SZA Shares the Inspiration Behind “Drew Barrymore” in Heartfelt Chat with the Iconic Actress

On January 13, SZA made a special appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, where she discussed the personal and profound inspiration behind her hit song “Drew Barrymore” from her debut album CTRL. While the song has long been a fan favorite, SZA revealed that the connection to Drew Barrymore runs much deeper than just sharing a name. In a candid heart-to-heart conversation, the singer shared that Barrymore’s authenticity and energy played a pivotal role in inspiring the track.

SZA explained to Barrymore: “It wasn’t just the title, it was inspired by you. The energy you carry… the way you’ve made me feel my entire life. The carefree, the understanding.” For SZA, Barrymore’s presence and individuality made a lasting impact, especially as a Black woman navigating a world with few visible role models. SZA noted that growing up, she struggled to find many relatable figures, but Drew Barrymore was one of the few exceptions.

The Empowerment Behind “Drew Barrymore”

SZA continued to explain the deeper connection she felt toward Drew: “I wrote you this letter that I never sent you, but it talked about how, when you’re younger, and you’re a Black woman, there’s not a lot of examples all the time. One of the few lovely white women that I looked up to so much on television was you, because you were so yourself.” According to SZA, Barrymore’s quirkiness and authenticity were a source of empowerment and inspiration for her.

The vulnerability and self-acceptance that Barrymore portrayed resonated deeply with SZA. “Your smile wasn’t perfect,” she recalled. “I have a slight speech impediment, and people laugh [at it] all the time… I love the way you talk and the you-ness of you.” Barrymore’s ability to embrace her true self, despite imperfections, gave SZA the courage to embrace her own unique qualities. “Your laugh reminds me of all the things about myself that make me nervous, but on you, shine so brightly. It gave me permission to be myself.” This deep admiration for Barrymore ultimately led to the creation of a song that serves as a tribute to her authenticity and confidence.

The Possibility of a Joint Album with Kendrick Lamar

During her time on the Sherri Shepherd Show on January 8, SZA also teased the exciting possibility of a collaborative album with Kendrick Lamar. The two artists have collaborated in the past on tracks like “All the Stars” for the Black Panther soundtrack, and fans have long hoped for more from the dynamic duo.

When asked by Shepherd if she and Kendrick would consider a joint album, SZA’s response was clear: “I would love that.” She went on to praise Kendrick’s unique artistic process, calling him “such a genius” and noting that part of his genius is his mysteriousness. “He’s so elusive, and so part of his genius is him being so mysterious,” she said. SZA expressed her admiration for his expertise and how much she’s learned from working with him. “I’m just trusting all of his expertise and being thrust into these moments,” she said.

Their past collaborations, including “Luther” and “Gloria,” have been pivotal in SZA’s growth as an artist, helping her refine her vocal skills and trust in Kendrick’s guidance. “He’s so good at saying yes and staying grounded, so I’m just like, ‘Teach me, Sensei, what you know,’” she shared. The potential of a duo album would undoubtedly be an exciting venture for both SZA and Kendrick Lamar fans.

SZA’s Growing Legacy and Future Projects

As SZA’s career continues to soar, her authenticity and willingness to explore her personal experiences are reflected in her music. Whether it’s creating powerful, self-empowering anthems like “Drew Barrymore” or potentially teaming up with Kendrick Lamar on a full album, SZA is continuously pushing the boundaries of her artistry. Fans can expect more emotionally charged music, with an emphasis on self-love and finding empowerment through vulnerability.

The upcoming year promises to be an exciting one for SZA as she explores new collaborations and deeper artistic growth. With her openness and commitment to her craft, she is sure to continue inspiring listeners, just as Drew Barrymore did for her.