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Hit Different
View on Wikipedia| "Hit Different" | ||||
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| Single by SZA featuring Ty Dolla Sign | ||||
| Released | September 4, 2020 | |||
| Recorded | February 2020 | |||
| Studio | DJ Khaled's house | |||
| Genre | R&B | |||
| Length | 3:22 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers |
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| SZA singles chronology | ||||
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| Ty Dolla Sign singles chronology | ||||
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"Hit Different" is a single by American singer SZA featuring fellow American singer Ty Dolla Sign. The two wrote the song with Rob Bisel and producers the Neptunes. It was recorded at the home of producer DJ Khaled and released through Top Dawg Entertainment on September 4, 2020, days after SZA posted on social media suggesting that the record label had been intentionally pushing back the release date of her music. It is an R&B torch song about a dysfunctional but tempting relationship.
"Hit Different" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics, who commended the song's nostalgic musical structure and SZA's writing. "Hit Different" was included on several publications' year-end lists of the best songs of the year, including those of NPR and Consequence of Sound. The song peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving SZA her highest debut on the chart, and made appearances on Australian and UK charts. The accompanying music video, directed by SZA, shows the singer dancing in various settings, before ending with a snippet of successor single "Good Days".
Background and composition
[edit]"Hit Different" saw SZA's first release as the sole lead artist since her 2017 album Ctrl. The song came less than a month after SZA claimed in a series of tweets that Top Dawg Entertainment head Punch had been purposely delaying the release of her new music, calling their relationship "hostile" and spawning the "#FreeSZA" hashtag on Twitter.[1][2][3] In an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, she revealed that she had recorded the song at DJ Khaled's house while he was performing at the Super Bowl LIV preshow.[4] Speaking in the same interview about the song, she said, "I just wanted to give people something just to vibe because I have so much stuff that I'm just done holding onto."[5] She also expressed that she was hesitant to release the single, telling Lowe, "I was crying with [my] mom because I haven't dropped anything in so long and I just feel like the anxiety...Sometimes I'm strong enough to just drop something and then two weeks passes, and then I'm not strong anymore."[6]
"Hit Different" is an R&B[7] song. It begins with Pharrell's trademark "four-count" and features a chorus sung by Ty Dolla Sign.[8] SZA's voice on the song has been described as "silky"[2] and "dreamy",[4] while Ty's voice has been described as a "coo".[9] Lyrically, "Hit Different" is a torch song[10] which details a dysfunctional relationship with an emotionally distant partner to whom she keeps returning.[11] Her worries about this person are emphasized in the lyrics: "Can't trust decision when you near me/Get myself caught in your crossfire".[7]
Release and reception
[edit]The single received little promotion prior to its release other than a screenshot from the song's music video posted to SZA's Twitter and Instagram featuring SZA covered in fake blood with the caption "Midnight EST" less than 90 minutes before it was released.[12][13][14] Following the song's release, SZA posted a snippet of another unreleased song to her Instagram, captioning the video, "Punch gon kill me but I'm in a sharing mood".[7]
Writing for Vulture, Craig Jenkins called "Hit Different" "fresh and fuss-free", writing, "'Hit Different' is both cogent mainstream music and slyly referential art."[11] NPR's Lars Gotrich reacted positively to the song, writing, "With nostalgic production by the Neptunes, ['Hit Different'] hits that tender spot that made SZA's 2017 debut, Ctrl, hit so hard."[15] Multiple critics noted her "signature cool" on the track.[16][17] In its opening week, Hit Different garnered 13.3 million streams and 6,000 digital downloads in the US, debuting at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 (marking SZA's highest debut on the chart and her first song to debut in the top-40) and at number three on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[18][19]
