SZA's "Snooze" Triumph: 5 Key Reasons The R&B Hit Dominated The Charts And Won A 2024 Grammy

The enduring success of SZA’s "Snooze" is a powerful testament to the artist's lyrical depth and genre-defining sound, cementing its place as one of the most significant R&B tracks of the decade. Originally released on December 9, 2022, as a standout track on her critically acclaimed second studio album, SOS, the song has transcended its initial album status to become a multi-award-winning, radio-dominating anthem that continues to resonate with fans globally as of this current date in December 2025.

This deep-dive into the phenomenon of "Snooze" explores its journey from a beloved album cut to a cultural touchstone, detailing the star-studded music video, the powerhouse production team, its incredible chart longevity, and the prestigious 2024 Grammy Award that officially crowned its reign. The song’s blend of dreamy, mid-tempo R&B with diaristic lyrics about unwavering devotion has made it a favorite for listeners seeking authentic, contemporary soul music.

SZA: Biography and Artistic Profile

Solána Imani Rowe, known professionally as SZA (pronounced "Siz-uh"), is an American singer-songwriter celebrated for her unique blend of neo-soul, alternative R&B, hip-hop, and indie elements. Born on November 8, 1989 (some sources cite 1990), in St. Louis, Missouri, SZA’s stage name is derived from the Supreme Alphabet, a system used by the Nation of Gods and Earths, reflecting her deep, often spiritual, approach to her music.

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• Full Name: Solána Imani Rowe
• Date of Birth: November 8, 1989/1990
• Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
• Genre: Alternative R&B, Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop
• Debut Album: Ctrl (2017)
• Second Studio Album: SOS (2022)
• Key Collaborators: Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Doja Cat, Babyface, Leon Thomas III
• Record Labels: Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), RCA Records
• Artistic Style: Known for her diaristic, vulnerable lyrics and a genre-exploring sound that has heavily influenced contemporary R&B music.

The Definitive Release Timeline: From Album Track to Chart Dominance

"Snooze" was not immediately pushed as the lead single from SOS, but its organic popularity among fans and critics quickly established it as a centerpiece of the album. The track's gradual ascent is a remarkable story of listener-driven success, culminating in one of the most impressive chart runs in recent memory.

Initial Release and Single Promotion

The song first saw the light of day with the release of the SOS album on December 9, 2022. It was the eighth track on the 23-song project, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Despite other tracks like "Kill Bill" and "Shirt" receiving earlier single treatment, "Snooze" began charting purely based on album consumption, debuting at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 2022. Its official promotion as the sixth single from the album came later, a direct response to its unwavering popularity.

The Powerhouse Production and Writing Team

The timeless quality of "Snooze" is rooted in its stellar production and songwriting team, which blended SZA's modern sensibilities with classic R&B expertise. The song was co-written and co-produced by SZA, alongside legendary R&B figure Babyface, Khristopher Riddick-Tynes, and Leon Thomas III. Leon Thomas III, in particular, played a crucial role, having co-produced the track after a collaborative session that initially involved work for Babyface's own album.

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This collaboration between a new-school R&B icon (SZA) and a veteran legend (Babyface) resulted in a track described by critics as dreamy, relaxing, and timeless, perfectly capturing the song's mid-tempo, soulful groove.

The Star-Studded Music Video and Unprecedented Chart Run

The song's momentum was significantly amplified by the release of its official music video, which became a major cultural event, and its historic chart performance that underscored its mass appeal.

The Viral Music Video Featuring Justin Bieber

The official music video for "Snooze" premiered on YouTube on August 25, 2023, and was co-directed by SZA herself alongside Bradley J. Calder. The dreamy visual features SZA in a series of vignettes with various male love interests, highlighting the song's theme of a relationship so precious you "can’t afford to snooze" on it.

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The video gained massive attention for its star-studded cast of celebrity cameos, including:

• Justin Bieber: Featured in a prominent, romantic scene with SZA.
• Benny Blanco: Producer and frequent SZA collaborator.
• Young Mazino: Actor known for his role in the series Beef.
• Woody McClain: Actor from the series Power Book II: Ghost.

The inclusion of these major figures, particularly Justin Bieber, propelled the video to viral status, driving the song to new peaks on streaming and digital platforms.

Record-Breaking Chart Longevity

The success of "Snooze" on the charts is nothing short of historic. The track achieved a remarkable run, spending an entire year—54 weeks—on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This exceptional longevity is a rare feat, demonstrating the song's deep connection with the audience long after its initial release.

Furthermore, "Snooze" achieved significant milestones on radio, including reaching No. 1 on Urban Radio, marking SZA's fourth chart-topper on that format. Its continuous presence on the charts solidified its status as a crossover hit, appealing to both core R&B fans and the broader pop market.

The 2024 Grammy Award: Best R&B Song

The ultimate validation of "Snooze's" quality and impact came at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024. SZA, who was the most nominated artist of the night, took home the prestigious award for Best R&B Song for "Snooze."

The win was a pivotal moment in SZA’s career, reinforcing her position as a leading voice in contemporary music. The victory for "Snooze" over other strong contenders in the category, such as Coco Jones's "ICU" and Halle's "Angel," highlighted the song's superior songwriting and composition. Following the Grammy win and SZA's performance at the ceremony, "Snooze" experienced a massive resurgence, climbing back into the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving the enduring commercial power of a major award and live performance.

The song's critical acclaim, combined with its commercial dominance and star-studded visual, perfectly encapsulates the comprehensive success of SZA’s sophomore era. "Snooze" is not just a song; it is a cultural moment that continues to define the sound of modern R&B.