Music continues to break barriers and rewrite history. SZA has just achieved an impressive milestone: her album SOS has equaled Michael Jackson’ s Thriller record as the album by a black artist with the most weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200. An achievement that not only reaffirms her impact on the industry, but also cements her legacy within R&B and contemporary pop.
Since its release on December 9, 2022, SOS has been a global phenomenon. With a blistering debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 and a top tenure that defies any fleeting consumer trend, SZA’ s album has exceeded all expectations.
An album that defied time and the industry
When SOS hit the market, it did so with 318,000 units sold in its first week, an all-time record for an R&B album in the streaming era. Its 404.58 million plays marked a milestone for the genre, establishing SZA as one of the most influential artists of the moment.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, the album continued to reap success:
✅ 10 non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200.
✅ More than 100 weeks in the top 10, equaling Thriller’s record.
✅ BET and Soul Train Music Awards for Album of the Year.
✅ Nine nominations at the 2024 Grammy Awards, winning Best Progressive R&B Album.
This level of impact had previously only been achieved by Thriller, Michael Jackson’s iconic masterpiece that redefined pop music in the 1980s. Now, four decades later, SZA joins the legend at this exclusive mark on the Billboard 200.
The deluxe version that changed everything
In late 2024, when SOS seemed to have reached its peak, SZA surprised with the release of SOS (Lana), a deluxe version that included 23 additional tracks and collaborations with artists such as Kendrick Lamar.
The impact was immediate: SOS returned to #1 on the charts, securing its place as one of the most enduring and successful albums of the decade.
🎧 Listen to it here:
The legacy of SOS and the future of SZA
More than just a record, this milestone demonstrates how SZA has redefined contemporary R&B, taking it to new territories and audiences. Her ability to fuse genres, connect with her audience through raw and personal lyrics, and defy industry rules make her one of the most relevant voices of the moment.
As SOS continues to make its mark on history, the big question is: what’s next for SZA? If this record is any indication, her future promises to be even brighter.
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