SZA’s ‘LANA’ Finally Arrives, Bringing Fresh Vibes & A Kendrick Lamar Reunion
After much anticipation and a brief delay, SZA has finally dropped LANA, the deluxe edition of her 2022 album SOS, packed with 15 new tracks that further showcase her signature blend of raw emotion and sonic innovation.
A Project Worth the Wait
Fans were left eagerly waiting when LANA didn’t appear on streaming platforms at midnight as expected. However, SZA quickly reassured them that the delay was due to final mix adjustments. When the album finally arrived on Friday morning (Dec. 20), it proved to be worth every second.
The project opens with “No More Hiding,” a deeply introspective track where SZA lays bare her emotions, singing, “I wanna be real me, ugly / No more fake me fighting.” From there, LANA flows seamlessly into standouts like “What Do I Do” and “30 For 30,” the latter featuring Kendrick Lamar in their first collaboration since November’s GNX.
Fan-Favorite Snippets Come to Life
For longtime fans, LANA is a treasure trove of long-awaited full-length versions of snippets that had circulated online for months. Songs like “Diamond Boy (DTM),” “BMF,” and “Kitchen” (which samples The Isley Brothers) bring a mix of nostalgia and fresh perspective to SZA’s evolving artistry.
One of the biggest surprises came in the form of the Ben Stiller-starring music video for “Drive.” The visuals, ending with SZA donning a blue grasshopper costume from “Crybaby,” added yet another layer of intrigue to the project.
Overcoming Leaks & Industry Challenges
Getting LANA to fans wasn’t an easy journey. In January, SZA revealed that she had to restart the project from scratch after multiple leaks. Frustrated by the unauthorized releases, she took to Twitter, calling out those responsible and vowing legal action. Despite these setbacks, she pushed forward, proving once again why she remains one of the most resilient and dedicated artists in the industry.
The Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar
Beyond the music, LANA also sets the stage for one of 2025’s most highly anticipated tours. SZA and Kendrick Lamar are gearing up for their Grand National Tour, kicking off in April and making stops in major cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, and Toronto. While the full lineup of supporting acts hasn’t been confirmed, hints from TDE artists like Doechii and Jay Rock suggest fans might be in for some surprise guest appearances.
With LANA, SZA continues to prove her ability to evolve, adapt, and deliver deeply personal yet universally relatable music. The album not only serves as an extension of SOS but as a standalone statement of artistry, resilience, and growth.
