SZA finally begins her new chapter with 'Lana'

The album acts as a B-side to 2022's 'SOS'

If your favourite artist has a favourite artist, chances are it's SZA. The singer-songwriter has finally dropped the long-awaited deluxe edition of her Grammy-winning 2022 album SOS, now rebranded as Lana. The album's release follows months of speculation, teasers, and delays, keeping fans on edge since the February release of her single Saturn.

The album's cover art continues the insect-and-nature theme that defined her recent tours, reflecting the ethereal and raw aesthetic SZA has carefully crafted. Early glimpses suggest a mix of familiar sounds and fresh collaborations.

One standout track, 30 for 30, features none other than Kendrick Lamar, marking another chapter in their collaborative history. SZA herself recently appeared on two tracks from Lamar's GNX album. Other big names contributing to Lana include Lil Yachty and Benny Blanco, each lending their production talents to individual tracks. Meanwhile, core SOS contributors Michael Uzowuru, ThankGod4Cody, Rob Bisel, and Carter Lang return to maintain the sonic consistency fans have come to expect.

Ahead of the album's release, SZA dropped a music video for the track Drive, featuring an unexpected cameo from actor Ben Stiller. The video adds to the anticipation surrounding SZA's forthcoming stadium tour with Kendrick Lamar, a tour that will likely serve as the stage for Lana's live debut.

SZA first described the project to Variety in August 2023, explaining, "Lana is outtakes from SOS and new stuff, too - I added a couple of songs. It's like a whole new project. It's called Lana - my name but, it's the first tattoo that I ever got, when I was 13. It was 10 bucks a letter and I only had 40, so that became my nickname for no reason. Lana is really just the B-side of SOS."

Back in February, when Saturn dropped, fans expected the full project to follow soon after. However, frustration over leaked tracks led SZA to vent her disappointment online. At one point, she tweeted: "At this point, you all can keep the throwaways and leaks. I'll be starting Lana from scratch. Do not ask me about it again."

The post was later deleted, and after a series of follow-ups, SZA clarified that Lana would indeed be its own album, separate from the deluxe edition of SOS. In the end, though, the original plan seems to have held—Lana now exists as both a continuation and a standalone body of work.