How Sza’s Before and After Changed Her Entire Journey Forever

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:27:58 +0000

How SZA’s Before and After Transformed Her Entire Journey Forever SZA’s Before and After isn’t just another chapter in her evolving discography—it’s a pivotal moment that reshaped her artistic identity and reconnected her deeply with her audience. From Stonalogy to Before and After, and now through the revelations and emotional honesty of this powerful project, SZA’s sophomore-era work has had a lasting ripple effect, shaping her sound, image, and creative direction in ways that are only just beginning to unfold. ### A Deep Dive into Before and After
Released in 2017 but gaining renewed attention in recent years, Before and After marked a turning point in SZA’s artistic storytelling. The album dives into themes of emotional vulnerability, inner turmoil, and the complexities of modern relationships—themes that resonate intensely with Gen Z listeners navigating authenticity in a curated digital world. What sets Before and After apart is its raw intimacy. The production—haunting yet soulful—complements SZA’s resonant vocals, crafting an atmosphere that feels both personal and universal. Tracks like “Ctrl” (not on Before and After, but emblematic of her style) show her ability to balance vulnerability with strength, a balance that Before and After amplifies through its lyrical depth and sonic experimentation.