A true auteur, SZA says her lithe and woozy soul is inspired by everything from Björk songs to Spike Lee films to the athletes she looked up to as a star high school gymnast. It’s no wonder her music feels like a world unto itself. Whether the St. Louis, Missouri-born singer is cooing on Maroon 5 hits, collabing with TDE crewmate Kendrick Lamar or painstakingly crafting her own albums, SZA is an enveloping presence. Her lyrics are vulnerable yet empowered and her voice is as intimate as a whisper even when soaring. But it’s her wild mix of influences, ideas and ability that congeals into a new magical-sounding, artist-first take on confessional R&B.