SZA's music combines beats from soul, hip hop, and R&B.
Solana Rowe -LRB- born November 8 , 1990 -RRB- , better known by her stage name SZA -LRB- -LSB- ˈsɪzə -RSB- -RRB- , is an American singer-songwriter .. stage name. stage name. singer-songwriter. singer-songwriter. She was born in St. Louis , Missouri , later relocating to Maplewood , New Jersey .. St. Louis. St. Louis, Missouri. Missouri. Missouri. Maplewood. Maplewood, New Jersey. New Jersey. New Jersey. In October 2012 , Rowe self-released an extended play -LRB- EP -RRB- titled See.SZA.Run , which she then followed up with her second EP , titled S , in October 2013 .. extended play. extended play. See.SZA.Run. See.SZA.Run. S ( EP ). In July 2013 , it was revealed that she had signed to the hip hop record label Top Dawg Entertainment , through which she released Z , her third EP and first retail release , in April 2014 .. Top Dawg. Top Dawg Entertainment. hip hop. hip hop. Top Dawg Entertainment. Top Dawg Entertainment. Z ( EP ). SZA is a Neo Soul singer whose music is described as Alternative R&B , with elements of soul , hip hop , minimalist R&B , cloud rap , ethereal R&B , witch house and chillwave .. R&B. R&B. hip hop. hip hop. Neo Soul. Neo soul. Alternative R&B. Alternative R&B. soul. soul music. witch house. witch house ( music genre ). chillwave. chillwave. Rowe 's lyrics are described as `` unravelling '' , that revolve around themes of sexuality , nostalgia , and abandonment .. Rowe cites a variety of artists as influences including Billie Holiday , Red Hot Chili Peppers , Bjork , Jamiroquai , and Wu-Tang Clan .. Billie Holiday. Billie Holiday. Red Hot Chili Peppers. Red Hot Chili Peppers. Bjork. Bjork. Jamiroquai. Jamiroquai. Wu-Tang Clan. Wu-Tang Clan. SZA also takes influence from non-musical artists including gymnasts , ice skaters , painters , and filmmakers , including Spike Lee .. Spike Lee. Spike Lee