Artist: SZA
Runtime: 10 songs • 40 minutes
Genre: R&B/Soul
Released: 2014
Z is the third extended play by American R&B singer SZA. It was released on April 8, 2014, by Top Dawg Entertainment. After amassing two self-released EPs, See.SZA.Run and S, as well as meeting with members of Top Dawg Entertainment, she subsequently signed a recording contract with the indie label.
The recording of the mixtape took place in Carson, California during the summer of 2013 with the help of her TDE labelmate Isaiah Rashad, among others. An alternative R&B and neo soul album, Z has a diverse musical style that incorporates contemporary urban genres such as soul, hip hop, and minimalist R&B, as well as 1980s synth-pop elements.
Its production is characterized by layers of sliced, delayed, and reversed vocals, which are synthetic and fluid. Its lyrics explore the complexities of romantic relationships, sexuality, nostalgia, and abandonment.
The album was written by SZA herself, with production handled by Mac Miller, Emile Haynie and others. Z received generally positive reviews from music critics, who commended its production and musical style.
Finally, this new body of work houses 10 solid tracks.
SZA – Z Tracklist below;
