Singer SZA shares her experience meeting comedian Katt Williams while filming her debut movie and discusses the meaning of Kendrick Lamar's song 'Not Like Us'.
- October 22, 2024
AceShowbiz - In a recent Harper's Bazaar cover story, singer SZA shared her intriguing experience while shooting her debut film, notably mentioning a memorable interaction with comedian Katt Williams. Speaking with Kendrick Lamar, SZA recounted how Williams' unexpected comment left a lasting impression on her.
"We shot a movie last night. I've never shot a movie before, so I was freaking out. It's a lot of being scared to be myself. I'm either gonna pretend it never happened or not show up to the premiere. I met Katt Williams [on set]. He told me I was mentally ill, like, as a compliment. He was like, 'Sa, I believe you might have some mental-' And I was like, 'Illness?' And he was like, 'Yes.' He said, 'Oh, welcome,' " SZA recalled.
The comment, which might seem off-putting, was perceived by SZA as a unique form of reassurance, helping her to calm her nerves about her first foray into acting. Despite her initial apprehensions-considering skipping the premiere altogether-Williams' words had a therapeutic effect on the singer, giving her a newfound sense of belonging.
Beyond sharing her film set experience, SZA's interview also delved into the creative mindset behind Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us". When asked about the intention behind the track, particularly its perceived message of hypermasculinity, Lamar offered a thoughtful explanation.
" 'Not Like Us'? 'Not Like Us' is the energy of who I am, the type of man I represent. Now, if you identify with the man that I represent, this man has morals, he has values, he believes in something, he stands on something. He’s not pandering. He's a man who can recognize his mistakes and not be afraid to share the mistakes and can dig deep down into fear-based ideologies or experiences to be able to express them without feeling like he's less of a man. If I'm thinking of 'Not Like Us', I'm thinking of me and whoever identifies with that," Lamar elaborated.
The discussion between SZA and Lamar emphasizes the importance of authenticity and integrity, both in their respective artistic expressions and personal lives. For young audiences, SZA's candid recount of her film set experiences intertwined with Lamar's insightful breakdown of "Not Like Us" offers a compelling narrative about overcoming fear and embracing one's true self.
This conversation between two influential artists not only highlights their artistic journeys but also serves as an inspiration for young people to remain true to their values while navigating new and challenging experiences.