Live Review: SZA shares new song and video 'Hit Different' ft Ty Dolla $ign

Multi-platinum, chart-topping singer, songwriter, and rapper SZA has released a new smooth R&B song titled 'Hit Different' featuring Ty Dolla $ign, with an accompanying music video. The new track definitely hits different with its chill beats, slow rhythm, and soulful vocals from both hip hop artists.

Produced by The Neptunes, this new track slows down the tempo with SZA's mesmeric vocals at the forefront and Ty's slow, groovy verses giving the song that sensual R&B vibe. This long-awaited single is SZA's first release since teaming up with Justin Timberlake on ‘The Other Side’ from the Trolls World Tour and Kendrick Lamar on ‘All The Stars’ from Black Panther: The Album. It is also her first release as lead artist since her 2017 widely-adored Ctrl album.

In the accompanying music video that was artistically directed by SZA herself, the singer dances with a group of women in a car junkyard, as well as bringing her moves to a field, on top of a haystack, and the back of a truck. Ty joins in towards the end of the video to echo the essence of this modern love song, "Hit different when I think you might be with somebody else."

SZA revealed in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1 that she recorded the new song at DJ Khaled’s house alongside The Neptunes. “I can’t really wrap my head around the experience and I think more so I’m fangirling off of having a track produced by probably the most formative producers and artists for me when I was growing up,” she said.

The artist has also revealed that she is working on new music with Timberland, Sia, and Pharrell as well as collaborations with Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion, Kehlani, and Jhené Aiko in the works. This talented artist has made a huge mark in the music world with a nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars for her Black Panther collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, 'All the Stars'. Her debut album Ctrl also landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, No. 2 on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and, No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.

This atmospheric R&B bop is melodic and sleek, gleaming with harmonious vocals, a sultry rhythm, and slow steady beats. SZA has really showcased her talent in creating a smooth song that has a strong edge of hip hop and soul whilst at the same time exploring life's issues such as love and romance. Pairing up with Ty Dolla $ign on this new track, SZA has made a glorious comeback re-asserting herself as a force to be reckoned with in the R&B world.

Words by CLAUDIA FALLON

Image: Blair Caldwell

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE 

SEE ALSO

SZA CONFIRMS NEW ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE IN 2020

WATCH SZA PERFORM ’20 SOMETHING’ AT HOME FOR COVID-19 CHARITY CONCERT