SZA Reveals She Owes Beyoncé Money but the Superstar Has ‘Never’ Asked Her to Pay Up: ‘Generous Queen’

SZA has recently opened up about owing money to Beyoncé for using an interpolation of the superstar’s song “Listen” in the title track of her 2022 hit album, SOS. Despite this financial debt, Beyoncé has never pressed SZA to pay up, leading the singer to refer to her as a “generous QUEEN.” The 35-year-old artist shared this revelation in the comments section of an Instagram post by influencer Zuhaila Jama on April 28, where they discussed the extensive list of writers credited on Beyoncé’s songs.

In her interaction on Instagram, SZA confessed, “I literally owe her half my publishing off interpolation alone on SOS and she never pressed me lmao.” The incorporation of “Listen” in “SOS” serves as a key element of the album, with SZA paying tribute to Beyoncé by infusing her lyrics and melody into the track. The songwriting credits for “SOS” include SZA, Gabriel Samuel Hardeman, Rob Bisel, and Jay Versace, with the interpolation of “Listen” duly acknowledged.

Given Beyoncé’s stature in the music industry as a 32-time Grammy winner and an iconic figure, SZA’s admiration for her runs deep. In previous interviews, SZA has expressed her awe for the singer, admitting to feeling intimidated by her presence and being hesitant to approach her. However, she was pleasantly surprised when Jay-Z engaged in a conversation with her, describing the experience of interacting with both Jay-Z and Beyoncé as surreal and incredibly fulfilling.

SZA’s humility and respect towards Beyoncé highlight the mutual admiration and camaraderie that exists among artists in the music industry. While the financial aspect of using another artist’s work is crucial, the understanding and leniency shown by Beyoncé towards SZA reflect a sense of solidarity and support within the community of musicians. This anecdote sheds light on the complexities of creative collaboration and the unspoken rules of respect and acknowledgment that govern artistic inspirations and influences.

The journey of SZA from being a dedicated fan of Beyoncé to collaborating with her indirectly through musical tributes underscores the interconnectedness of artists across different genres and generations. As SZA navigates her own path in the music industry, her experiences with musical influences like Beyoncé offer insights into the dynamics of creative inspiration and mentorship that transcend mere professional interactions.

In the realm of music, where creativity and originality are prized, the acknowledgment of artistic influences and contributions is a sign of respect and integrity. SZA’s candid revelation about owing money to Beyoncé serves as a reminder of the intricate web of relationships and exchanges that underpin the music industry, emphasizing the importance of recognising and honouring the creative work of fellow artists.

As SZA continues to evolve as a musician and craft her unique sound, her indebtedness to Beyoncé stands as a symbol of artistic homage and creative indebtedness that reverberates through the landscape of contemporary music. The ongoing dialogue between artists like SZA and Beyoncé exemplifies the bonds of inspiration and creativity that transcend individual egos and boundaries, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual appreciation within the music community.