SZA Thought Drake Was Trying to “Sabotage” Her by Using Her Vocals on ‘Slime You Out’

In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, SZA opened up about her initial apprehensions during the creation of the hit collaboration, ‘Slime You Out,’ with Drake. 

SZA’s honesty about her creative process is refreshing. She confessed that when sharing her demos with friends and collaborators, she often finds it hard to trust them if they accept her first draft. This reluctance to fully embrace her initial work extends to her collaboration with Drake, which initially left her feeling as if she were being sabotaged.

“I just handed in the first draft to Drake, and he’s putting it on his album,” she admitted. “I’m scared because I handed in second vocals, and he didn’t use that. And now I’m like, ‘Are you trying to sabotage me?’” 

Image Courtesy: Slick Magazine

SZA’s unease is not only about Drake’s choices but also about her creative process. She acknowledges that when things come effortlessly to her, she struggles to fully enjoy them. 

The complexity of their working relationship is further amplified by the fact that ‘Slime You Out’ marked the first collaboration between SZA and Drake. While the track is undoubtedly a chart-topping hit, the journey to its creation was not without its hurdles.

Drake’s decision to use the first take of SZA’s verse left her feeling unsettled, highlighting her commitment to perfection and her inclination to distrust the first draft. It’s not uncommon for artists to question their creative choices, especially in a collaborative setting, where artistic visions can clash.

Image Courtesy: XXL Mag

They also have a history. Drake revealed in 2020 that he and SZA dated more than a decade ago, and she confirmed this, describing the relationship as “childish.” 

The drama surrounding ‘Slime You Out’ doesn’t end with the creative process. The controversial use of a Halle Berry photo without her permission for the single’s art stirred further controversy.

SZA’s revelations about her collaboration with Drake on ‘Slime You Out’ offer a glimpse into the inner workings of the music industry. The dynamics of their working relationship, coupled with their history, make ‘Slime You Out’ a song with a rich and layered backstory. 

-Britney Jones