Who Is SZA: Real Name, Age, Did Drake Date Her And Why She's in a Heated Spat with Nicki Minaj

A public dispute between Grammy-winning R&B artist SZA and rapper Nicki Minaj erupted on 15 July, drawing widespread attention on X, formerly Twitter, as both stars exchanged jabs in a series of viral posts.

The clash surprised many, particularly given SZA's typically low-profile public persona. Known for her introspective lyrics and limited online drama, the singer's real name, history with Drake, and cryptic social media responses have added fuel to speculation about shifting alliances in the music industry.

SZA's Real Name and Career Beginnings

SZA was born Solána Imani Rowe on 8 November 1989 in St Louis, Missouri, and raised in a devout Muslim household in New Jersey. Growing up, she balanced religious expectations with a deepening love of music. Her influences span jazz, soul, hip hop, and indie rock, creating a genre-blending sound that defies easy classification.

She first rose to prominence in the early 2010s before signing with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), the same label behind Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q. Her 2017 debut album Ctrl was critically acclaimed, establishing her as one of the most compelling voices in modern R&B. In 2022, her sophomore album SOS topped global charts and earned her multiple Grammy Awards. Now 35, SZA continues to draw praise for her emotional honesty and musical range.

The Drake Connection: What Really Happened?

In 2020, rapper Drake made headlines when he claimed in a song that he 'used to date SZA back in 2008'. SZA later corrected the timeline, stating on X that the relationship occurred in 2009 when she was around 20. She described it as 'completely innocent' and 'not hot and heavy', downplaying any suggestion of lasting significance.

The topic briefly resurfaced in 2023 when the two collaborated on Slime You Out, a track that reached No. 1 on Billboard 100. Fans interpreted the duet as a creative reunion, not a romantic one. To date, there's been no indication of ongoing personal involvement between the two artists.

A Sudden Feud with Nicki Minaj

The situation escalated on 15 July when Nicki Minaj launched a series of online attacks against Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez and TDE president Terrence 'Punch' Henderson. SZA, long affiliated with TDE, appeared to respond with a cryptic tweet, 'Mercury retrograde... don't take the bait lol silly goose.'

Minaj responded aggressively, posting, 'Go draw your freckles back on, bookie... liar liar pants on fire. Sounding like a f---ing dead dog'. SZA then replied, 'I don't give a f--- about none of that weird sh-- you're popping'. In the same thread, Minaj used hashtags such as #JusticeForDemoree and #DepositionPerez, referring to long-standing allegations against Roc Nation and sparking widespread speculation about deeper tensions in the music industry.

While the exchange was brief, it quickly went viral, sparking debate about loyalties within the music industry. The incident also drew reactions from fans, many of whom expressed disappointment at the tone of the conflict, particularly between two high-profile female artists.

Despite the online tensions, SZA has remained focused on her music and continues to be celebrated for her artistic range and authenticity. Her past with Drake remains a youthful footnote, and her recent response to Minaj suggests she's willing to speak up when boundaries are crossed.