singer and songwriter Tank also reached out to SZA in saying, “Dear @sza you are every and anything you want to be. R&B is the root of your gift but not the limitation of it. The WORLD loves you so please don’t get caught up in the categories at awards shows, or playlists, and even charts for that matter. Focus on the people! We have your back and we’ll go where ever you lead us..”

Cousins, what are your thought on this?