SOURCE: mix93.com
SZA’s critically acclaimed album SOS has made history, securing its 12th nonconsecutive week atop the Billboard 200 chart. This milestone solidifies SZA’s dominance in contemporary R&B and hip-hop while setting a new benchmark for female artists in the genre.
Released in December 2022, SOS continues to captivate audiences. Its recent deluxe LANA edition fueled another surge, earning 130,000 equivalent album units in the week ending January 2, 2025. This includes:
125,500 units from 166.31 million on-demand streams
4,000 units in pure album sales
500 units from track-equivalent sales
With this accomplishment, SOS becomes the first R&B/hip-hop album by a woman to top the charts for 12 weeks in 38 years. The last to surpass this record was Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut, which reigned for 14 weeks in 1986.
A Competitive Chart
SZA’s reign pushed some of music’s biggest names to lower positions this week:
Kendrick Lamar climbed to No. 2.
Sabrina Carpenter followed at No. 3.
The Wicked film soundtrack hit No. 4.
Billie Eilish rounded out the top five at No. 5.
The remaining top 10 spots included:
Taylor Swift at No. 6, continuing her impressive chart presence.
Rising star Chappell Roan at No. 7.
Morgan Wallen at No. 8.
Gracie Abrams at No. 9.
Tyler, the Creator closing out at No. 10.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Trends
SZA’s SOS represents more than commercial success—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The album explores themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and resilience, resonating deeply with listeners. Its genre-blending production and sharp lyricism redefine modern R&B while pushing boundaries.
The deluxe LANA edition introduced additional tracks, keeping fans engaged and contributing to the album’s sustained popularity. With SOS, SZA has joined the ranks of legendary artists like Whitney Houston, proving that her voice and vision can stand the test of time.
Looking Ahead
With 12 weeks at No. 1 and counting, the question now is whether SOS can surpass Whitney Houston’s 14-week record. Regardless, SZA’s impact on music and culture is undeniable, cementing her status as one of today’s most influential artists.