SZA, the illustrious 33-year-old singer, has once again captivated fans with her latest music video, “Snooze.” Released on Friday, the surreal visual journey offers a glimpse into romantic experiences and fantasies, coupled with a touch of sci-fi intrigue.
The anticipation surrounding “Snooze” had been building throughout the week, and SZA’s fans were not disappointed when the music video finally debuted. Directed by Bradley J. Calder and co-written by both Calder and SZA herself (also known as Solána Rowe), the video delves into an ethereal storyline that reflects the artist’s unique creative vision.
In the dreamlike video, SZA’s R&B melodies intertwine with a narrative that portrays the ebb and flow of romantic relationships. The artist navigates various scenarios, with her romantic partners including the likes of Justin Bieber, renowned producer Benny Blanco, and actors Young Mazino and Woody McClain.
The video’s aesthetic lens provides a view tinted with the hues of new love. We witness intimate moments like lounging in bed with Bieber or sharing an unconventional meal with Blanco, where French fries become a playful part of the connection. However, as the story unfolds, the sweet encounters give way to tension and disagreement. The “Kill Bill” artist engages in heated exchanges with each partner, addressing feelings of neglect or betrayal.
With the backdrop of SZA’s soulful vocals, the video takes a captivating sci-fi turn, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative. Against the backdrop of her crooning verses, such as “I can’t lose when I’m with you / How can I snooze and miss the moment? / You just too important / Nobody do body like you do,” the storyline takes on an otherworldly quality.
Following the immersive experience of “Snooze,” the video transitions to another striking scene. Here, SZA and her partner bask in the golden hour’s glow as an unreleased track fills the airwaves. The tantalizing lyrics, “Diamond boy, why you so shiny?” offer a preview of the artist’s musical prowess.
“Snooze” comes on the heels of SZA’s chart-topping success with her SOS song “Kill Bill,” which secured the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100. This new track, featured on her album released in late 2022, has been steadily climbing the charts, further cementing SZA’s position as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Notably, “Snooze” marks SZA’s first collaboration with Justin Bieber. Though the duo hasn’t officially released a joint track, Bieber and his wife, Hailey Baldwin Bieber, have expressed their admiration for SZA’s work. The couple even attended her SOS Tour in March, showcasing their support for the talented artist.
With the resumption of SZA’s tour scheduled for September, following its initial leg in the U.K. and Europe, fans can eagerly anticipate more live performances throughout North America in the fall.
In a recent appearance on Travis Scott’s latest album, Utopia, SZA continued to demonstrate her versatility. Having previously featured Scott on her own record, she reciprocated the collaboration on the track “TELEKINESIS,” alongside Future.
As SZA continues to make her mark on the music scene, she also openly embraces her evolving identity. Speaking to PEOPLE about her career journey, she shared, “Right now I’m just entering my era where I am accepting that I might be a bitch, and that’s OK.” She expressed her comfort with being authentic, even if that means being perceived as the “villain” or voicing her opinions. Through her music and candid revelations, SZA remains an empowering figure for authenticity and self-expression in the entertainment world.
