Drake and SZA’s past relationship has resurfaced in the spotlight as SZA performed at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show and prepares to tour with Kendrick Lamar, one of Drake’s biggest rivals. Their connection, which dates back to the late 2000s, has remained a topic of interest over the years.
2008-2009: A Brief Romance
Drake and SZA reportedly had a short-lived romance in 2008 or 2009. The relationship remained mostly private until Drake referenced it in his 2020 track “Mr. Right Now”, where he rapped, “Yeah, said she wanna f–k to some SZA, wait / ‘Cause I used to date SZA back in ’08.”
Shortly after, SZA clarified on social media that their relationship actually took place in 2009, not 2008, and described it as a completely innocent connection. She later referred to it as a “childish” fling, emphasizing that there was nothing serious about their time together.
October 2020: Public Revelation
Drake’s mention of their relationship in “Mr. Right Now” on October 2, 2020, was the first time the public learned of their past romance. Two days later, SZA responded, explaining the corrected timeline and confirming that their relationship was never anything deep.
SZA unfollows Drake on Instagram after he claimed they dated in new song with 21 Savage.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 2, 2020
“Cause I used to date SZA back in ‘08” pic.twitter.com/FXutvvlOA6
December 2022: SZA’s ‘Mean Girls’ Comment
In December 2022, SZA compared Drake to Regina George from Mean Girls, referring to his popularity and the drama that sometimes surrounds him. Despite this lighthearted jab, she assured fans that there was no bad blood between them.
2023: Musical Collaborations
Despite their past, Drake and SZA teamed up for the first time musically in 2023 on two tracks from Drake’s album For All The Dogs: “Slime You Out” and “Rich Baby Daddy.”
While their collaboration signaled a professional reunion, SZA later revealed in an interview that she was initially concerned about Drake using an unfinished version of her vocals on “Slime You Out.” Despite this, she maintained that their working relationship remained positive.
2024: Caught in the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Feud
In April 2024, SZA unexpectedly became part of the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar after a leaked demo of Drake’s diss track “Push Ups” referenced her, suggesting she was more deserving of a spot in rap’s “Big 3” than Lamar.
SZA reacted to the controversy humorously on Instagram, appearing confused about how she became involved in the rap beef.
Later that year, she collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on his album GNX, featuring on two tracks, “Gloria” and “Luther”, marking her first collaboration with Lamar since the feud intensified.
In December 2024, SZA further aligned with Lamar by joining his Grand National Tour, set to begin in April 2025.
2025: SZA Joins Kendrick Lamar at Super Bowl
As Kendrick Lamar headlined the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, SZA was announced as one of the featured performers, continuing their ongoing collaboration.
Drake after he sees Kendrick Lamar, SZA and Serena Williams at the halftime show#SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/s3Z3ucO00A
— Randy Cruz (@randyjcruz) February 10, 2025
During a January 2025 interview on Hot Ones Versus, SZA was asked whether Drake was a good kisser, to which she playfully responded, “We were children.” Her response amused guests Issa Rae and Keke Palmer, who tried to press for details, but she refused to elaborate.
SZA was asked if Drake is a great kisser on ‘Hot Ones Versus’ with Keke Palmer & Issa Rae pic.twitter.com/93CmEHqwk6
— keep6ixsolid (@keep6ixsolid) January 21, 2025
Despite their brief romance and Drake’s mentions of their past, SZA has made it clear that she holds no resentment toward him. She has praised his positive remarks about her over the years and expressed appreciation for their professional relationship.
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