Accolades
[edit]"Hit Different" was included on several publications' year-end lists of the best songs of the year, including NPR at number 20 and Consequence of Sound at number 22.[20][21]
Music video
[edit]The song's music video was directed by SZA, making it her directorial debut,[8] and released alongside the single itself.[22] It depicts SZA dancing in a number of different settings and outfits, including in a junkyard surrounded by backup dancers wearing "Aaliyah-inspired" neon orange crop tops and baggy pants; in a barn filled with white animals; in an empty field; on top of a haystack wearing an oversized tie-dye shirt; in a parking garage wearing an Ottolinger bra and shirt with a Renaissance art-inspired pattern; and in the back of a pickup truck.[23] Throughout the video, flashes of her covered in blood appear.[10] Towards the second half of the video, the song changes to a different song titled "Good Days",[24] an "ambient chill"[15] ballad[25] made alongside Jacob Collier, while the video shows SZA sitting on top of a pommel horse sporting a bikini and wooden beaded braids.[16][2]
Joshua Espinoza of Complex stated, "Though it may sound a little random, the video is striking and pairs perfectly with the smooth, laid back record."[26] Erica Gonzales of Harper's Bazaar remarked that SZA exuded "her cool girl swagger" in the video, calling the sets "visually stunning".[13] Spin's Brenton Blanchet called the video's choreography "expert-level".[8] Writing for The Fader, Shaad D'Souza called the video "gorgeous".[27] Craig Jenkins of Vulture said, "The visual callbacks are vast and smart," comparing the scenes in the music video to a number of different films, including Sympathy for the Devil, Beloved, and When I Get Home, and comparing her beaded braids to those of singer Patrice Rushen.[11] Lindsay Zoladz of The New York Times called the video "stylish" and "striking".[17] MTV's Patrick Hosken called the video "remarkably visionary", adding, "By the end, both the tune and the visuals move on to another element that just may tie in both worlds of ruined metal and organic nature."[7] Shannon J. Effinger of Pitchfork compared the music video to that of "Rock the Boat" by Aaliyah.[10]
Upon release, singer Drake showed praise towards the visual, posting a screenshot on his Instagram story and writing, "Solana is the chefs [sic] kiss".[28]
Track listing
[edit]- Digital download[29]
- "Hit Different" – 3:22
Credits and personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from Tidal.[29]
- Solána Rowe – vocals, songwriting
- Tyrone Griffin, Jr. – vocals, songwriting
- The Neptunes – production, songwriting
- Rob Bisel – miscellaneous production, recording, songwriting
- Ben "Bengineer" Sedano – assistant engineering
- Curtis "Sircut" Bye – assistant engineering
- Jonathan Pfarr – assistant engineering
- Nick Valentin – assistant engineering
- Nicolas De Porcel – mastering
- Derek "MixedByAli" Ali – mixing
- Kaushlesh "Garry" Purohit – recording
- Mike Larson – recording
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[41] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[42] | 3× Platinum | 3,000,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | September 4, 2020 | [29] | ||
| United States | October 20, 2020 | Urban adult contemporary | [43] |
References
