MusicFreaks

Tag: SZA

  • Yungblud pulls out of Calgary festival: ‘I’m Working on Myself’

    The world of music often feels like a tightrope walk between exhilarating performance and intense personal reality. Lately, for rock sensation Yungblud, that balance has involved prioritizing his well-being above the spotlight, leading to an unexpected pause in his schedule.

    The artist has announced that he will not be performing at Calgary’s Cowboys Music Festival this Sunday (July 12). In a candid statement, he shared that he is currently taking time off at home in the UK to focus on himself, addressing mental health concerns that require immediate attention.

    “To all my family in Canada I apologize for not being there with you all this weekend — I’m currently in a place where I’m working on myself and taking time off at home in the UK,” Yungblud wrote. “I’m taking this extremely seriously and facing head on what’s going on for the good of the long term. I will never take any of this for granted and I will see you all soon. I love you all.”

    This decision has sparked conversation among fans, particularly regarding past scheduling changes. Some observers noted that this is not the first time Yungblud has had to reschedule or cancel appearances; for example, he was unable to perform at MacEwan Hall in April 2020 due to the global disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Yet, amidst these personal reflections, Yungblud continues to demonstrate incredible resilience and a strong connection to his community. Recently, the musician shared an emotional video performance from his Bludfest event in Králové, Czechia, detailing a recent “breakdown” stemming from public perception. He spoke openly about detractors labeling him an industry plant>, but he was met with an impressive outpouring of support from fellow artists and industry veterans.

    Figures like SZA, Gary Holt (Slayer/Exodus), Scott Ian (Anthrax), and Alissa White-Gluz rallied around him, sending a powerful message of solidarity. This collective support underscored the fact that art and humanity often intertwine, providing a lifeline when personal struggles are laid bare.

    While some festival-goers were disappointed by the cancellation, management has assured fans that Yungblud’s other tour dates remain on track. The Cowboys Music Festival has advised affected ticket holders to check their emails for information regarding refund options.

    As the focus shifts forward, the lineup is already buzzing with excitement. Nelly and Steve Aoki will now be headlining the festival on Sunday (June 12), setting the stage for an energetic weekend as music continues to connect, both on the stage and in private moments.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • SZA Shares High-Functioning Autism Diagnosis

    The world of music often thrives on carefully curated public images, yet sometimes the most profound stories emerge from the vulnerability shared behind the curtain. American R&B sensation SZA recently took a significant step in this regard, opening up her personal journey by sharing a recent diagnosis.

    In a reflective post on Instagram, SZA revealed that she has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism. This announcement marks a moment of profound honesty, as the artist shared that she had finally taken the time to seek evaluation and receive professional testing.

    SZA‘s message was candid, detailing her experience. She explained that this diagnosis encompasses being High-Functioning Autistic, along with displaying traits often associated with Asperger’s syndrome. This disclosure provides a much-needed perspective on her life and the unique way she navigates the world.

    Sharing such personal information is an act of bravery, chipping away at the stigma surrounding neurodiversity. By speaking openly about her experience, SZA contributes to a broader conversation about mental health awareness and acceptance within the public sphere.

    Her story serves as a powerful reminder that behind every famous face is a complex human being navigating unique internal landscapes. It underscores the importance of understanding, patience, and unconditional acceptance for everyone, regardless of their neurological wiring.

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    Credit: Clash Magazine

  • $5.4B AI Music Company Suno Announces Indie Incubator – Fine Print Requires Artists To Promote And Never Criticize Suno

    The landscape of music creation is currently buzzing with a familiar tension: the collision between groundbreaking technology and the creators themselves. As generative AI platforms rapidly evolve, artists are left navigating uncharted waters, trying to balance innovation with the protection of their craft.

    A major player in this evolving digital arena, the generative AI music creation platform Suno, is attempting to establish its foothold by launching an incubator program aimed at indie musicians. However, the terms under which participation is offered have sparked immediate controversy and calls for scrutiny.

    The catch? The agreement comes with a strict fine print that places an unusual obligation on the participating artists. To participate in Suno’s new initiative, musicians are required to actively promote the company and, critically, to refrain from criticizing it.

    This demand for self-censorship raises significant ethical questions about the relationship between large technology corporations and the independent artists who form their base. It forces creators to decide whether participation in new economic models necessitates sacrificing artistic independence and honest feedback.

    The situation is particularly salient when considering existing discussions around the exploitation of Black artists within the AI sphere. High-profile figures, including SZA, have recently drawn attention to the concerns that AI systems risk misrepresenting or exploiting creative work, emphasizing the need for fair and ethical practices in the digital age.

    The mandate imposed by Suno’s incubator program pits commercial interest against artistic integrity. It suggests a new paradigm where access to powerful tools comes tethered to an obligation of praise rather than critical engagement. Whether this structure fosters genuine collaboration or simply reinforces corporate control remains a subject of intense debate among the music community.

