The self-directed music video released in March 2021 further established her signature fairy-core aesthetic, racking up millions of views and introducing a teaser of her next massive hit, "Shirt," at the very end. Chart-Topping Collaborations and Crossover Appeal

In 2021, SZA fans were restless. After teasing new music for years, 2021 saw a surge of leaks and unofficial releases that shaped the creative process.

During 2021, fans desperately searched peer-to-peer networks and music forums for leaked demos, unreleased tracks, and "SOS RAR" file downloads as Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) repeatedly delayed the sophomore record. This era birthed the sonic foundation for what would become a historic, record-breaking album. 1. The Anatomy of the 2021 "SOS RAR" Phenomenon

SZA casually uploaded three unreleased tracks—"Nightbird," "I Hate U," and "Joni"—directly to a burner SoundCloud account. "I Hate U" Official Release

A conscious effort to choose hope and mental clarity over past romantic trauma.

Lyrically, SZA blends conversational specificity with mythic imagery. She names the small things — late-night texts, the weight of a hoodie, the geography of a bedroom — then pivots to metaphors that make those small things feel fated. The result is music that’s both diaristic and devotional: private admissions framed like prayers or indictments. Her perspective is rarely triumphant; it’s reflective, wry, and frequently tenderly savage toward herself and others.

In August 2021, SZA leaked “I Hate U” on SoundCloud after a snippet went viral on TikTok. The song — a devastating, slow-burning kiss-off — wasn’t officially released until December, but its underground reign foreshadowed the unfiltered vulnerability of SOS . It became her first solo top 10 on the Hot 100 in 2021, peaking at No. 7.

The album continues to be a force, with its deluxe edition, SOS Deluxe: LANA , propelling it back to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 years after its initial release. More than just an album, SOS stands as a landmark project, cementing SZA’s place as one of the most vital and creative artists of her generation.

Which of the three would you like?

(released in December 2021) and her subsequent critically acclaimed album (released in 2022).

"Good Days" secured SZA her first solo top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at Number 9.

Yes, and this is crucial. Some searches for "SZA SOS RAR 2021" actually refer to her live sessions. In October 2021 (pre- SOS announcement), SZA performed a stripped-down set for The Rarities series (phonetically "RAR"). She played Ctrl deep cuts like 20 Something and Garden , alongside a haunting cover of Love Galore (acoustic). Fans labeled these performances "SOS-era rare footage" retroactively.

Following the massive success of her 2017 debut album, , fans waited more than five years for a follow-up project. The year 2021 served as the bridge between these two musical eras. 1. The Power of "Good Days"

Peaked in the Billboard Top 10; established the dreamy, reflective tone of the upcoming era. "Kiss Me More" (with Doja Cat)