[edit]- ^ Murphy, Chris (September 4, 2020). "Against All Odds SZA Is Back, Drops 'Hit Different' Featuring Ty Dolla $ign". Vulture. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ a b c Legaspi, Althea (September 4, 2020). "See SZA, Ty Dolla $ign Contemplate a Relationship That 'Hit Different' in New Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Minsker, Evan (September 4, 2020). "SZA Shares Video for New Song "Hit Different" With Ty Dolla $ign". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ a b Wood, Mikael (September 4, 2020). "Watch the video for the looong-awaited new SZA track, 'Hit Different'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ Rettig, James (4 September 2020). "SZA - "Hit Different" (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)". Stereogum. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ "SZA Gives A Status Update On New Music After Returning With 'Hit Different'". BET. September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ a b c d Hosken, Patrick (September 4, 2020). "SZA, Ty Dolla $ign, And The Neptunes All 'Hit Different' On Vibey New Single". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 10, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ a b c Blanchet, Brenton (September 4, 2020). "SZA Drops Neptunes-Produced Single 'Hit Different' With Ty Dolla $ign". Spin. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Penrose, Nerisha (September 4, 2020). "SZA Returns to Save 2020 With New Song 'Hits Different' Featuring Ty Dolla $ign". ELLE. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ a b c Effinger, Shannon J. (September 8, 2020). "SZA Explores Love Gone Wrong on "Hit Different"". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
- ^ a b c Jenkins, Craig (September 4, 2020). "SZA Knows How to Make an R&B Jam Hit Different". Vulture. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Newstead, Al (4 September 2020). "First Spin: SZA makes surprise return with new song/video 'Hit Different'". triple j. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ a b Gonzales, Erica (September 4, 2020). "SZA Officially Returns with a New Song and Gorgeous Music Video". Harper's BAZAAR. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Yang, Rachel (September 4, 2020). "SZA releases new song 'Hit Different,' featuring Ty Dolla $ign". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ a b Gotrich, Lars (September 4, 2020). "It's SZA SZN: The R&B Star Returns With 'Hit Different,' Featuring Ty Dolla $ign". NPR. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ a b Boone, Keyaira (September 4, 2020). "Watch SZA Step Into The Director's Chair For 'Hit Different'". Essence. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ a b Pareles, Jon; Zoladz, Lindsay; Russonello, Giovanni (September 4, 2020). "SZA's Surprise Return, and 10 More New Songs". The New York Times. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ Zellner, Xander (September 16, 2020). "The Neptunes Rule R&B Producers Chart, Thanks to SZA, Monica & Lil Baby". Billboard. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
- ^ "SZA's 'Hit Different' Delivers Her Highest Hot 100 Debut Yet - That Grape Juice". That Grape Juice. September 15, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
- ^ "The 100 Best Songs of 2020". NPR.
- ^ "Top 50 Songs of 2020". Consequence of Sound. December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
- ^ Langford, Jackson (September 4, 2020). "SZA makes her grand return with new single 'Hit Different'". NME. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Hess, Liam (September 4, 2020). "SZA's 'Hit Different' Video Is a Kaleidoscopic Ode to End-of-Summer Style". Vogue. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ Hsu, Carrie (September 24, 2020). "Music Video Breakdown: 'Hit Different'". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
- ^ Okon, Wongo (September 4, 2020). "SZA And Ty Dolla Sign's 'Hit Different' Marks Her Return To Music". UPROXX. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Espinoza, Joshua (September 4, 2020). "SZA Shares Video for New Track "Hit Different" f/ Ty Dolla Sign". Complex. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ D'Souza, Shaad (September 4, 2020). "SZA returns with "Hit Different" feat. Ty Dolla $ign, produced by The Neptunes". The FADER. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Tai, Anita (September 4, 2020). "Drake Shows SZA Big Love For New Music Video 'Hit Different'". ET Canada. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Credits / Hit Different / SZA". TIDAL. 4 September 2020. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 14 September 2020". No. 1593. Australian Recording Industry Association. September 14, 2020.
