In a moment that has thrilled fans of both K-pop and R&B worldwide, American singer-songwriter SZA recently praised BLACKPINK’s Jennie and her solo track “Seoul City,” igniting excitement over the possibility of a future collaboration between the two global stars.
The buzz began when a Korean fan shared a screenshot of SZA’s comment, “This hard af,” in response to Jennie’s track.
The brief but powerful praise quickly made waves in online communities, especially among Korean netizens and international fans who saw this as a sign of mutual admiration between the two artists.
The original post went viral on a popular Korean forum, leading to a cascade of enthusiastic responses, with many users expressing hopes that the two would work together musically.
Jennie’s “Seoul City,” which was released earlier this year as part of her solo project, has been garnering growing recognition for its moody R&B tones, sleek production, and introspective lyrics.
The song marked a bold departure from the high-energy pop and EDM styles often associated with BLACKPINK’s group music, showcasing Jennie’s versatility as an artist.
Her solo album, “Ruby,” which features “Seoul City” as a standout track, has been lauded for its emotional depth and sophisticated sound.
SZA, known for her chart-topping albums like Ctrl and SOS, has been dominating the R&B scene in recent years, blending confessional lyrics with smooth, genre-bending production.
Her acknowledgment of Jennie’s work serves not only as a testament to Jennie’s global impact but also underscores the growing intersection between Western and Korean music industries.
Fans React With Overwhelming Excitement
Korean netizens and international fans alike quickly chimed in with their thoughts:
“‘Seoul City’ is honestly a masterpiece.”
“Wow, insane… I really hope they collaborate.”
“Foreigners who love R&B are seriously going crazy over ‘Seoul City.’ But honestly, it’s that good.”
“Jennie’s ‘Ruby’ album is an amazing album.”
“Please, a collab would suit them so well!!!”
“Jennie’s agency has been working hard since morning.”
“Wow, SZA is basically #1 in R&B right now. Jennie is really amazing.”
These comments reflect the widespread admiration for both artists and the belief that a collaboration would be a musical match made in heaven.
Fans noted the similarities in their artistic styles—both Jennie and SZA are known for their emotional vulnerability, trend-setting fashion, and genre-defying music.
If they were to collaborate, it could potentially result in a track that blends K-pop finesse with R&B soulfulness, appealing to a global audience across continents and cultures.
Industry Implications and Cultural Impact
A potential collaboration between SZA and Jennie wouldn’t just be a hit among fans—it could also be culturally significant.
In recent years, the K-pop industry has seen increasing collaboration with Western artists, from BTS’s work with Halsey and Coldplay to BLACKPINK’s songs with Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, and Cardi B.
However, a partnership with SZA, who is revered for her artistry and depth in the R&B world, would stand out for its potential to explore deeper musical themes and push genre boundaries.
Jennie’s growth as a solo artist has been widely recognized, especially after the release of “Ruby.”
The album’s success solidified her place not just as a member of BLACKPINK, but as a powerful soloist capable of shaping her own unique sound.
“Seoul City” in particular has resonated with listeners for its emotional resonance and atmospheric production—qualities that align closely with SZA’s musical style.
If the two artists were to collaborate, it could serve as a major moment of cross-cultural exchange, introducing more mainstream R&B listeners to K-pop’s evolving soundscape, while also allowing Korean pop music to further establish its place in the global music conversation.
BLACKPINK’s Global Dominance Continues
Meanwhile, BLACKPINK continues to assert their status as global icons with their massive “Deadline” world tour, which kicked off in July 2025 and is set to continue into 2026.
The tour spans major cities across North America, Europe, and Asia, including Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, and more.
This extensive schedule showcases the group’s ability to draw crowds around the world and maintain a powerful presence even as individual members pursue solo projects.
Jennie’s ability to draw the attention of international music stars like SZA only reinforces BLACKPINK’s influence beyond the K-pop sphere.
Her solo work is not just a side project—it’s a legitimate artistic endeavor that is being recognized by top-tier artists in other genres.
A Dream Collab in the Making?
Whether or not a collaboration between Jennie and SZA will materialize remains to be seen. But for now, fans are thrilled by the possibility.
The mere idea of these two powerful, genre-defining women coming together on a single track is enough to stir anticipation—and the internet is watching closely.
If the stars align, “Jennie x SZA” could become one of the most iconic crossovers in recent music history.
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