It was the lyric that launched a thousand think pieces. Back in 2020, Drake hopped on the track "Mr. Right Now" with 21 Savage and basically blew up the internet by claiming he and SZA were a thing more than a decade ago. People were stunned.
You’ve probably seen the memes. The "how did we not know?" tweets. For years, Drake and SZA dating was a secret buried in the pre-fame archives of two of the world's biggest stars. But as it turns out, the reality of their relationship is a lot more low-key—and arguably more wholesome—than the rap lyrics might suggest.
The 2009 Timeline: Clearing the Air
Drake’s original line was: "Cause I used to date SZA back in '08." The internet did the math immediately. People realized SZA would have been 17 or 18 at the time, which led to a lot of side-eye and "predator" allegations. SZA didn't let the rumor mill spin for long. She took to X (back when it was Twitter) to clarify that the timing was actually 2009.
Why does that one year matter? Well, it meant she was 18 turning 19. She jokingly chalked up Drake's mistake to "poetic rap license," basically saying "08" just rhymed better with "wait."
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It was a brief, "childish" fling. Those are her words, not mine. In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, she described the whole thing as "youth vibes."
"We were really young. It wasn’t hot and heavy or anything. It was like youth vibes. It was so childish." — SZA
Why It Still Matters in 2026
You might think a teenage romance from 2009 would be irrelevant by now. You’d be wrong. The reason the Drake and SZA dating history remains a hot topic is because of how their careers have intersected—and occasionally collided—since then.
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- The Musical Reunion: In 2023, they finally gave fans what they wanted with "Slime You Out." It went straight to number one.
- The Kendrick Lamar Factor: Things got awkward in 2024 and 2025. During the massive Kendrick vs. Drake beef, SZA found herself caught in the crossfire.
- The Super Bowl Shift: By February 2025, SZA was performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside Kendrick Lamar. For many fans, this felt like she was picking a side in the rap civil war, despite her history with Drizzy.
The "Hot Ones" Moment
Just recently, in early 2025, SZA appeared on Hot Ones Versus with Keke Palmer and Issa Rae. When Keke tried to get the "tea" on whether Drake was a good kisser, SZA flat-out refused to answer. She chose to eat a death-defying spicy wing instead of spilling the details.
Honestly? That’s boss moves. It shows that while they’re "cool," she isn't interested in using her past to grab headlines. She’s firmly in her "Solána" era, where her talent speaks louder than her dating history.
The Professional vs. Personal Dynamic
They aren't just exes; they're peers. Drake has always been vocal about his respect for her. On his 2018 track "Diplomatic Immunity," he mentioned "Solána" (her real name), proving he’d been keeping tabs on her success long before they collaborated.
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But it hasn't always been perfect. SZA admitted she was a bit annoyed when "Slime You Out" was released because she felt her vocals weren't finished. Then there was the whole Halle Berry cover art drama. Drake used a photo of Halle Berry getting slimed for the single without her permission, and SZA had to navigate that PR mess by association.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of fans assume there's some deep-seated resentment there. There isn't. SZA has repeatedly called him "King Drake" and said he’s never been anything but positive toward her.
The "drama" is mostly fan-generated. We love a narrative where two superstars are secretly pining for each other or harboring a grudge, but the truth is just two people who hung out as kids and grew up to dominate the charts.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the ever-changing world of celebrity relationships and their impact on music, here is what you need to keep in mind:
- Check the Timeline: Don't take rap lyrics as gospel. Artists often prioritize rhyme schemes over factual dates.
- Watch the Collaborations: Musical synergy doesn't always mean romantic reconciliation. "Slime You Out" was a business win, not a "getting back together" announcement.
- Follow the Credits: SZA’s work with Kendrick Lamar (like on the album GNX) and her participation in the Grand National Tour show where her professional loyalty currently lies.
- Respect the Privacy: If an artist chooses to eat a Ghost Pepper wing rather than talk about a kiss, they probably want that chapter closed.
The saga of Drake and SZA dating is a masterclass in how celebrities manage their past in the digital age. It’s about taking control of the narrative before the internet turns a "childish" fling into something it never was.