In the tangled net of hip-hop, friendships and rivalries usually intertwine. SZA, one in all music’s most charming voices, has managed to take care of significant ties with each Kendrick Lamar and Drake—two artists whose public stress has formed a lot of rap’s current discourse. Her means to stay poised in that crossfire has sparked dialog about the place she stands amid the feud.

The long-running conflict between Lamar and Drake has affected their shared collaborators, with SZA discovering herself within the center. Earlier this 12 months, she joined Kendrick on tour, their onstage chemistry deepening an already strong inventive bond. But she additionally teamed up with Drake on For All the Dogs, lending her vocals to the standout observe “Rich Baby Daddy.” The collaboration drew consideration exactly due to the rift between the 2 rappers.

In a current interview with GQ, SZA addressed critics who questioned why she carried out “Rich Baby Daddy” throughout her exhibits. “Why wouldn’t I? ‘Poetic Justice’ was in the set list, so why wouldn’t I keep ‘Rich Baby Daddy’?” she mentioned confidently. Her response mirrored not simply self-assurance, however a deep dedication to her artistry and independence as a performer.

Finding Balance in a Divided Industry

SZA spoke candidly about her determination to stay impartial amid the feud, describing the dispute as one thing between two “grown-ass men.” “I didn’t feel the need to get involved,” she mentioned, including that her loyalty to each artists runs deep. “I didn’t really have any stake, per se. Obviously, I love Kendrick. I’m signed to TDE; that’s my family. And I’ve known Drake for ages; we share a wonderful connection.”

Her phrases replicate a uncommon stability—acknowledging the emotional complexity of working with either side whereas staying grounded in her personal rules. For SZA, the relationships transcend business politics. They’re rooted in mutual respect, inventive admiration, and years of shared historical past.

When requested about working with Kendrick Lamar, SZA spoke with admiration and heat. “He’s such a professional human,” she mentioned. “His methodical yet fluid approach is truly beautiful.” For her, collaborating with Kendrick is each a studying expertise and a reminder of why she values inventive honesty.

“I love collaborating with him,” she added. “I just go with it. And I appreciate that sense of freedom too.” That willingness to belief her instincts and embrace spontaneity has turn out to be a defining a part of SZA’s inventive course of—and one which continues to attach her deeply along with her viewers.