BETTER DAYS: SZA opens up about being broke, hungry in heartfelt letter

The R&B newcomer shows major gratitude for recent Grammy nominations

Nov 30, 2017

SZA is feeling the love after earning five Grammy nominations for her album, Ctrl.

The 28-year-old singer took time to express her gratitude on social media with a heartfelt open letter that highlighted the tough road she took to the top.

“I remember pretending to be vegan cause that’s all I could afford lol (chips avocado n salad mix) I remember sleeping on everyone’s couch cause I missed the train AGAIN (thank yall for having me lol ). Sold my beloved $500 grillz for 50 bucks at the gold shop for train fair( I was SICK ? lol ). I BEGGED Punch for writers on this project cus I thought no one would ever like me the way I was. He said “U don’t need em”. I remember crying cus I didn’t have any hits or a quantifiable “sound”. I remember feeling like damn maybe I suck. maybe I should try something else? Maybe I’m jus wasting space,” she wrote.

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“Life’s weird. I didn’t have any friends growing up. Never gave my parents an opportunity to say “wow my kids killing it” didn’t graduate or do any fly shit before my nana died. Been fired from every job I ever had. I remember sobbing on the phone w punch pleading for the album not to come out cause I couldn’t take the embarrassment. Just wanted another week.”

Now that those friendless, hunger-filled days are behind her, SZA is overwhelmed with gratitude.

“This entire thing puts my wildest dreams to shame. I dunno what to say cause I dunno how to accept its even happening to me lol ? I’ve never won anything in my life even until this week (THANK YOU SOULTRAIN AWARDS!!) it all just feels strange somehow BUT IM SO OVERWHELMINGLY GRATEFUL FOR THIS STRANGENESS!! . I’m so in awe of Gods plan. I just wanna live up to it. Thank you for listening to me. thank you for understanding me. thank u for bonding w my thoughts just the way they were. INFINITE GRATITUDE to the Recording Academy for this INCREDIBLE honor. I can’t even believe I’ve been considered. God bless every person who worked on this album or gave it an ear (specially the producers of the century @somethingnebula @iam_c_lang @thankgod4cody ?) . Thank you Top and Punch for believing in me no matter what (even when I’m on your LAST nerves?) . Thank u RCA for giving me new wings?? THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS LIFE I DONT UNDERSTAND . #Ctrl.. a concept . #mygrannynominatedfor5grammys #TDE.”

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