Spotlighting Our Favorite Producers On SZA’s ‘SOS’
A full five years after her debut album Ctrl, SZA has finally re-emerged stronger than ever with SOS, a stunning sophomore album that nicely puts her forward-thinking artistic direction on display. Including features from Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, SOS is a deeply personal record, with the R&B and pop icon occupying most of the space within the 1-hour long tracklist. SOS features a stunning lineup of established and emerging producers. Here are some of our favorites who contributed to the sultry and mesmerizing sound of the record.
Nascent
Production credits on “Good Days”
Nascent landed his first production placement on 50 Cent’s “Strong Enough” off his 2009 album Before I Self Destruct, and has steadily been on an upwards trajectory since. A two-times Grammy-nominated producer, Nascent has spent the past decade contributing to projects from the likes of Brent Faiyaz, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, G Herbo, DUCKWRTH and many more.
Carter Lang
Production credits on “Kill Bill,” “Seek & Destroy,” “Love Language,” “Blind,” “Notice Me,” “Gone Girl,” “Ghost in the Machine,” “F2F,” “Nobody Gets Me,” “Too Late,” “Far,” “I Hate U” and “Good Days”
Having been nominated for a Grammy Award six times, Carter Lang has worked extensively alongside SZA, landing on 13 songs off SOS, while having helped produce iconic hits such as her solo single “Good Days,” “Kiss Me More” alongside Doja Cat, and “Love Galore” with Travis Scott. Additionally, he has worked with the likes of Post Malone, Lil Nas X, Mac Miller and many more.
Jay Versace
Production credits on "SOS" and "Smoking on my Ex Pack"
Landing on two songs off SOS makes for yet another step forward for Jay Versace, who has been steadily ascending toward the upper echelon of hip-hop production over the past years. Initially gaining traction by way of Vine in the mid-2010s, Jay Versace pivoted towards modeling and music production, and has worked with the likes of Westside Gunn, Lil Yachty, JID and more, as well as contributed to Tyler, The Creator's Grammy Award-winning album Call Me If You Get Lost.
DJ Dahi
Production credits on “Used”
DJ Dahi is one of the most iconic procures of his generation. Known for his extensive collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, from his early hit “Money Trees” to multiple tracks off his albums DAMN. and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, DJ Dahi is an undisputed pioneer within contemporary hip-hop production. He has also helped produce records by widely celebrated artists such as J. Cole, Drake, 21 Savage, Pusha T and more.
Teo Halm
Production credits on “Notice Me” and “Open Arms”
A truly versatile producer and songwriter, Teo Halm has cemented himself as a true trailblazer at only 23 years old. Only this year, Teo Halm helped co-produce ROSALÍA’s “LA COMBI VERSACE” off her recent MOTOMAMI album, landed on a number of tracks off MOTOMAMI+, contributed to Omar Apollo’s viral single “Evergreen,” and worked with FKA twigs, Kid Cudi and many more.
The full list of producers who contributed to SOS includes Aire Atlantica, Alessandro Buccellati, Babyface, Beat Butcha, benny blanco, Blake Slatkin, BLK Beats, Carter Lang, DJ Dahi, Emile Haynie, Freaky Rob, Jay Versace, Jeff Bhasker, Khristopher Riddick-Tynes, Leon Thomas III, Los Hendrix, Michael Uzowuru, Nascent, Omer Fedi, Rob Bisel, Rodney Jerkins, Sammy Witte, Scum, Shellback, Sir Dylan, Still Woozy, Teo Halm, ThankGod4Cody, Will Miller, Yakob and Yuli.
