SZA Joins Lizzo On "Special" Remix

BYGabriel Bras Nevares3.9K Views
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On this new version of Lizzo's 2022 standout, the TDE singer opens up the track beautifully.

Lizzo and SZA just released a remix of the former's standout track from last year, the uplifting and soulful "Special." Moreover, it's the title track on Lizzo's 2022 album, not SZA's SOS cut of the same name. Even though this new version doesn't switch up much from the original, it was already powerful to begin with. Furthermore, the TDE vocalist adds some gorgeous background vocals throughout its runtime. Given Lizzo's recent Grammy win for Record of the Year, this song takes on a particularly triumphant feeling. As SZA supports her industry colleague, you can feel the confidence and gratitude pour out.

SZA onstage at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

However, the "Kill Bill" singer didn't stop there. In fact, she opens up this new version with a short, but thematically fitting narrative. Throughout her lines and beneath her soothing vocal tone, she handles negativity from external sources and finds comfort in self-affirmation. While many might try to bring them down, both artists look inward for satisfaction and are proud of their emotions. After her verse ends, the chart-dominating artist supports Lizzo as she sings her parts. Even if it's a minimal addition, it's certainly a powerful one that adds more dynamism to the track.

Meanwhile, SZA also appeared at the Grammys and presented Bad Bunny with the Best Música Urbana Album. After all the incredible success of SOS, we're sure she'll make a show-stopping return to the Recording Academy next year. Still, what did you think of Lizzo and SZA teaming up on the former's inspiring album track, "Special"? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out some notable lines from SZA's verse down below. Also, if you haven't heard the song yet, you can find the remix on your preferred streaming service. As always, check back in with HNHH for the best new music releases in hip-hop, R&B, and beyond.

Quotable Lyrics
Woke up this morning to somebody judging me
No surprise they judging me, don't know who I'm 'posed to be
I'm just acting up, I'm pressed as f**k and never saying sorry
Found it in the end, I can only do it for me

About The Author
Gabriel Bras Nevares is a music and pop culture news writer for HotNewHipHop. He started in 2022 as a weekend writer and, since joining the team full-time, has developed a strong knowledge in hip-hop news and releases. Whether it’s regular coverage or occasional interviews and album reviews, he continues to search for the most relevant news for his audience and find the best new releases in the genre. What excites him the most is finding pop culture stories of interest, as well as a deeper passion for the art form of hip-hop and its contemporary output. Specifically, Gabriel enjoys the fringes of rap music: the experimental, boundary-pushing, and raw alternatives to the mainstream sound. As a proud native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, he also stays up-to-date with the archipelago’s local scene and its biggest musical exponents in reggaetón, salsa, indie, and beyond. Before working at HotNewHipHop, Gabriel produced multiple short documentaries, artist interviews, venue spotlights, and audio podcasts on a variety of genres and musical figures. Hardcore punk and Go-go music defined much of his coverage during his time at the George Washington University in D.C. His favorite hip-hop artists working today are Tyler, The Creator, Boldy James, JPEGMAFIA, and Earl Sweatshirt.