SZA reportedly threatened to quit making music in October 2016 due to significant frustration with her record label, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), over the prolonged delay in releasing her debut album. This announcement came via a series of now-deleted tweets where she expressed her exasperation with the album's release process.
The Frustration Behind the Announcement
The singer's public declaration stemmed from a period of intense creative and professional strain. She voiced her discontent directly, stating, "I actually quit. [Punch] can release my album if he ever feels like it.” This statement referenced Terrence "Punch" Henderson, the co-president of TDE, indicating the specific bottleneck she felt was preventing her music from reaching her audience.
Key details surrounding her reported decision include:
- Album Delays: The primary catalyst was the ongoing postponement of her album, which was highly anticipated by fans but seemingly stalled within the label.
- Public Outcry: SZA took to social media to voice her grievances, making her frustration public and leading to widespread discussion among her fanbase and the music industry.
- Specific Blame: Her tweet specifically called out "Punch," suggesting a direct conflict or lack of progress on the part of label management regarding her release.
Was It a Permanent Retirement?
Despite her strong declaration in 2016, SZA did not permanently stop making music. Her highly acclaimed debut studio album, Ctrl, was eventually released in June 2017, less than a year after her public announcement of quitting. This demonstrates that while the frustration was real and led to a serious public statement, it ultimately represented a significant hurdle in her career rather than a definitive end.
The incident highlights common challenges faced by artists regarding creative control and album release timelines within the music industry. SZA's experience underscores the tension that can arise between artists and their labels, especially when there are differing visions or timelines for project releases.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | SZA announces she's quitting music | Expressed profound frustration with TDE over persistent delays in releasing her album, stating, "I actually quit. [Punch] can release my album if he ever feels like it." |
| 2017 | Ctrl album is released | Her debut studio album, Ctrl, was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, proving her "quit" was a temporary expression of discontent, not a permanent retirement from music. |
This period of public frustration ultimately preceded one of the most successful phases of her career, culminating in the release of Ctrl and her continued rise as a prominent artist.
You can read more about her announcement at SZA says she's quitting music because TDE won't release her album.