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    Credit: Stereogum

  • SZA, Doechii Lead Lauryn Hill BET Awards Tribute

    Ms. Lauryn Hill

    The music world celebrated a legend last night as Ms. Lauryn Hill was honored with the newly created Living Legend Icon award at the BET Awards, solidifying her status as one of history’s most influential artists. The celebration was a vibrant tapestry woven with powerful performances and deeply personal reflections, marking not just a career milestone but a moment of shared cultural reverence.

    The evening kicked off with an explosive display of talent, featuring collaborations that bridged generations and genres. SZA and Doechii set the tone by performing a rendition of the Fugees’ “Ready or Not,” while Tierra Whack and Tems delivered a sultry performance of “Fu-Gee-La.” The musical lineup continued to delve into Hill’s extensive catalog, with Doja Cat tackling the classic “Superstar” before joining Nas for an unforgettable performance of “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That),” a track that originally featured Hill’s iconic vocals.

    The tribute extended across the spectrum of music and culture. The powerful gospel-inflected duo War & Treaty shared a moving rendition of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” a song intrinsically linked to Hill’s career legacy due to its inclusion in the 1993 film Sister Act 2.

    Beyond the stage, the celebration brought together family and industry figures, including Hill’s children Selah, YG Marley, and Zion Marley, alongside appearances from Lizzo, Rapsody, and Alexia Jayy. The emotional crescendo arrived when Queen Latifah and Common joined forces for a fiery performance of “Lost Ones,” a defining track from the seminal 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

    The night’s true surprise came when Ms. Hill took center stage. With a playful quip about missing a song, she launched into “Ex-Factor,” prompting a standing ovation at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. Earlier in the evening, Ice Cube presented the award, praising Hill as one of the most influential artists in hip-hop and R&B history.

    In a moment that touched many hearts, Ms. Hill reflected on the guiding principles of her career. She shared that she pursues her work to ensure others experience the richness of her journey. “We may not always agree all the time, but I’m rooting for you and I’m grateful that you root for me sometimes too,” she told the audience. “All of our differences, all of our uniqueness, that’s the beauty, ya’ll. We don’t have to sound the same. We don’t have to be the same. We don’t have to look the same. That’s the beauty. I love you.”

    The ceremony also highlighted the enduring influence of other icons. Janet Jackson appeared unannounced to present the Icon of the Year award to Teyana Taylor, who was visibly moved by the surprise. Jackson praised Taylor’s work ethic and artistic versatility, recognizing her talents as “God-given.” Reflecting on her own two-decade career, Taylor emphasized gratitude: “I worked my ass off 20 years. So I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance. I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.”

    The tribute further honored the legacy of D’Angelo, featuring appearances by his children before performances from Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton, and RAYE, celebrating the lasting influence of neo-soul’s revered figure. Music executive Sylvia Rhone also received the BET Ultimate Icon Award for her groundbreaking career and influence across multiple generations of artists.

    The event concluded with a stellar lineup of performers, including Cardi B, Kehlani, Don Toliver, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Max B, all contributing to an unforgettable celebration of musical greatness.

    Credit: Spin

  • Lauryn Hill Receives BET Awards Tribute From Doechii, SZA, Tems, Tierra Whack, Doja Cat, & More

    The BET Awards stage was set for a night of pure musical reverence, culminating in an unforgettable tribute to a true icon: Lauryn Hill. The living legend was honored with the prestigious Living Legend Icon Award, rightfully cementing her legacy as one of the most influential figures in music history.

    The celebration that followed was nothing short of a masterclass in musical storytelling. The festivities kicked off with a deeply personal summary of Hill’s remarkable career, delivered by Ice Cube. He took the stage to chronicle her journey, tracing it back to her acting debut in 1993’s Sister Act 2, setting an immediate tone of respect and nostalgia.

    The tribute continued as bandmate Wyclef Jean stepped forward to share the history of their time together in the iconic Fugees. These stories provided a rich tapestry of Hill’s artistic achievements, weaving together her solo brilliance with the group dynamic that defined an era.

    But the honor was only the beginning. The tribute quickly expanded into a breathtaking gathering of musical royalty, featuring an astonishing lineup of contemporary artists who paid homage to Hill’s enduring influence. The star-studded assembly included SZA, Tems, Doechii, Tierra Whack, Nas, YG Marley, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, and Common.

    It was a powerful demonstration that Lauryn Hill‘s impact transcends generations and genres. Surrounded by such an incredible constellation of talent, the evening proved that her voice remains not just a classic, but a living, breathing force that continues to inspire and resonate across the music world.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • Steve Lacy Enlists SZA For ‘Cool’ Duet

    Steve Lacy has spent the better part of a decade navigating the vibrant, often messy intersection of R&B, indie rock, and pop. Now, on his latest single featuring SZA, “is it cool?” doesn’t just blur those lines—it dares to tell the truth.

