SZA does the unthinkable: Surpasses Michael Jackson, rewrites R&B history?

The international music scene has just recorded a shocking milestone: SZA 's second album SOS officially surpassed Michael Jackson's Thriller to become the album with the most weeks at number one in the history of Billboard's Top R&B /Hip-Hop Albums chart, with an impressive achievement: 38 weeks holding the top spot.

This is not only a resounding victory for SZA personally, but also a sign of a strong transformation of R&B music in the digital age. To surpass an immortal icon like Michael Jackson, who is known as the "King of Pop" with the best-selling album of all time, is clearly something that no one could have imagined a few years ago. But SZA did it, and she did it in her own way: no noise, no gimmicks, just quality music and genuine emotions.

Released in December 2022, SOS marks a comeback after 5 years since Ctrl (2017), the debut album that helped SZA affirm her talent in the contemporary R&B world. Different from products following the conventional market model, SOS is a unique blend of traditional R&B, hip-hop, pop and alternative, wrapped in a captivating voice, narrative lyrics and rare emotional depth.

Without the need for a massive promotional campaign, SOS has quietly been "making waves" on the charts for over two years. The album has been on the charts for 129 consecutive weeks and is still selling steadily according to data from Luminate. In the week from May 23 to 29, 2025 alone, SOS sold 47,000 units in the US, an incredible number for an album that is no longer new.

Since Billboard changed its scoring in 2017 to include streams and digital sales, albums with depth and the ability to make a lasting emotional connection with listeners have begun to dominate. And SOS is the clearest example of that trend.

Hits like Kill Bill and Snooze not only helped the album maintain its initial appeal but also created a strong viral wave on social networks, contributing to making SZA a familiar name to global audiences. The extended version called LANA, released in early 2024, continued to breathe new life into the album with outstanding songs like Saturn and 30 for 30, helping SOS maintain its popularity both artistically and commercially.

On the Billboard 200 chart, SOS held the No. 1 spot for three consecutive months and is currently in the top three. On the Billboard Top R&B Albums, the album holds the record for 112 weeks at the top, a number that is almost unprecedented in the digital music era. With 38 weeks at the top of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, SOS far surpasses heavyweights such as MC Hammer's Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em (29 weeks) or Freddie Jackson's Just Like the First Time (26 weeks).

The win over Thriller was not only a record, but also a statement. It affirmed that R&B, once considered to be "failing" in the face of the pop and hip-hop waves, can still conquer the public, as long as the artist knows how to innovate and maintain its identity. SZA is a representative of a new generation of artists who do not need to sacrifice their individuality in exchange for commercial success. Her music is feminine, personal and authentic, which is what a new generation of listeners is looking for more than ever.

In a context where R&B is witnessing a strong revival, with the rise of names like Summer Walker, Brent Faiyaz, Daniel Caesar or the presence of Beyoncé through the Renaissance Tour, SZA's success is the driving force and proof of the sustainable potential of the once underrated genre.

If Michael Jackson once brought R&B to the world by combining it with pop to create masterpieces like Billie Jean or Beat It, then SZA is redefining R&B for the 21st century with her emotional voice, deep songwriting style and freedom from old stereotypes.

At this rate, it's hard to say whether SOS will stop at 38 weeks or continue to make history. But one thing is for sure: SZA's journey has opened a new era for R&B where real emotions and unique personalities reign supreme.

Justin Bieber Drops Mysterious Message: What's Happening to the Prince of Pop? Mimi17:23:36 10/06/2025Given the current situation (June 2025), the information about Justin Bieber constantly updating confusing statuses that cause public confusion is not a new or prominent event. Justin Bieber is currently living a fairly stable life.