5 Facts About the Delay of SZA's Ctrl Album

SZA’s anxiety caused a “blinding paralysis” that delayed the album’s release. Originally scheduled for late 2015, she kept reworking the project.

Her record label took her hard drive in spring 2017 to force completion. This intervention ended the endless revisions and allowed the album to be finalized.

The album was released in June 2017, nearly two years late. It became a critical and commercial success despite the prolonged production.

SZA has described the process as emotionally draining. The pressure to perfect the album contributed to her creative paralysis.

The hard drive seizure was a drastic but effective label tactic. It prevented further delays and ensured the album reached the public.