    Released via RCA Records, the track serves as a tantalizing preview of Lacy’s forthcoming album Oh yeah?, set for release on July 17th. The song dives deep into the often complicated landscapes of intimacy, vulnerability, and self-sabotage, bringing two of contemporary music’s most compelling voices to unpack these messy realities.

    The collaboration has been a long-brewing affair, fueled by months of speculation after Lacy and SZA were spotted working together in the studio earlier this year. “is it cool?” delivers on that anticipation with a fluid arrangement that effortlessly blends bedroom soul traditions with confessional singer/songwriter sensibilities.

    The lyrical exchange is raw and honest. Lacy confronts his own shortcomings with disarming candor, admitting, “I just cheat every now and again / That was hard for me to admit / ‘Cause I really want to commit.” SZA’s response perfectly captures the exhausting nature of emotional exposure: “Being vulnerable is exhausting, babe / Can we get naked instead of talking, babe?”

    This single offers another window into what Lacy describes as his most personal creative project to date. The album Oh yeah? emerged from a four-year period where the artist felt more at home abroad than in his immediate surroundings. While “the feeling” hints at those complex emotions, the track list promises an adventurous collection of sounds, featuring collaborators like Erykah Badu on “pure colour” and experimental pop artist Cecile Believe on “lovesexdrugbomb.”

    Lacy, 28, has already established himself as a significant figure in the music world, having secured two Grammy awards and multiple entries in Spotify’s Billions Club. He is widely celebrated as music “for guitar kids who love synths and synth kids who love guitars.” This new work follows his acclaimed 2022 project Gemini Rights, which launched the worldwide smash “Bad Habit.”

    As Lacy prepares for the release of Oh yeah?, he is embarking on a significant tour, supporting the album with a run of Asian dates starting August 13th in Tokyo. These shows will include headlining appearances at major festivals like Summer Sonic in Japan and the Lalala Festival in Manila and Jakarta, marking his first such extensive schedule since early 2024.

    Credit: Spin

  • Steve Lacy & SZA Link On ‘is it cool?’

    Steve Lacy and SZA Dive into Relationship Chaos with New Single

    The sonic landscape is buzzing as Steve Lacy and SZA team up for their latest offering, the single is it cool?. This new track isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a deep dive into the messy, wonderful reality of relationships, wrapped in a sound that feels both utterly groovy and cosmically expansive.

    The music itself is a vibrant collision of styles. It’s a funk-infused avant soul masterpiece, characterized by those signature pirouetting guitar lines that dance across the track, complemented by ethereal cosmic sound effects that elevate the mood from mundane heartache to something truly otherworldly.

    More than just a catchy hook, the song serves as an honest reflection on the human condition. Lacy and SZA skillfully explore the often-contradictory nature of their connections, playing out the complex interplay between knotty tendencies and self-sabotaging behaviors that plague both personal relationships and the wider world.

    This collaboration perfectly captures the beautiful chaos of love—the push and pull, the inevitable missteps, and the undeniable allure of living life fully, even when things feel delightfully complicated. It’s a soulful acknowledgment that navigating romance often involves a healthy dose of playful self-doubt.

    The single is it cool? is the latest delicious installment leading up to their forthcoming album, Oh yeah?, scheduled for release on July 17th. Fans can anticipate this new project further exploring the rich emotional textures that define the duo’s unique sound.

    The pairing of Lacy’s soulful introspection and SZA’s smooth, evocative vocals results in a track that is both rhythmically infectious and emotionally resonant, setting a high bar for modern R&B and soul music. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories are found right in the delightful mess of being human.

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    Credit: Clash Magazine

  • Steve Lacy – “Is It Cool?” (Feat. SZA)

    The wait for new music can feel like an eternity, but sometimes, the most exciting collaborations are the ones whispered about in the studio. This is the case for R&B and alternative rock star Steve Lacy and soul sensation SZA.

    Back in March, SZA gave fans a tantalizing glimpse into the creative synergy bubbling between her and Lacy. In an interview, she revealed that they had spent time in the studio together, crafting what she described as a “random little project.” This shared experience hinted at a deeper connection beyond the usual music industry buzz.

    With Lacy’s highly anticipated new album, Oh Yeah?, on the horizon, fans held onto the hope that this fresh studio magic would translate into more music sooner rather than later. And now, that hope is definitely coming true.

    The partnership has officially blossomed into a full musical collaboration, culminating in the release of their third single, “Is It Cool.” This track immediately captures the unique blend of SZA’s soulful vocals and Lacy’s signature groove, proving that their chemistry translates beautifully across genres.

