In a stunning achievement that reverberates throughout the music industry, SZA has officially surpassed Michael Jackson in the Billboard record books. The acclaimed singer’s sophomore album SOS has now spent more weeks in Billboard 200’s Top 10 than any album by a Black artist in chart history, dethroning Jackson’s landmark album Thriller after nearly three years of consistent chart dominance.
The historic milestone
On March 12, 2025, SOS matched Thriller’s impressive 79 nonconsecutive weeks in the Billboard 200’s Top 10. Days later, SZA officially claimed the record outright, cementing her place in music history. Chart Data confirmed this remarkable achievement, triggering waves of celebration across the music community.
Terrence Henderson, president of Top Dawg Entertainment and SZA’s manager, acknowledged the magnitude of this accomplishment. Henderson also noted that much of SOS was recorded at Westlake Studios — the same hallowed ground where Jackson created Thriller. This connection adds profound symbolism to SZA’s achievement, bridging two eras of musical excellence.
The unstoppable journey of SOS
Released in December 2022, SOS made an immediate impact by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album maintained its top position for 10 nonconsecutive weeks, demonstrating extraordinary staying power in an era of rapidly shifting musical tastes. Even more impressive, SOS has not dropped below the Top 20 since its release — a feat almost unheard of in today’s streaming-dominated landscape.
The album’s commercial resilience was further validated when it placed No. 6 on Billboard’s year-end Albums chart for 2024, proving its relevance remains strong years after release. This consistent performance defies industry norms, where even successful albums typically experience significant chart decline after their initial promotional cycles.
Breaking down the success factors
Several elements have contributed to the unprecedented longevity of SOS:
Production excellence: The album’s sonic landscape offers a blend of contemporary R&B with experimental production techniques, creating a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners.
Thematic depth: SZA’s exploration of vulnerability, self-acceptance, and personal growth gives SOS an emotional resonance that transcends passing trends.
Strategic promotion: The release of singles from the album has maintained public interest, with tracks finding new audiences through social media long after initial release.
Critical acclaim: Positive critical reception has validated the album’s artistic merit, encouraging new listeners to discover it well beyond its release window.
Cultural impact: The album has become a cultural touchstone, referenced across media and influencing fashion, language, and broader pop culture conversations.
Comparison to Jackson’s achievement
What makes SZA‘s accomplishment particularly noteworthy is the dramatically different music landscape compared to when Jackson set his record. Thriller dominated during an era of physical album sales and limited entertainment options. SOS has maintained its chart presence despite competing with an endless stream of new releases, short attention spans, and algorithm-driven listening habits.
This contrast highlights the extraordinary nature of SZA’s achievement. While Jackson’s Thriller benefited from massive cultural moments like the revolutionary “Thriller” music video, SZA has sustained her success through consistent musical quality and authentic connection with her audience.
The road ahead
As SOS continues its historic chart run, SZA is expanding her presence in the industry. She will join Kendrick Lamar for their much-anticipated GNX Tour, beginning April 19 in Minneapolis. The duo previously collaborated during Kendrick’s Super Bowl halftime performance in February, performing “All the Stars” and “Luther” to widespread acclaim.
This pairing of two of music’s most critically respected artists promises to be one of the year’s most significant tours, potentially extending SOS‘s impact even further as new audiences are exposed to SZA’s performances.
For an artist who expressed disbelief at merely tying Jackson’s record, surpassing it represents a defining moment in her career. The continued success of SOS demonstrates that authentic artistry can still triumph in an industry often driven by momentary trends.
SZA’s historic achievement stands as inspiration to artists everywhere, particularly within the African American music community, proving that creative integrity paired with unwavering dedication can lead to extraordinary, record-breaking success.
