SZA Kicks Off the “LANA” Era: A Bizarre Tease for Her Upcoming Album

SZA’s album rollouts have never been conventional, and her latest announcement is no exception. On December 9, the singer took to social media to post a strange and cryptic video that left fans guessing about its purpose. While the content of the video is unconventional—featuring SZA wandering through a forest, squatting to use the restroom, and walking away—it becomes clear towards the end that it marks the beginning of a new album cycle. The video concludes with the words “LANA (SOS Deluxe)” on the screen, signaling the start of her highly anticipated “LANA” era.

The video’s purpose may have initially confused some fans due to its bizarre nature. With no dialogue or text for most of its runtime, viewers were left puzzled. However, the text at the end and SZA’s caption, “clock starts now,” provided clarity, confirming that the artist is ready to embark on a new musical chapter. To further excite her followers, SZA teased a new song, which features a sample from the legendary Isley Brothers, making it clear that “LANA” is just around the corner.

SZA has been talking about the “LANA” album for close to a year, and although she initially planned for a 2024 release, the album’s creative process took longer than expected. In an interview with British Vogue, SZA revealed that she was making music from a more positive and lighter place than before, which influenced the direction of her work. Additionally, leaks caused a shift in her approach, forcing her to rethink the album’s material. She later admitted that the deluxe edition of SOS would be the conclusion of a significant period in her life, hoping that once the project was complete, she would finally feel a sense of closure.

The announcement of “LANA” arriving sooner than expected has left fans buzzing. While an official release date hasn’t been confirmed, SZA’s teaser has set the stage for the next phase of her musical journey. For now, fans can enjoy the mystery and the anticipation of what’s to come from this highly creative artist.

As SZA prepares to release new music, she is also gearing up for a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar for the 2025 Grand National tour. Stay tuned as more details about “LANA” unfold.