SZA is one of the most popular and acclaimed singers in the music industry today. She has won multiple awards, collaborated with top artists, and released hit songs that showcase her unique style and voice. But did you know that SZA looked and sounded quite different before she rose to fame? In this article, we will explore how SZA changed her appearance and vocal cords over the years, and what challenges she faced along the way.
SZA’s Early Career and Natural Beauty
SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, was born in 1990 in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in a Muslim household with a father who was an executive producer at CNN and a mother who was an Ivy League-educated scientist. She attended a prestigious high school in New Jersey, where she was a gymnast and a cheerleader.
SZA started making music in 2011, after meeting the president of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Terrence “Punch” Henderson. She signed with the label and released her first two EPs, See.SZA.Run and S in 2012 and 2013, respectively. At this point, she was already collaborating with several of her label-mates, such as Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul.
SZA’s early photos show that she had a natural beauty, with curly hair, full lips, and brown eyes. She often wore casual outfits and minimal makeup, reflecting her laid-back personality and artistic vision. She also had a distinctive voice, with a raspy tone and a wide range.
SZA’s Breakthrough and Plastic Surgery Rumors
In 2014, SZA released her third EP, Z, which featured guest appearances from Chance the Rapper, Isaiah Rashad, and Pharrell Williams. The EP received positive reviews and debuted at number 39 on the US Billboard 200 chart. By the following year, she started writing songs for other famous artists, such as Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.
Around this time, SZA’s appearance started to change noticeably. She dyed her hair red, wore more glamorous outfits and makeup, and seemed to have lost some weight. Some fans also noticed that her nose looked straighter and her chin looked bigger than before. These changes sparked rumors that SZA had undergone plastic surgery to enhance her features.
SZA never confirmed or denied these rumors directly, but she did hint at them in some of her songs. For example, in the intro of her 2020 album SOS, she sang: “That ass so fat, it look natural / It’s not.” She also addressed the topic indirectly in a 2017 interview with Teen Vogue, where she said: “I’m definitely not against plastic surgery if you want it. But I’m also not against being yourself.”
SZA’s Vocal Cord Injury and Recovery
In 2017, SZA released her debut album, Ctrl, which earned her critical acclaim and commercial success. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It also received five Grammy nominations, making SZA the most nominated female artist of that year.
However, SZA’s vocal cords suffered from the strain of touring and performing for 11 months straight. In May 2018, she announced that she had to take a break from the TDE Championship Tour due to swollen vocal cords that could cause permanent damage if not rested. She also tweeted that her voice was “permanently injured” after a show at Madison Square Garden.
Fortunately, SZA’s voice was not beyond repair. She sought help from multiple doctors and vocal technicians who helped her heal and recover. She also thanked her fans for their prayers and support. In June 2018, she tweeted: “I’m blessed to say my voice is not permanently damaged and I’ve been working daily to get back.”
Since then, SZA has resumed performing and releasing new music. She has also collaborated with artists like Justin Timberlake, Doja Cat, Ty Dolla Sign, and Cardi B. She is currently working on her second album, which is expected to come out soon.
Conclusion
SZA is a talented singer who has overcome many challenges in her career. She has transformed her looks and voice over the years, but she has always stayed true to herself and her artistry. She is an inspiration to many fans who admire her for her authenticity and resilience.