    “Is It Cool” is not just another song; it serves as a perfect bridge between their existing work and the promise of the upcoming album. It follows successful tracks like “Nice Shoes” and “The Feeling,” establishing a cohesive sonic landscape for their joint endeavors.

    This new single demonstrates how thoughtfully their creative process meshes, delivering fresh, addictive sounds that resonate with listeners who appreciate both smooth R&B textures and energetic, improvisational rhythms. It’s a powerful reminder that some of the best music is born from genuine creative sparks.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • Sombr, Phoebe Bridgers, Steve Lacy with SZA & More: New Music Friday Guide

    Right now, the soundtrack of modern pop music is less about perfect melodies and more about raw emotional honesty. Artists are diving headfirst into complex feelings—the messy reality of moving on, navigating trust, and embracing vulnerability—and transforming those heavy subjects into anthems that resonate deeply with listeners.

    This week’s essential releases showcase how brilliantly pop music can manage the tightrope walk between contemplative slow-burn tracks and explosive bangers. From the introspective gloom of sombr’s “My Body Isn’t Ready” to the polished yet angst-filled energy of Phoebe Bridgers, the mood is undeniably reflective.

    Phoebe Bridgers continues her journey with “Lost Boys,” a track that immediately shifts from glitchy, distorted lyrics into a folky, polished pop sound. Co-produced by a stellar group including Jack Antonoff and Tony Berg, the song serves as both a warmly welcomed lead single for her upcoming third album, Lost Weekend”>Lost Weekend, and a subtle nod to the emotional expanse of feeling lost.

    Meanwhile, other artists are tackling the nuances of relationships with equally sharp wit. Steve Lacy delivered “is it cool?” featuring SZA, a track that flips the script on trust. Lacy’s lyrics explore the internal negotiation of faith in partnerships, culminating in the realization: “Maybe I should trust myself.”

    The theme of façade versus reality runs through several releases. Gracie Abrams’ new single, “Look at My Life,” perfectly captures this tension. Under a driving pop production, she juxtaposes denial with harsh truths, asking pointed questions about her carefully constructed life: “Do I look high-functioning or is my façade crumbling?”

    On the more defiant side of the spectrum, Katy Perry announced “Watch It Burn,” bringing a powerful, unapologetic clarity to her sound. Collaborating with a new crew, she delivered a statement focused entirely on self-empowerment: “I’m gonna get what I deserve…Finally I put myself first.”

    The landscape also features incredible explorations of identity and processing grief. East London R&B singer-songwriter kwn continues her ascent with the EP And All Pride Aside”>And All Pride Aside, blending sensual undertones with a journey through personal evolution. This project masterfully flips 00s hip-hop staples while laying down deeply authentic lyrical territory.

    Adding a tender, soulful dimension is New Zealand singer-songwriter TEEKS, who released “My Boy,” a soulful tribute to the innate beauty of queerness and sexuality. With soaring guitar work and warm vocals, the track celebrates the tension and joy inherent in pursuing burgeoning love, perfectly timed for Pride Month.

    Credit: Billboard

  • SZA Warns AI Is Exploiting Black Artists, Calls Out Diplo

    The music world is currently wrestling with an enormous ethical question: what happens when artificial intelligence learns from the collective genius of human creativity? A recent investigation has brought this tension into sharp focus, revealing how massive datasets of recorded music are being utilized to train sophisticated AI generators.

    The scope of the data used in these training processes is staggering. Investigations have uncovered over 21 million recordings spread across four distinct datasets, a trove that includes the work of some of the most iconic figures in music history. From grunge legends like Nirvana to global superstars such as Bad Bunny, the raw material feeding the algorithms represents a vast cultural inheritance.

    The conversation around these digital archives is not just technical; it touches upon issues of ownership, compensation, and artistic exploitation. As AI models become increasingly capable of mimicking human sound and style, questions arise about who benefits from this technology and whose creative work forms the foundation of the machine’s intelligence.

    This pressing concern has sparked a vocal response from artists themselves. One prominent voice calling out these practices is SZA, who has publicly addressed the issues surrounding how AI interacts with cultural representations.

    SZA’s commentary sharpened the focus on systemic inequalities within the industry. She spoke out directly about concerns that these AI systems risk exploiting and misrepresenting Black artists in the digital space, prompting a wider conversation about equity in the AI music landscape. Her warnings also brought attention to the broader context of power dynamics operating behind the scenes of digital creation, echoing calls for accountability from industry figures like Diplo.

    The convergence of massive data collection and artistic expression is forcing a reckoning. As technology accelerates, the focus must shift toward ensuring that innovation is paired with ethical practices that protect the rights and compensation of the artists whose work fuels the future of AI music. The challenge now lies in developing systems where technological advancement respects the humanity behind the melodies.

    Credit: Stereogum