After months of anticipation and a series of delays that only heightened the excitement, SZA has finally unveiled the release date for Lana, the highly anticipated deluxe edition of her chart-topping album SOS. Fans have been buzzing about this moment for quite some time, and now we know the wait is almost over—Lana is set to drop on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. This was officially confirmed through a teaser video that SZA shared on social media, adding to the growing hype around the project.
In a clip posted on Dec. 16, actor Ben Stiller took center stage, channeling his inner superfan by dramatically lip-syncing to what fans believe is a new track from Lana called "Drive." As he drives through a rainy night, Stiller brings an extra layer of flair and drama to the scene. If the image seems familiar to fans, it's because Stiller previously made an iconic appearance lip-syncing in the 2003 music video for Jack Johnson’s “Taylor.” However, this time, instead of a guitar, he’s behind the wheel of a car, adding a fresh spin to the nostalgic moment.
But what’s most exciting about Lana isn’t just the playful cameo in the teaser video. This deluxe edition has been a long time in the making. SZA first teased Lana as “a whole other album”—a collection of outtakes, unreleased tracks, and new music that fans can expect to dive deep into. This marks the latest chapter in SZA’s ever-evolving creative journey, as she continues to redefine her sound and artistic direction.
In a recent interview with British Vogue, SZA shared her thoughts on the creative process that has shaped Lana. “I think I am making music from a more beautiful place. From a more possible place versus a more angsty place,” she explained. This shift in her approach reflects a change in how she views herself and her experiences. "I’m not identifying with my brokenness," she continued. "It’s not my identity. It’s shit that happened to me. Yeah, I experienced cruelty. I have to put it down at some point. Piece by piece, my music is shifting because of that, the lighter I get."
This new mindset has definitely played a role in shaping Lana, offering a contrast to the raw, emotional energy that characterized earlier parts of her career. Fans are in for a treat as they listen to a SZA who has shed some of that pain and brokenness in favor of a lighter, more positive perspective.
The release of Lana comes at a time when SOS has already cemented its place in music history. From the moment SOS dropped, it was clear that SZA was on another level. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, with an impressive 318,000 equivalent album units sold during its opening week. This debut marked the third-highest of 2022, making a huge statement in the music industry. But that’s not all—SOS also broke records for streaming, with a staggering 404.6 million official on-demand streams during its opening week, setting the record for the biggest streaming week for an R&B album by a woman.
To add to the excitement, SOS spent a remarkable 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. This achievement is historic in itself, as it made SOS the first R&B album by a woman to spend more than 10 weeks at the top of the chart since Mariah Carey's self-titled debut in 1991. Talk about setting the bar high!
With the release of Lana and the ongoing success of SOS, SZA’s journey is far from over. The deluxe edition fits perfectly with the momentum she’s building, especially as it aligns with her upcoming stadium tour. In 2025, SZA will join forces with Kendrick Lamar for the Grand National tour, a collaboration that has fans absolutely buzzing with anticipation. This major North American tour, presented by Live Nation, pgLang, and Top Dawg Entertainment, will be one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.
The Grand National tour kicks off in Minnesota on April 19, 2025, and will take SZA and Kendrick through some of the biggest cities in the country. From Houston to Atlanta, Philadelphia to New York City, and Seattle to Los Angeles, the tour will span the nation. There are also stops planned in major cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, Detroit, Chicago, and even Toronto. It’s safe to say that no one will be left out of this musical extravaganza. The tour will wrap up on June 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C., marking the end of what promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans everywhere.
For fans of both SZA and Kendrick Lamar, this tour represents more than just a series of concerts. It’s a chance to see two of the biggest stars in hip-hop and R&B come together in a celebration of music, creativity, and pure artistry. The anticipation is already palpable, and with Lana arriving just in time for the tour, it’s clear that 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for both artists.
In summary, SZA’s release of Lana on Dec. 20, 2024, marks a thrilling new chapter in her career. With the deluxe edition of SOS arriving just before she embarks on her Grand National tour with Kendrick Lamar, there’s no shortage of exciting moments to look forward to. Whether it’s the long-awaited new tracks, Stiller’s iconic lip-syncing cameo, or the massive stadium tour ahead, SZA fans are in for a wild ride. Get ready to experience the evolution of an artist who is not just breaking records but continuing to redefine the music landscape.
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