After a string of singles, SZA begins her sophomore album era by releasing “Shirt”, a once viral TikTok sound. This album will be her first in five years since the critically-acclaimed debut Ctrl (2017.) Earlier this year, she added bonus tracks Ctrl to celebrate its fifth birthday.
With “I Hate U” as another TikTok success, the artist joined memorable collaborations with Cardi B, Doechii, DJ Khaled, Kendrick Lamar and Doja Cat before giving her fans this hit. So without a proper album, she kept herself relevant enough to foster a fanbase of nearly 30 million monthly Spotify listeners.
“Shirt” By SZA
SZA posted a snippet of “Shirt” on her Instagram in 2020 and it went viral on TikTok. Despite still being unreleased then, “Shirt” was teased (again) in the music video for SZA’s last proper single, “Good Days,”– nearly two years ago!
However, SZA fans are the most patient, as the singer rarely releases things in a timely fashion. This tweet was from the beginning of 2021.
Lmao I ain’t even know y’all were fucking w it !! I found out YESTERDAY lol now I gotta go find a version I like 😭 https://t.co/bKZfmSDrNc
— SZA (@sza) January 4, 2021
In an interview with Aria Hughes for a Complex cover story, SZA said working with producer Rodney Jerkins, aka Darkchild, on “Shirt,” was a dream come true.
Director of the music video, Dave Myers, depicts SZA and actor LaKeith Stanfield as a Bonnie-and-Clyde couple on a violent crime spree. In fact, the video pays homage to many Quentin Tarantino projects. Also, this marks the third time the director and singer collaborated (“Drew Barrymore” and “All The Stars.”)
Trigger Warning: Video contains graphic violence
And the lyrics match the video’s energy, something the singer takes seriously. “Bloodstain on my shirt/New bitch on my nerves/ Old ni**a got curved/Going back on my word/Damn, bitch, you so thirsty,” SZA sings.
If anything, this offensive defense is to protect her energy.
Easter Eggs Within The Video
After a few years of being MIA, SZA wants to have a little fun with fans. She recently told TMZ that she has recorded around 100 songs for her sophomore album, which currently has no release date.
However, in the “Shirt” video, fans went wild over a possible Easter egg. A license plate read “No Ctrl” with a December registration sticker, hinting at a possible album title and release date.
Additionally, in the end credits, SZA begins a new song. Although the guitar is soft, she spews venom while strolling around the kitchen. Everything about it is quite sensual, actually.
“Ni**as want me to get ratchet/ Ni**as want me to attack it/Put the hood on, now they callin’ me Cassius/Raunchy like Bob Saget/Greedy, I can’t pass it/Eatin’ everything, ni**a, no fasting.”
The unreleased track, people are calling “Blind,” is likely to be on her next album.
What do you think of SZA and her new era? Do you like “Shirt”? Let us know in the comments!
