I closed my eyes briefly, grinned widely, and opened my eyes again. My fingers flew across the keys of my laptop wildly as I commented on SZA's "Love Galore" on YouTube:
This is GREAT!
It is a snow-covered March day and "Love Galore" has yet to be released officially. A fan who attended SZA's intimate and private show in New York City back in January captured audio while she previewed new music. I wasn't able to make it to the show because of work. Time seemed to go slowly that night - I knew that SZA was sharing her thoughtful lyrics, meticulous melodies and booming production with people who understood and shared her vision; therefore, all was right with the world.
One time, I tweeted SZA about embarking on a nationwide tour. My vision? A lakeside show. The summer I moved from Upstate New York to New Jersey, I was 16 years old. The weather was hot and balmy, and it took time for me to make new friends.
I spent days basking in the sun near our neighborhood lake. In that impressionable in-between space - not far removed from who I was, not yet who I would become - I listened to SZA while setting up my new room, exploring my new environment, and preparing to take on the rest of my teenage years. SZA was my SoundCloud discovery, my pensive consciousness, my new favorite hobby (hey Genius!) - she was the "alt-RnB" backdrop to a new chapter in my life. She is still a welcome companion now, long after making great friends, graduating from high school and experiencing life in college.
16 year old me!
I feel very lucky to know about SZA, and I am very proud of her accomplishments. I think it's great that she grew up in New Jersey. I still remember nearly falling to the floor when I caught a glimpse of ANTI's track list and deciphered her name on the opening tune. It's been a joy to watch clips of her performances at huge festivals like Coachella, Pitchfork and Afropunk. I have "See.SZA.Run" and "S", preordered "Z" in April 2014, and still would do anything for a floral TDE shirt.
To me, SZA is a visionary - loving, creative, intelligent, and courageous. She has a huge carefree black girl fan base here in South Jersey, but you don't have to be a woman of color to be moved by her storytelling abilities. In 2017, people all over the world find peace and joy in SZA; the spotlight shines on her brightly. However, that does not alter what she chooses to create.
By the grace of God, SZA is in CTRL.
...I give "Love Galore" a thumbs up, share the video to Twitter, and close my laptop, in peace - in control - as well.
Be patient, my fellow SZA fans, as we await CTRL's official release. In the meantime, relive the awesome musical moments she's shared with us over the years. To connect with me and brave the wait together, comment on my blog about New Jersey - I will respond. We love you, SZA. We thank you! See you at the lakeside tour!
