In a recent GQ cover story published on Thursday, November 6, acclaimed hitmaker SZA opened up about her deliberate decision to remain disengaged from two significant feuds that recently unfolded in the music industry. The artist elaborated on her reasons for not taking sides in the highly publicized clash between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, as well as the unexpected public remarks from Nicki Minaj.

Addressing the rivalry between her frequent collaborators, SZA explained her neutrality in the rap battle that intensified last year. Despite co-headlining a stadium tour with Kendrick Lamar and maintaining a long-standing friendship with Drake, SZA chose not to insert herself into the conflict. She articulated her stance to GQ, stating, "It was something between two grown-a– men, so why would I insert myself between something between two grown-a– men, you know?" She added that she felt many shared this sentiment, especially given her lack of personal stake. SZA acknowledged her deep affection for Kendrick, being signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and considering them family, while also recognizing her beautiful rapport and history with Drake. She expressed that it is "always unfortunate when the unfortunate occurs."

Fans had speculated about SZA’s feelings throughout the back-and-forth, particularly since both artists have contributed to some of her biggest career hits. The feud reached a fever pitch in spring 2024 with a series of diss tracks, including Lamar’s chart-topping “Not Like Us.” SZA found herself professionally caught in the crossfire: she was the main guest artist at Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, where he taunted his foe, yet she also performed her duet with Drake, “Rich Baby Daddy,” nightly on the Grand National Tour with Lamar. When asked about including the Drake track, she simply responded, “Why wouldn’t I? I don’t know why I wouldn’t be celebrating some s–t that I ate up.”

Protecting her peace became more challenging when Nicki Minaj began posting mean-spirited comments about SZA on X during the summer. While dissing Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez and TDE president Terrence “Punch” Henderson (SZA’s former manager), Minaj dragged SZA into the mix with repeated insults regarding her appearance. After initially engaging with a few shots of her own, SZA stepped away from the online skirmish. Months later, she reflected on the incident in GQ, unequivocally stating, “I don’t know her.” She further clarified, “We have no connection to each other. There’s no backstory. Like, there was no through-line narrative. It was just like, ‘Roc Nation’ … I don’t know where it came from. That’s not even my place to correct a narrative that I don’t got s–t to do with.” SZA concluded her remarks on the subject, describing the situation as “a little strange” and pondering, “Why? But also, you know, ‘I guess.’”

SZA’s candid discussion highlights her consistent approach to maintaining personal and professional boundaries amidst the intense dynamics of the music industry, prioritizing her peace and focusing on her own endeavors rather than being drawn into external conflicts.