SZA Calls Beyoncé a “Generous Queen” After Revealing ‘SOS’ Interpolated off of Beyoncé’s “Listen”

SZA comments about SOS and Beyonce interpolation

In a candid revelation that has electrified both the Beyhive and SZA’s fanbase, R&B star SZA shared that Beyoncé quietly owns a significant stake of her song “SOS” due to an interpolation of Beyoncé’s 2006 hit “Listen.” Instead of bad blood, SZA is singing Queen Bey’s praises – and fans across social media are cheering on this display of mutual respect and generosity.

SZA (left) Beyonce (right)

The two stars share a bond of mutual respect and quiet support behind the scenes. Recent comments by SZA have unveiled an unexpected connection between her SOS album’s title track and Beyoncé’s iconic ballad “Listen.” In an Instagram exchange, SZA admitted, “I literally owe her half my publishing off interpolation alone on SOS and she never pressed me lmao,” even referring to Beyoncé as “a generous QUEEN”. This interpolation comes at the end of SZA’s song, when she sings, “And I cried and cried, said what’s on my mind,” closely mirroring Beyoncé’s original lyrics, “And I’ve tried and tried to say what’s on my mind,” from Listen. By music industry standards, borrowing a hook like that would entitle Beyoncé to a hefty share of the songwriting credits – in this case, half of the publishing rights to “SOS.” Yet, as SZA emphasized, Beyoncé never once demanded payment or made an issue of it, cementing her reputation for grace behind the scenes.

Beyoncé’s Quiet Generosity and Influence

This revelation came to light in the comments of a viral Instagram Reel by influencer Zuhaila Jama, who joked about how Beyoncé credits practically everyone who steps foot in the studio on her songs. The punchline of that Reel – highlighting Beyoncé’s habit of generously sharing songwriting credits – turned out to be grounded in truth. Beyoncé’s quiet influence often involves uplifting fellow artists without fanfare. In SZA’s case, Beyoncé essentially gave her blessing to use “Listen”’s melody in “SOS,” and did so without issuing any public demands for compensation. It’s a behind-the-scenes act of kindness that fans say exemplifies why Beyoncé remains untouchable in both artistry and character.

SZA herself has long been open about looking up to Beyoncé. In interviews, the 35-year-old “Kill Bill” singer has confessed to being starstruck in Beyoncé’s presence – too shy to even approach her at events – and has described Beyoncé as “a masterclass on poise, grace, artistry, beauty and kindness”. That admiration now makes even more sense: SZA experienced Beyoncé’s graciousness firsthand. By calling Bey a “generous queen,” SZA essentially gave Beyoncé her flowers publicly, thanking her for quietly supporting SOS. It’s a moment of transparency that pulls back the curtain on how one legendary artist supports another, purely out of respect.

Fans Applaud a “Queens Supporting Queens” Moment

After SZA’s confession spread online, fans across Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit erupted with reactions – and the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive. As one commenter succinctly put it, “legends supporting legends. Beyoncé is the blueprint for how to handle your crown.” Many praised the way both women handled the situation with class: Beyoncé for her magnanimity and SZA for her honesty. “SZA you will always be loved by the Beyhive,” one fan wrote, assuring that Beyoncé’s loyal fans appreciated SZA’s respect. Another highlighted Beyoncé’s grace, noting that “this is how real stars handle business. Beyoncé could’ve demanded more but chose grace.” The phrase “real queens support queens” was echoed throughout comment sections, capturing the mood of mutual admiration that swept through the fandoms.

Fans also found humor in the situation. One viral tweet quipped that “Borrow Beyoncé’s ‘Listen’ hook and suddenly half your ‘SOS’ publishing is a charitable donation to the Queen — how magnanimous.” On TikTok, users made lighthearted videos imagining Beyoncé’s accountants only now realizing they’re owed a check, playing on SZA’s joke that Bey never even asked for the money. A few cynics chimed in with tongue-in-cheek skepticism – one wrote “She definitely got paid to say that” in disbelief that anyone could be so generous – but those voices were drowned out by an outpouring of admiration for both artists. As a music fan on Reddit observed, there’s no drama here, “just one powerhouse showing love to another”.

A Powerful Takeaway on Respect and Generosity

In an industry often dominated by legal battles over samples and credits, this feel-good episode between SZA and Beyoncé shines a light on a different approach. Beyoncé’s quiet generosity – crediting collaborators liberally and not sweating over due royalties – has set a tone that artists and fans deeply appreciate. SZA’s transparency in sharing the story, meanwhile, shows how much it meant to her and underscores the respect she has for Beyoncé. In the end, both women emerge looking even more confident and empowered: one using her influence to lift others up, and the other unafraid to honor those who paved the way. It’s the ultimate “queens support queens” moment – a reminder that behind the hits and headlines, respect and generosity never go out of style.

Sources:

SZA Instagram comment via People people.com

SoapCentral (fan reactions) soapcentral.comsoapcentral.com

HotNewHipHop hotnewhiphop.com

Sportskeeda sportskeeda.com