SZA Says ‘It’s Always Been F— Ice’ After Grammy Win: ‘People Are Getting Snatched Up’

In a powerful backstage interview at the Grammys, award-winning artist SZA delivered a poignant critique of the current political climate, specifically denouncing attacks on immigrants while calling for communal solidarity. The singer, whose acclaimed album "SOS" spent ten weeks atop the Billboard 200, described the experience of celebrating her Grammy win for Record of the Year as feeling "incredibly dystopian" and "bizarre" given global turmoil. "People are getting snatched up and shot in the face on the street," she told Variety, articulating a widespread sense of rage and hopelessness that she actively resists.

SZA emphasized that moments of chaos and entropy can be catalysts for positive transformation. "I believe entropy can bring change," she stated, highlighting the "great possibility" for communities to unite. Her remarks followed a ceremony where several artists, including Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish, made direct statements opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). SZA framed this as a critical moment for mutual aid and self-reliance. "It’s not time to count on anyone else but us and our neighbors," she urged, advocating for community protection and morale.

The artist's criticism is not new; it follows a previous incident in December where a song she wrote for "Saturday Night Live" was used without permission in an ICE deportation advertisement. At the time, SZA lambasted the White House strategy on social media, calling it "PEAK DARK — inhumanity plus shock-and-awe tactics." This context underscores her consistent stance against policies she views as dehumanizing. As cultural historian Dr. Lena Torres notes, "Artists like SZA using their platform at major awards shows to address immigration reflects a long tradition of music intersecting with social justice movements, from the 1960s civil rights anthems to today."

Despite the somber tone of her message, SZA concluded with a defiant call to action, rejecting despair. "I will not be going quietly into the dying of the light. I encourage everyone to do the same," she declared, stressing that maintaining collective morale is essential for achieving change. Her Grammy night was also a professional triumph; entering with five nominations, she and collaborator Kendrick Lamar won Best Melodic Rap Performance for "Luther," and she received a further nomination for "Crybaby" from her deluxe album "LANA."