As we all sing along to the popular song Kill Bill, there is a deeper influence at play resulting in our S.O.S relationships
Don't get me wrong; I am a huge fan of SZA's song "Kill Bill". I currently have this song on a loop because what is a more fitting way to write this article than by immersing myself in it?
However, I may have been too obsessed with "Kill Bill" when it was released. I listened to it so often that it will likely be my most listened-to song on Spotify for 2023.
I began by analyzing the lyrics and researching the meaning they held to SZA. Next, I looked into the inspiration for the album cover and song title, which led me to research the movie "Kill Bill". As my obsession grew with this song, I expanded my investigation to understand the album, all while drawing comparisons between SZA's music video and the movie Kill Bill.
At the end of my extensive project, I concluded that "Kill Bill" is the lyrical embodiment of toxic relationships. Although this may have been apparent to many of individuals from the start, I believe the meaning of this song mimics how toxic relationships unfold; you don't realize the situation you are in until it is too late.
When rationalizing adverse events during these relationships, SZA sings, "I did all of this sober. Don't you know I did it all for us?". These lyrics can ground individuals in toxic relationships as they can rationalize their actions. Although they understand the relationship toxicity, it is still fantasized about as the ends justify the means.
From an outside perspective, toxic relationships wave multiple bright red flags. However, similar to the music video, it is not always apparent to the individuals within the relationship. Although SZA was given physical embodiments of love, her partner ultimately betrayed her.
You may wonder how this fantasizes toxic relationships since SZA showcases the negatives of this situation. However, I believe her melodic voice and captivating chorus, "I just killed my ex", places a positive spin on destructive pairings.
I believe many individuals can resonate with the lyrics "I don't want none, I just want you. If I can't have you, no one should" with these internal feelings being validated in a public setting, it can lead listeners to believe that manipulating their partner is acceptable as long as it benefits them.
The song "Kill Bill" is based on the movie Kill Bill, in which, after a four-year coma, an assassin exacts murderous revenge on her ex-lover, who attempted to murder her during her wedding day.
From an outside perspective, toxic relationships wave multiple bright red flags. However, similar to the music video, it is not always apparent to the individuals within the relationship. Although SZA was given physical embodiments of love, her partner ultimately betrayed her.
By this comparison alone, it is evident that SZA was inspired to create musical artistry based on toxic relationships before this song was written. The assassin's ex quite literally attempted to murder her due to jealousy, encapsulating the lyrics, "I might kill my ex, I still love him, though. Rather be in jail than alone". This pure form of jealousy hidden in the lyrics alludes that relationships must share extreme versions of love to thrive.
In my opinion, the story SZA conveys through her melody and lyrics transcends a serious situation. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, love and belonging are prime human motivational factors. With toxic relationships, this is increasingly evident.
When rationalizing adverse events during these relationships, SZA sings, "I did all of this sober. Don't you know I did it all for us?". These lyrics can ground individuals in toxic relationships as they can rationalize their actions. Although they understand the relationship toxicity, it is still fantasized about as the ends justify the means.
This song's popularity demonstrates that society accepts some form of toxic relationships as extreme love satisfies our human needs. In my opinion, love without restraints can potentially lead to disastrous outcomes. The validation "Kill Bill' provides toxic relationships allows individuals to openly fantasize about extreme love.
Josh Spring
The Silhouette
1. Sampha
Sampha is best known for lending his smooth, soulful vocals to Drake’s “Too Much” and “The Motion.” However, his EPs and acoustic session have proven that he is much more than a chorus man.
Sampha’s early recordings, released on his Sundanza EP, sound like a funky, frenetic arcade-cum-dance-bar. On his 2013 releases, Dual and Too Much/Happens, Sampha brings it back to the basics. One piano, one microphone, one man, and his soul. This is minimal music, permeated with a lonely urgency. Piano, vocals and the occasional drum beat are all Sampha needs.
With a diverse array of sounds under his belt, he will no doubt continue to croon and swoon in 2014.
2. Jessy Lanza
Hailing from our very own Hamilton, Ontario, Jessy Lanza released her bold debut album, Pull My Hair Back, in late 2013. She is the lone songstress on Hyperdub, the prolific London-based label, known best for its instrumental electronic artists. This is a testament to her musical talent.
Jessy makes amorphous electro-R&B. Synthesized arpeggios flutter beneath her breathy vocals, which pulse with a diffident sexiness. She experiments with a variety of sounds on her debut, ranging from funk to trap.
Stay on the lookout; she is likely to bless her hometown with a(nother) live show soon.
3. FKA Twigs
FKA twigs is sexy. The vocals on “Weak Spot,” the first song on her first EP are spoken almost entirely in a seductive whisper. It is not until the end of the song that we hear twigs sing. Or rather, moan, a sensuous, melodic moan. This is aphrodisiac music.
The breathy vocals that permeate the rest of her two EPs (aptly named EP and EP2) strike a seemingly discordant balance between dominance and vulnerability. It works for twigs. Her voice floats atop sparse production, lending to the ethereal intimacy that is so often a part of sex. Here’s hoping that 2014 brings us more of FKA twigs’ sultry, tripped-out R&B.
4. SOHN
SOHN’s music is haunting, mournful, and melancholic. His electro-soul sound lies somewhere between The Weeknd’s brooding moodscapes and Rhye’s lamenting love songs.
A native of London, England, SOHN now lives in a quiet neighbourhood in Vienna. His music is reflective of this environmental shift. It is minimal, punctuated by empty space. Infrequently, songs will build to a dense climax, reminiscent of London’s cramped chaos.
SOHN has dropped two EPs, The Wheel and Bloodflows. He has an LP slated for release in 2014. Catch him in Toronto on May 14 if you’re around. If you aren’t, wait patiently for his debut album.
5. SZA
SZA is the first female artist signed to the powerhouse American hip-hop label Top Dawg Entertainment (or TDE), alongside prolific artists including Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q.
If that is not enough to convince you of her artistry, one listen through of either of her EPs will. See.SZA.Run and S are filled with woozy, synth-drenched soundscapes carried by SZA’s dreamy vocals. This is outer-space-wavy R&B that would be easily complemented with a blunt on a summer’s evening.
TDE CEO Anthony Tiffith has announced that the entire roster will release solo albums in 2014. Stay tuned for SZA’s.
