SZA Reveals "Hostile" Relationship With Top Dawg Entertainment After Album Delays

Her now-deleted tweets addressed album delays, blaming TDE president Punch.

Music
2.4K 8   Comments
Prefer Hypebeast on Google
Save

The music world has been waiting for a follow-up to SZA‘s GRAMMY-nominated album Ctrl for over three years now. It’s delay has created a contentious atmosphere surrounding her relationship with her label Top Dawg Entertainment and its president Terrence Louis Henderson Jr., better known as Punch. On Wednesday, August 19, the singer took to Twitter to briefly answer some fans’ questions about her upcoming project and shed some light on why it hasn’t released yet. Her replies, while short, describe the working relationship as “hostile” and a lack of communication about rollout plans for the project.

Some of the remaining tweets can be seen below, in which she responds to a fan asking, “Would you say this is an adverse or hostile relationship or just out of your hands — you just don’t know?” SZA replied with, “BEEN hostile.” Later in a separate thread with a screen capture of Punch engaging with fans on Instagram ensuring her album was on the way soon, SZA wrote, “This is all he says to me as well. Welcome to my f*cking life.” Other deleted tweets expand on her frustration as she tweeted, “At this point ya’ll gotta ask Punch. I’ve done all I can do.”

Back in 2016, SZA had similar issues with her album not releasing as planned. She told the publication Flaunt that for those reasons she almost quit music and even hinted that this upcoming album very well could be her final. This isn’t the only TDE offering that fans are eagerly anticipating this year. Rapper Isaiah Rashad is expected to drop the follow-up to his 2016 album The Sun’s Tirade tentatively titled The House Is Burning. The long wait has also drawn the ire of fans.

Back in July, SZA previewed a collaborative track with Jacob Collier. She also contributed to the Trolls World Tour (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) with “The Other Side” featuring Justin Timberlake. Stay tuned for more updates.

In more music news, Pharrell and JAY-Z have announced a new song together centered around entrepreneurial spirit.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Isaiah Rashad Returns After Five Years With an Instant Classic: 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL' Is Here
Music

Isaiah Rashad Returns After Five Years With an Instant Classic: 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL' Is Here

After almost five years out of the spotlight, the rapper stepped back onto the scene with his most creatively dialed-in yet influentially diverse album to date – complete with assists from Dominic Fike, SZA, and striking production from TDE affiliate Julian Sintonia.

Jhené Aiko Tops the Billboard 200 for the First Time With ‘Westside Whimsy’
Music

Jhené Aiko Tops the Billboard 200 for the First Time With ‘Westside Whimsy’

The record is also the first R&B album by a woman to hit No.1 this year.

The Final Playlist Dump of June 2026
Music

The Final Playlist Dump of June 2026

Another split from the hip hop underground and pop it girls, with new singles from EsDeeKid and El Cousteau up against those from Charli XCX and Phoebe Bridgers.


Vans and SZA’s Debut “Vansza” Collaboration Adds a Split-Toe “Tabi Hiker” To the Lineup
Footwear

Vans and SZA’s Debut “Vansza” Collaboration Adds a Split-Toe “Tabi Hiker” To the Lineup

From a camo Knu Skool to a fleece set printed with SZA’s own workwear jacket, the collection rounds out with footwear and apparel built around her personal style.

Everything Coming to and Leaving Netflix in September 2020
Entertainment

Everything Coming to and Leaving Netflix in September 2020

Millie Bobby Brown will star in ‘Enola Holmes’ as the titular sister of Henry Cavill’s Sherlock Holmes.

Migos and YoungBoy Never Broke Again Drop "Need It" Video
Music

Migos and YoungBoy Never Broke Again Drop "Need It" Video

Channeling the 1996 cult film ‘Don’t Be a Menace.’

Watch Pop Smoke's Latest Posthumous Music Video For "Mood Swings"
Music

Watch Pop Smoke's Latest Posthumous Music Video For "Mood Swings"

Featuring Lil Tjay and starring Jordyn Woods.

Tour Massive Sculptures From Around the World Without Leaving Your Home
Art

Tour Massive Sculptures From Around the World Without Leaving Your Home

For Christie’s new private sale, called “Dream Big.”

Kirsten Dunst Would Rather Not Appear on Kanye West's Presidential Campaign Poster
Music

Kirsten Dunst Would Rather Not Appear on Kanye West's Presidential Campaign Poster

Her portrait was used next to stock imagery and ‘2020 Vision’ messaging.

Freddie Gibbs Models BornxRaised’s Latest Capsule With WACKO MARIA
Fashion

Freddie Gibbs Models BornxRaised’s Latest Capsule With WACKO MARIA

Alongside fellow influential Angelenos, Brock Korsan and Cali DeWitt.


UGG CA805 Releasing in Dotted, Dog-Friendly "Dalmatian" Colorway
Footwear

UGG CA805 Releasing in Dotted, Dog-Friendly "Dalmatian" Colorway

Complete with a dog bone lace deubre.

Mizuno Prepares Two Bold New Sky Medal Colorways
Footwear

Mizuno Prepares Two Bold New Sky Medal Colorways

The classic runner is set to arrive in “Vapor Blue/Spicy Orange” and “Black/Fiery Coral.”

Watch Phoebe Bridgers Perform Intimate Set at L.A. Memorial Coliseum
Music

Watch Phoebe Bridgers Perform Intimate Set at L.A. Memorial Coliseum

The first in Versus Creative’s 50on50 series.

Nike Adapt BB 2.0 to Release in Alternate "MAG" Colorway
Footwear Fashion

Nike Adapt BB 2.0 to Release in Alternate "MAG" Colorway

The “Black MAG” swaps standard grey MAG shades for a murky black base hue.

Tom Sachs Makes Art to Feel Human
Art

Tom Sachs Makes Art to Feel Human

The artist on why creativity is like a chili pepper, from ‘HYPEBEAST Magazine’ Issue 17.

Fumito Ganryu and Salomon Advanced Combine on Ultra-Minimal XT-4
Footwear

Fumito Ganryu and Salomon Advanced Combine on Ultra-Minimal XT-4

Tactile sneaker goals.

More ▾