Net Worth Ranker
What Is SZA’s Net Worth?
Solána Imani Rowe, most famously known as SZA, boasts a net worth of approximately $12 million. This valuation is largely attributed to her successful career as an American R&B singer, songwriter, and music video director. Her financial success stems from album sales, streaming royalties, songwriting credits for other prominent artists, and potentially from her ventures in music video direction.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, SZA’s upbringing in Maplewood, New Jersey, laid the foundation for her future musical pursuits. Though specific details regarding her early financial circumstances are not publicly available, her formative years included attending a Muslim prep school and participating in sports at Columbia High School. After graduating in 2008, she briefly studied marine biology at Delaware State University. Her introduction to Top Dawg Entertainment co-president Terrence “Punch” Henderson marked a pivotal moment, signaling her transition towards a professional music career. SZA’s stage name originates from the Supreme Alphabet, symbolizing “Self-savior, Zig-zag-zig, Allah”.
Before her formal signing with Top Dawg Entertainment, SZA independently released the EPs “See.SZA.Run” and “S.” These early projects, while not generating substantial revenue figures publicly, were crucial in establishing her unique sound and attracting industry attention. In July 2013, SZA became the first female artist signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Breakthrough with “Z” and “Ctrl”
In April 2014, SZA released the EP “Z,” which climbed to #5 on the “Billboard” R&B chart and #9 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart. While exact sales figures for “Z” are not readily available, its chart performance indicated growing popularity and contributed to her overall earnings. The EP featured collaborations on singles like “Babylon” with Kendrick Lamar and “Child’s Play” with Chance the Rapper, further enhancing her visibility.
SZA’s debut studio album, “Ctrl,” released on June 9, 2017, marked a turning point in her career and a significant boost to her net worth. The album reached #1 on the “Billboard” Top R&B Albums chart, #2 on the “Billboard” Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #3 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. “Ctrl” achieved 2x Platinum certification in the U.S. and New Zealand and Gold in Australia, Denmark, and the U.K., signifying substantial sales numbers and streaming revenue. In 2020, “Rolling Stone” included the 2x Platinum album on its “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list.
Key singles from “Ctrl” significantly contributed to her financial success. “Love Galore” (featuring Travis Scott) was certified 5x Platinum, indicating millions of units sold and substantial streaming revenue. “The Weekend” achieved 4x Platinum status, while “Broken Clocks” was certified 3x Platinum, further solidifying the album’s commercial success.
Beyond direct album sales and streaming, SZA’s earnings from “Ctrl” are also tied to publishing rights and royalties. As a songwriter, she earns a percentage of the revenue generated each time her songs are streamed, downloaded, or used in other commercial contexts.
Collaborations and Featured Appearances
SZA’s collaborations and featured appearances have expanded her reach and contributed significantly to her income. In August 2017, she was featured on Maroon 5’s track “What Lovers Do,” which reached the top 10 on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart. Exact figures for her earnings from this collaboration are not public, but it undoubtedly added to her income stream.
Her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “All the Stars” from the 2018 “Black Panther” soundtrack was a major milestone. While specific financial details are not available, the song’s success – reaching the top 10 in several countries and receiving nominations from the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Grammys – suggests significant earnings through sales, streaming, and royalties.
SZA’s featured appearance on Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” in 2021 further boosted her earnings. The song went 6x Platinum in Australia and earned SZA her first Grammy. While the precise breakdown of royalties between the artists is not public knowledge, the song’s widespread success translated into substantial revenue for SZA.
In 2020, SZA collaborated with Justin Timberlake on “The Other Side” for the “Trolls World Tour” soundtrack. She also released the singles “Hit Different” (featuring Ty Dolla Sign) and “Good Days,” which were both certified Platinum or higher. These releases contributed to her consistent income flow from music sales and streams.
Songwriting for Other Artists
SZA’s songwriting contributions for other artists represent another important facet of her income. While the specific financial terms of these arrangements are typically confidential, her songwriting credits for artists like Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna indicate a valuable income stream from publishing royalties. She co-wrote and appeared on Rihanna’s track “Consideration,” further solidifying her reputation as a sought-after songwriter.
Music Video Direction
SZA has directed several of her music videos, including “Teen Spirit” (2013), “Babylon” (2014), and “Broken Clocks” (2018). Directing her own videos not only allows for greater creative control but also potentially reduces production costs and generates additional income if she charges a fee for her services.
Awards and Recognition
SZA’s numerous awards and nominations have boosted her visibility and brand value, indirectly contributing to her net worth. Her Academy Award nomination for “All the Stars” in 2019 increased her profile and opened doors for further collaborations and endorsements. Her Grammy win for “Kiss Me More” in 2022 solidified her status as a leading R&B artist and likely increased her earning potential.
She has won “Billboard” Music Awards for Top R&B Female Artist (2021) and Top Viral Song for “Kiss Me More” (2022), and she received the Rulebreaker Award at the 2018 “Billboard” Women in Music Awards. “Kiss Me More” has won awards from the American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards as well. SZA has also won awards from the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards (Award Winning R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for “Love Galore”), BET Awards (Best New Artist and BET HER Award for “Good Days”), Guild of Music Supervisors Awards (Best Song/Recording Created for Television for “Quicksand” from “Insecure”), and Soul Train Music Awards (Best New Artist and Best R&B/Soul Female Artist), and the NAACP Image Awards named her Outstanding New Artist in 2018.
Personal Life and Ventures
In 2022, SZA collaborated with Crocs, creating two designs for the footwear company. The proceeds from sales of SZA’s Crocs were donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Sad Girls Club, and Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. While the collaboration was primarily philanthropic, such ventures can also enhance brand recognition and potentially lead to future commercial opportunities.
Real Estate and Assets
Specific details regarding SZA’s real estate holdings and other assets are not publicly available. Like many high-profile artists, she likely owns property and investments that contribute to her overall net worth. However, without verifiable information, it is not possible to provide concrete details.
SZA’s Net Worth Trajectory
While precise figures for SZA’s year-by-year earnings are not publicly accessible, her net worth trajectory reflects her increasing success in the music industry. Her consistent album releases, successful singles, collaborations, and songwriting contributions have all contributed to the growth of her wealth. Based on available information, her net worth is expected to continue to rise as she releases new music and expands her brand.
