SZA Bares It All: 7 Key Takeaways From SZA's 'British Vogue' Cover Story
Solána Imani Rowe never ceases to amaze us. In a recent interview withBritish Vogueas their December cover star, we got to learn more about our queen and what makes her her. The multi-dimensionality is unreal. It’s one of the things Kendrick Lamar loves about SZA.
He told British Vogue, “Her vulnerability through her music is brave and inspiring. She’s a reminder of what the human experience looks like: a roller-coaster of emotions. And that’s okay. We are alive.”
In her lyrics, SZA often oscillates between contrasting emotions and contradictory statements, creating a stream of consciousness that encompasses both love and hate so this interview reflected that same energy. Ahead, find the seven gems we took away from the much-needed feature.
1.SZA Gets Real About Her BBL
SZA got extremely candid about her decision to get a BBL. In early 2022, she began a rigorous gym routine, swiftly gaining muscle mass. However, despite her progress, the growth of her gluteal muscles lagged behind, presenting a unique challenge in her fitness journey.
"I’m so mad I did that shit," she said.
SZA continued, "I gained all this weight from being immobile while recovering and trying to preserve the fat. It was just so stupid. But who gives a fuck? You got a BBL, you realise you didn’t need the shit. It doesn’t matter. I’ll do a whole bunch more shit just like it if I want to before I’m fucking dead because this body is temporary. It just wasn’t super necessary – I have other shit that I need to work on about myself…
"I need to get my fucking mental health together… Not to say you can’t do those things simultaneously, just, for me, I realise wherever you go, there you’ll be. But I love my butt. Don’t get me wrong. My booty look nice. And I’m grateful that it looks pretty much… I don’t know, sometimes natural, but I don’t even care. It’s something that I wanted. I’m enjoying it. I love shaking it."
2.SZA Takes An Aura-Altering Baño Blanco
Also known as a white bath, this act is used to cleanse negative energies. As PopSugar suggests, a baño blanco, apart from purifying negative energy, is a wonderful method to achieve inner peace and tranquility. This baño might be ideal for you if you have trouble sleeping. Think of it as a soothing lullaby in bath form. Hence, it serves as an excellent introduction to spiritual baths for children. The gentle and comforting touch of this baño will calm their souls and gently usher them into dreamland. Simply mix the baño blanco into warm bathwater and let them absorb all the benefits.
3.SZA Suffers From Severe Anxiety
SZA’s manager and Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) label president Terrence Henderson Jr, better known as Punch shares the intricacies of performing at a festival like British Summer Time Hyde Park (BST Hyde Park.) The music festival held once a year in London's Hyde Park lasts for up to three weeks.
"When you do a festival, it’s so much shared space… different crews, different teams, you don’t know who’s who." On her own tour, she’ll "come out, mingle and talk to everybody. She’ll usually pull fans back. With a festival… she’ll usually get off stage and go straight to the hotel."
When labelmate Kendrick Lamar first met the star, he recalls her being a "shy yet outgoing individual who was open for information but always had a question about something. At present, he shares, "I recognize a more expressive SZA. The shy shit is completely out the window – to a degree, at least. She has the answers to some of the things she was curious about and is willing to tell it all in the most disruptive yet beautiful compositions this generation has ever heard."
4.SZA Is Really A Nature Girly
In a moment of reflection during the interview, gazing upon a vibrant purple flower, she fights back tears. "Nature just be naturing and we don’t even know why. It’s so weird, and so bizarre, and magical, and so great. It’s such a reminder: this shit is completely out of your control. As she sees it, the weeds are doing their part and they’re part of the larger landscape.
"They don’t get to choose if they’re a fucking tulip or a tiger lily or a dandelion." Homegirl also admitted to talking to everything. "I talk to plants. I talk to energies… I try to greet them. I leave an offering."
5.SZA Questions If She’s Done With Music
"Every day I grapple with, 'Am I done with music?' Maybe I’m just not meant to be famous – I’m crashing and burning and behaving erratically. It’s not for me because I have so much anxiety. But why would God put me in this position if I wasn’t supposed to be doing this? So I just keep trying to rise to the occasion. But I’m also just like, 'Please, the occasion is beating my ass.'"
6.SZA is Here For Her Day Ones
She relies on her "day-one fan pages" to provide feedback and keep her informed about online discussions. The singer struggles with the impersonality of being a public figure and the constant scrutiny and criticism she faces, including being labeled as a whisper artist and having her musical style pigeonholed.
7.SZA Dresses as A Mood
Whether comfortable or ethereal or intellectual, she’ll always choose moods over a specific look. Her longtime stylist, Alejandra Hernandez said, "[Her style] is very similar to her music: a mix of so many different genres."
As a "child of nature," SZA embraces a bohemian style that's currently making a comeback, thanks to Chloé's new direction under Chemena Kamali. While the boho look is often seen as Eurocentric, there's always been a Black hippy movement. We learned that even though SZA loves Maison Margiela, Valentino, and indie labels such as Ottolinger, "she always comes back to vintage: old Tom Ford or Roberto Cavalli; polo rugbys, cargos and oversized Obama tees."
