SZA reveals that she has parted ways with manager
SZA fans had a major week in December 2024. On December 20, the Grammy-winning artist released Lana, the deluxe edition of her 2022 chart-topping album SOS. The highly anticipated project had been teased for over a year, and its arrival marked a big moment for the singer. Along with the deluxe album, SZA also made a career-shifting announcement on Christmas Day: she parted ways with her longtime manager, Terence “Punch” Henderson. This dual-news drop stirred excitement and curiosity among fans, who have been eagerly following every step of SZA’s journey.
Lana Deluxe Edition: What’s New?
SZA’s Lana is more than just a deluxe edition of SOS. The 15-track album introduces a fresh wave of music, adding to the incredible momentum she’s already built. It’s clear from the start that Lana is a continuation of SZA’s growth, while also offering new collaborations and a more polished sound. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from Lana:
“Saturn” Single: A Standout Moment
The leading single from Lana is “Saturn,” which has already earned a Grammy nomination. The track’s haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics made it a fan favorite long before the album’s release. “Saturn” explores themes of personal growth and the cosmic forces that shape our lives, with SZA’s signature raw emotion and vulnerability at the forefront.
Fans have been eagerly anticipating the Lana album because of this single. It not only continues the introspective journey of SOS, but also feels like a more refined evolution in her sound. For anyone who’s followed SZA’s career, it’s clear that she’s still pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territory.
The Kendrick Lamar Collaboration on “30 For 30”
One of the most exciting parts of Lana is SZA’s collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the track “30 For 30.” This marks the third time the two have worked together in the past month, cementing their powerful creative synergy. Fans have been speculating about the details of their collaborations, but “30 For 30” proves their connection is undeniable. Kendrick’s smooth flow complements SZA’s emotive vocals, adding a new dimension to both artists’ styles.
“30 For 30” is a standout on the album, blending both artists’ strengths in a seamless way. Kendrick’s contribution feels both organic and impactful, with his lyrical prowess enhancing SZA’s already introspective lyrics. The collaboration signals a bigger picture, one where SZA and Kendrick are redefining what it means to work together in 2024.
More Surprises: New Features and Unreleased Tracks
Aside from the Kendrick Lamar feature, Lana includes several unreleased tracks that were long-awaited by fans. The deluxe edition offers a deeper look into SZA’s creative process, with songs that expand on the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Some tracks feel experimental, while others tap into the familiar, emotional vulnerability that has become SZA’s trademark.
The addition of these tracks shows a more refined version of the SOS era. SZA is still experimenting with her sound, exploring everything from alt-R&B to more mainstream pop-infused melodies. It’s clear that she’s expanding her musical boundaries, and fans are here for it.
The Lana Delay: Why Was It Pushed?
When SZA fans first heard about Lana’s delay, there was a wave of confusion and speculation. Originally slated to drop at midnight on December 20, the album was instead released at 3 PM PT, hours later than expected. SZA went on to explain that final mixes for the songs were the reasons for the delay.
This delay isn’t unprecedented in the world of music. In fact, it’s a common occurrence for artists to adjust release times due to final edits, mastering processes, or even last-minute collaborations. But the change in release timing, especially for such a highly anticipated project, did add to the drama surrounding Lana‘s drop. Fans took to social media to voice their thoughts, but ultimately, the album arrived and the delay became a minor blip in the bigger picture.
SZA’s Management Split: What Does It Mean?
On Christmas Day, SZA shared a personal update that surprised many. She announced that she had parted ways with her manager, Terence “Punch” Henderson. Punch has been a pivotal figure in SZA’s rise to superstardom, guiding her through the success of Ctrl and SOS. The two have been inseparable since the early days of her career, so this announcement marked the end of a significant era in her professional life.
While fans have expressed concern over the split, SZA made it clear that the decision was amicable. She posted a message on social media, explaining that people sometimes grow apart. She also urged fans to avoid attacking Punch online, a nod to the toxic side of fandom culture that can often manifest when a well-known figure makes a big change. SZA’s words reflected maturity and a desire for peace, and many fans appreciated her openness during this time.
What Led to the Split?
SZA didn’t provide specifics about why she and Punch decided to part ways, but industry insiders speculate that this could be part of her larger artistic evolution. As an artist grows, so does their need for different guidance, and sometimes that means seeking fresh perspectives. SZA’s move could signal that she’s ready to explore new creative directions, both musically and professionally.
Punch has been a key figure at Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), the label that helped shape the careers of artists like Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and Isaiah Rashad. His departure marks a transition for SZA, who will now likely work with new management to continue her ascent.
The End of an Era?
The phrase “an end of an era” resonated with fans, as SZA has truly come a long way since her breakout moment with Ctrl in 2017. Her journey has been marked by massive critical acclaim, chart-topping hits, and Grammy nominations. However, as artists evolve, so must their teams and the people who help shape their careers. This management change likely signals that SZA is preparing for her next big chapter—whether that’s a new sound, a different kind of project, or fresh collaborations.
While Punch’s departure is notable, it’s also an exciting time for SZA. With Lana out in the world and big moves ahead, the future looks bright for the artist.
What’s Next for SZA?
The release of Lana and the shift in SZA’s management are just the beginning of what promises to be another exciting chapter in her career. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her future is filled with endless possibilities. Fans can expect new music, innovative collaborations, and even more bold moves in the future.
SZA has already proven that she’s a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Her journey is far from over, and Lana is just another stepping stone in what will likely be a long, successful career. Whether it’s exploring new genres, teaming up with more high-profile collaborators, or redefining her sound, SZA is showing that she’s not afraid to take risks and chart her own path.
A Bold New Era for SZA
With the release of Lana, SZA is showing the world that she’s ready to enter a bold new era of music and self-discovery. The album is filled with raw emotion, captivating collaborations, and a more refined sound. The management shift further underscores that SZA is evolving both as an artist and as a person. As we head into 2025, the question isn’t where SZA is going—but how far she’ll go next. Fans can only sit back and enjoy the ride.
