A music sales war spilled over to Twitter this week and turned into a fierce fan war. It all centers on the solo efforts of SZA (real name: Solána Imani Rowe) and Taylor Swift, who topped the Billboard 200 chart in the week ending January 6. As the two artists promote their latest albums - SOS and Midnights - respectively - some members of their fan base are openly speculating about a feud between them. However, SZA made sure to quickly quash the beef rumors, including sending "love to everyone" in a January 5 tweet.
Before SZA tweeted, she was leading Swift in the final sprint to take the top spot for a fourth straight week, but the "Anti-Hero" singer didn't seem ready to throw in the towel. Swift shared a story on Instagram while she was "taking a break from tour rehearsals" to promote her new Midnights digital album of four, with bonus material behind the songs. One Twitter user showed a screenshot of a $4.99 digital album and suggested it was part of an effort to prevent SOS from ever reaching No. 1 again. “Despair is no longer the word,” they added.
Meanwhile, SZA has some tricks up her sleeve: a new digital version of SOS, which includes a solo version of "Open Arms," as well as a new track, "PSA." One fan shared the update on Twitter, writing: "Say you want to be funny Taylor? I can be hilarious." Another wrote: "Tyler with Sazza on my TL .Sister against sister, mother against mother.”
As fans interpreted their actions (even calling them a "war"), SZA decided it was time to step in and publicly debunk any rumors of a feud. "Ugh I feel stupid for even having to say this but I [sic] see supporters arguing and I hate it," she began her tweet. "I'm not mad at anyone, especially Taylor lmao, I really love her album and writing!"
The "Good Days" singer added, "Everyone should do their best," before closing with "LOVE TO EVERYONE." She concluded with a good night and a white heart emoji.
Chart Data's Twitter account posted an update on the game on January 6, based on intel from Hits Daily Double, calling the contest "evenly matched." Updated predictions were delayed so fans wouldn't immediately know which artist won. The week before, when SZA was on top, she wrote on Instagram: "3 weeks at #1, totally focused on my work and no messing around..." Thank God" So no matter how many weeks she ends up hanging on, this is It might still be her attitude.
