SZA And Drake: 5 Shocking Facts About Their Secret 2009 Fling And Current Relationship Status

The question of whether SZA is Drake's ex-girlfriend has resurfaced countless times, especially with their recent professional collaborations and the ongoing drama in the hip-hop world. As of December 2025, the definitive answer is yes: SZA and Drake are exes, stemming from a brief, private "fling" that took place over a decade ago, which has now become a fascinating piece of music history that they both openly acknowledge. This long-forgotten romance was suddenly thrust into the spotlight in 2020 when Drake decided to drop a bombshell lyric, forcing SZA to clarify the details, which has cemented their status as one of the most unexpected celebrity ex-couples in the industry. The dynamic between the two artists today is a blend of friendly respect and professional collaboration, proving that not all high-profile breakups end in animosity.

The Official Biographies of Solána Imani Rowe and Aubrey Drake Graham

To fully understand the context of their relationship, it is essential to know who these two global superstars are and where they were in their careers when they first met.

Solána Imani Rowe (SZA)

• Full Name: Solána Imani Rowe
• Stage Name: SZA (pronounced 'Siz-za')
• Born: November 8, 1989 (or 1990, sources vary), in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
• Profession: Singer-songwriter, known for her unique blend of R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop, and lo-fi beats.
• Career Highlights: Signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). Her album SOS (2022) broke numerous streaming records and solidified her as a generational talent.
• Relationship Status at the Time of the Fling (2009): SZA was approximately 19 or 20 years old and had not yet begun her professional music career.

Aubrey Drake Graham (Drake)

• Full Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
• Stage Name: Drake
• Born: October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• Profession: Rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, producer, and businessman.
• Career Highlights: Credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip-hop. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and a cultural icon.
• Relationship Status at the Time of the Fling (2009): Drake was 23 years old and was already a rising star, having released his third mixtape, So Far Gone, which featured hits like "Best I Ever Had" and "Successful."

The Bombshell Lyric That Confirmed the 'Ex' Status

For over a decade, the brief romance between SZA and Drake remained a complete secret, known only to a tight circle of friends and industry insiders. The relationship was so far in the past that most fans assumed their interactions were purely professional.

The "Mr. Right Now" Revelation (2020)

The entire narrative changed in October 2020 with the release of the song "Mr. Right Now," a collaboration between Drake, 21 Savage, and Metro Boomin on the album Savage Mode II.

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Drake rapped the now-infamous line: "Yeah, said she wanna f**k to some SZA, wait, 'cause I used to date SZA back in '08."

This lyric immediately sent shockwaves across social media and the music press. The casual nature of the reveal, coupled with the mention of a year that predated SZA's rise to fame, created a massive moment of curiosity for fans.

SZA's Public Clarification

SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, responded to the lyric on Twitter (now X) to set the record straight on the exact timeline.

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She confirmed the relationship was real, but corrected the year, stating, "So It was actually 2009 lol... I just didn't want anybody thinking anything underage or creepy was happening. Completely innocent. Happy to be an entity in this song. ❤️"

This clarification was crucial, as it addressed the age gap concern and confirmed that the brief romance, or "fling," took place when she was 19 or 20 and Drake was 23.

In a later interview, SZA described the relationship as "childish," which further emphasized its non-serious, short-lived nature.

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From Exes to Collaborators: The Current Dynamic

Despite the public revelation of their past, the current relationship between SZA and Drake appears to be amicable, professional, and even friendly. This is perhaps the most surprising element of their story.

The 2023 Reunion: "Slime You Out"

In a powerful display of moving past old flames, the two artists collaborated on the song "Slime You Out" in 2023, which was the lead single from Drake's album, For All the Dogs.

The track was a massive success, becoming SZA's first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This collaboration proved that their personal history was no barrier to their professional success, and it added a layer of topical authority to their shared narrative.

Recent Public Interactions (2025 Context)

The nature of their past has continued to resurface in the media, often in light of other celebrity events, even into 2025.

For example, the relationship timeline was brought up again following the Super Bowl, where SZA was seen alongside other artists.

In a separate incident, SZA was asked a question about her "ex Drake" turning up to an event where she was also present, a question she gracefully dodged, confirming that the "ex" label is a persistent part of their public identity.

SZA has consistently maintained that the situation has "never been weird" and she was not bothered by Drake's lyric, suggesting a mature and healthy outlook on their brief past.

The Enduring Legacy of the SZA-Drake Fling

The short-lived 2009 romance between SZA and Drake is a perfect example of how celebrity relationships, no matter how brief, can become part of a lasting cultural narrative. The initial secret, the 2020 lyric reveal, and the subsequent chart-topping collaboration all contribute to a fascinating timeline.

The "is SZA Drake's ex" question has moved beyond simple gossip to become a point of reference in both of their careers. It connects their early lives to their current superstar status, offering a unique glimpse into their shared history before either of them became the global forces they are today.

Ultimately, the answer is yes, SZA is Drake’s ex, but their story is less about a dramatic breakup and more about two highly successful artists who briefly crossed paths, maintained a professional respect, and eventually created monumental music together. Their ability to work together years later on a track like "Slime You Out" is the final, compelling chapter in this story, proving that old flames can sometimes lead to new fire in the studio.