Read the full cover story here.
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Featured image by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
What’s one thing Black women don’t play about? Their hair. Don’t worry, we have gathered a list of trends you must apply in the next 365.
The following trends prove that 2025 will be just as stylish as the year before, with hair innovation showing no signs of slowing down! From the resurgence of pillow rollers for flawless curls to the transformative benefits of hair botox and spa treatments, these trends highlight a perfect blend of nostalgia and self-care.
Whether you're embracing intricate micro braids or prioritizing healthier locks, this year's hair game is all about versatility and TLC.
1. Hair Botox
Hair botox is giving the girls hair rejuvenation in multiple ways. According to Business Insider, “some Black women use Botox along their hairline to stop sweating and achieve smooth ‘edges.’ One dermatologist said the procedure takes 10 minutes and can cost more than $1,000. Women who underwent the procedure said it positively affected their daily lives.”
Botox injections, consisting of Botulinum toxin, function by obstructing nerve signals that trigger muscle contractions, which can lead to wrinkles. Additionally, the International Hyperhidrosis Society notes that Botox can temporarily hinder the secretion of the chemical responsible for activating sweat glands in the body.
Cherish Brooke Hill even took to the clock app to share that her dad thought she was wearing a wig thanks to the growth provided by her combo of hair botox and Olaplex treatments.
2. Pillow Rollers
As a girl who grew up on the flexi rod, I am so here for the pillow rollers. Soft, heat-free curls are here to stay, thanks to pillow rollers. These cushioned tools are perfect for creating voluminous waves while being gentle on your hair. Expect them to remain a staple for those looking to style their hair effortlessly. And the best thing is that you can snag them from almost anywhere.
Check out Alisha Lashay’s tutorial on how to make it happen.
@alishalashayy Replying to @Jai here’s the tutorial 🫶🏾 #type4naturalhair #pillowrollers #easynaturalhairstyles #naturalhairtutorial #naturalhairstyles #overnightcurls #giftedbycarolsdaughter
3. Copper Tones
Copper tones were undeniably a dominant force in 2024, with a wide spectrum of warm shades proving their versatility by complementing various skin tones. This trend encompassed a range of options, from delicate strawberry blondes to deeper, richer auburns. Given the widespread appeal and adaptability of these warm copper hues, it's highly probable that their popularity will persist and continue to be a sought-after choice throughout 2025.
And if you’re not ready to commit to a full color transformation, try a wig or crochet style. I did it and it was one of my favorite styles of 2024 inspired by Rows by Renee.
4. Gemstone Accessories
Hair accessories adorned with pearls, rhinestones, and other eye-catching embellishments have surged in popularity, becoming essential additions to any look. These versatile accessories effortlessly elevate hairstyles, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. Whether it's a casual daytime outing or a special evening event, these sparkling barrettes and clips are the perfect finishing touch for 2025 celebrations and beyond. They offer a simple yet impactful way to transform any hairstyle, making them a must-have for fashion-forward individuals.
4. Closure 2.0
Closures kinda get a bad rep for not looking like the scalp but of course, Black women came up with a way to achieve that natural look. The answer: add the closure just behind the hairline.
A lace closure is a great option for maintaining the health of your natural hair while wearing extensions. It is a 2-6 inch wide, ventilated hair base that imitates the scalp and gives full protection to your natural hair. This semi-permanent hairpiece can be sewn, taped, or glued down to provide a realistic hairstyle and natural-looking finish.
According to Yummy Extensions, “A closure behind the hairline is exactly what it sounds like - placing your closure behind your hairline for a more realistic and natural appearance. Having your closure installed behind your hairline allows your natural baby hairs and edges to be left out a little more, showcasing a more seamless blend into your extensions."
6. Micro Braids
Intricate and versatile, micro braids have been a hit on social media and red carpets alike. Expect this protective style to remain a favorite for its adaptability to updos, ponytails, and freestyle looks. As evidenced by Elphaba in Wicked, the micro braid style is still everything.
In an interview with Variety, Cynthia Erivo who portrayed Elphaba said she “wanted something more connected to the person underneath, me.” She continued, “I asked if we could reimagine that hair as micro braids because I knew you’d still have the movement, and you could still have the length, but there was a texture that was slightly different to what you would normally see on stage, and it was a direct connection between me as a Black woman and Elphaba as a green lady."
7. Hair Spa
The search for this new beauty and wellness trend is unreal. +140 percent year-over-year Google search growth and 2.4 billion TikTok views about head spas, +2.2 percent weekly. What is a hair spa you ask? A hair spa treatment at a salon is a deep conditioning process that aims to nourish and rejuvenate the hair and scalp. The process includes steps like scalp massage, applying hair masks, steaming, and sometimes using special serums.
This intensive hair care routine deeply penetrates the hair shaft with nutrients and moisture, improving hair texture, shine, and overall health. It is more intensive than regular shampooing and conditioning.
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Featured image courtesy of Joce Blake