SZA just made history again. Nearly three years after its release, her critically acclaimed sophomore album, SOS, has officially surpassed Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the longest-running Top 10 album by a Black artist in Billboard 200 history. Read more about this achievement inside.
A Record-Breaking Moment
On March 12, 2025, SOS tied with Thriller after spending 79 nonconsecutive weeks on the Billboard 200’s Top 10, an achievement that placed SZA among an elite class of music legends. Just days later, she edged past Jackson, securing the record as the Black artist with the longest-running Top 10 album in the chart’s history. Chart Data made it official, tweeting the news and setting the internet ablaze.
The achievement hasn’t gone unnoticed. Terrence “Punch” Henderson, president of Top Dawg Entertainment and SZA’s longtime manager, took to X (formerly Twitter) to give her flowers.
“SMH. Man. This is crazy. @sza you’re the illest. The best. We’ve had this conversation and you didn’t believe me when I told you you were the one. You’re literally the one. Shout out to the King!” he tweeted, acknowledging both SZA’s historic win and Jackson’s legendary legacy.
Henderson also pointed out a full-circle moment—much of the record-breaking album was recorded at Westlake Studios, the same iconic space where Thriller was created.
“What’s iLL is we recorded the majority of SOS at Westlake,” he wrote.
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SZA’s Reaction & SOS’s Lasting Impact
SZA has been in disbelief over her album’s continued success. After initially tying Thriller, she told TMZ Hip-Hop, “My album tying MJ’s Thriller record … Got me speechless.” Now that she’s surpassed it, the moment feels even more surreal.
Released in December 2022, SOS debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and remained there for 10 nonconsecutive weeks. Even after more than two years, it has yet to leave the Top 20, proving its longevity. The album closed out 2024 at No. 6 on Billboard’s year-end Albums chart, further cementing its place in music history.
What’s Next For SZA?
As SOS continues its historic run, SZA isn’t slowing down. She’s gearing up to join Kendrick Lamar for their highly anticipated GNX Tour, kicking off in Minneapolis on April 19. Fans got a slight preview of their chemistry when they performed “All the Stars” and “Luther” during K. Dot’s moving Super Bowl halftime show in February.
With her record-breaking success and a massive tour ahead, SZA’s reign shows no signs of letting up.
Congrats, SZA!
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