Meet SZA, R&B (& TDE’s) Next Big Thing Posted by Lucas G. on 08/15/13 | Filed under TDE, Non Hip-Hop, Meet, SZA

As you all know TDE is filled with some dope emcees; Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, oh yeah and some guy named Kendrick Lamar. Well, it looks like the West Coast label might be adding a whole different kind of sound to their already impressive line-up; meet songstress, SZA. Keep in mind, at this point she is only “TDE affiliated”, not officially TDE, and while she might be on the path, we all know that in hip-hop; until the ink is dry, nothing is for sure. Now, with that disclaimer out of the way, lets get into the music.



While the sample size is small, really like what I am hearing. “Julia” has a really interesting 80’s-ish vibe to it. you might think they are bringing her along to do hook-work, but she can really hold her own; “Julia” and the Felix Snow/Dave Free produced beat doesn’t really have a rapping vibe to it. I can’t really picture a rapper spitting on the beat, especially because SZA’s hypnotizing vocals are more than enough.

I really hear the TDE affiliation on “Teen Spirit” it has that hazy, ambient vibe to it and her vocals are too smooth; they really float on the beat. I like the breakdown around the 2 minute mark too, it shows she has a little bit of range and can go a little fluffier if you will. Who knows what the future holds for SZA, but as of now, it seems like she is on the right track and TDE taking her under their wing is definitely a good sign.

While she has the appeal all on her own, I cant wait to hear what she sounds like with some of the gentlemen on Top Dawg helping out. So what do you think Refined Hype Nation?



Nathan Update: I've had "Teen Spirit" on repeat all day, and while I couldn't recall hearing SZA before, I couldn't shake the feeling I had. Then I remembered; someone played me her shit during a NoRapHour. Listening to her last EP, "See.SZA.Run" now...

Nathan Update 2: And it's official, SZA is now officially TDE:

See Also:  Let’s Intensely Debate Action Bronson (Maybe) Signing to TDE
See Also:  General Awesomeness: The 4 Coolest Parts of TDE’s (Fake) “Cribs” Episode (Video)