{{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires|magazine=(help) - ^ "SZA Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
- ^ "Billboard Global 200 Chart". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. September 14, 2020. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
- ^ "SZA Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
- ^ "SZA Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
- ^ "SZA Chart History (R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
- ^ "SZA Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
- ^ "Top 100 Songs, September 4, 2020 - September 10, 2020". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
- ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
- ^ "British single certifications – SZA ft Ty Dolla Sign – Hit Different". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
- ^ "American single certifications – SZA – Hit Different". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
- ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
Hit Different
View on Grokipedia[](https://genius.com/Sza-hit-different-lyrics/q/writer)
The release marked SZA's first original single as a lead artist since her 2017 debut album Ctrl, arriving amid anticipation for her sophomore project and following a period of label disputes that delayed her output. [](https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-ty-dolla-sign-hit-different-video-drake-reacts-9445014/) Accompanied by a self-directed music video that SZA conceptualized and filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the visual features intimate, dreamlike imagery of the artists navigating emotional landscapes, emphasizing themes of healing and introspection. [](https://www.sonymusic.ca/press_release/sza-shares-new-song-and-video-for-hit-different-featuring-ty-dolla-ign) [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJlMkMtK7-8) Critically acclaimed for its vulnerable songwriting and evocative sound, "Hit Different" was praised by reviewers for capturing the nuances of tainted love and SZA's evolving artistry. [](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/sza-hit-different-ft-ty-dolla-dollarign/)
Commercially, the single debuted and peaked at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming SZA's highest-charting debut as a lead artist at the time and her fourth top-40 entry overall. [](https://thatgrapejuice.net/2020/09/szas-hit-different-delivers-her-highest-hot-100-debut-yet/) It also reached number 55 on the UK Singles Chart and appeared on charts in Australia and New Zealand, bolstered by strong streaming performance. [](https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/sza-ft-ty-dolla-sign-hit-different/) The song's success underscored SZA's growing influence in contemporary R&B, paving the way for her 2022 album SOS, and it has since amassed over 500 million streams across platforms, certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA in the United States as of 2025. [](https://open.spotify.com/track/7Bar1kLTmsRmH6FCKKMEyU) [](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=SZA&ti=Hit+Different#search_section)
Background
Development
"Hit Different" emerged amid ongoing tensions between SZA and her label, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), which delayed the release of her anticipated sophomore album following her 2017 debut Ctrl, making the track her first major standalone single in three years.[1][2] The collaboration between SZA and Ty Dolla $ign co-wrote the song alongside Rob Bisel and producers the Neptunes—Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo—who contributed during the initial conceptual stages.[3][4] In late August 2020, SZA took to social media to voice her frustrations with TDE president Terrence "Punch" Henderson, accusing him of intentionally withholding her new music and hinting at upcoming releases.[1][5] These posts, including a reply to a fan questioning her output, amplified the label disputes and built anticipation for "Hit Different".[2]Recording
The recording of "Hit Different" took place in February 2020 at DJ Khaled's home studio in Miami, while Khaled was attending the Super Bowl, as stated by SZA in a contemporary interview; engineer Rob Bisel later recalled initial tracking at SZA's Malibu home around the same period.[6][7] SZA tracked her lead vocals during a session with producers The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo), who handled the track's full production.[6] Ty Dolla $ign contributed his feature to complete the collaboration.[8] Post-production was overseen by engineer and additional producer Rob Bisel, who finalized the mixing and mastered the song to its 3:22 duration.[9] This process emphasized a polished R&B sound, drawing from SZA's ongoing work amid label-related delays in her album development.[10]Composition and lyrics
Musical elements
"Hit Different" is characterized as an R&B torch song infused with 1990s influences, produced by The Neptunes—Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo—alongside Rob Bisel. The track's sound draws from classic R&B building blocks through sparse production techniques, emphasizing smooth basslines, subtle soaring synths, staccato bass elements, and minimalistic drums that create a hazy, nostalgic atmosphere.[11][12] The song is composed in the key of C minor and maintains a mid-tempo pace of 120 beats per minute. It adheres to a conventional verse-chorus structure, where SZA handles the verses and Ty Dolla $ign delivers the repeating chorus along with ad-libs that layer additional vocal texture.[13][8] SZA's vocal delivery features breathy, emotive phrasing that aligns with her signature jazz-inflected cadence, providing an intimate contrast to Ty Dolla $ign's laid-back falsetto on the hooks. The recording took place at DJ Khaled's home studio, contributing to its organic vibe.[14][15][6]Thematic content
"Hit Different" delves into the complexities of a dysfunctional, on-again-off-again relationship characterized by an emotionally unavailable partner and the protagonist's persistent return despite the evident flaws. The song portrays this dynamic as an addictive cycle of flawed intimacy, where the pain of separation is overshadowed by the familiarity of emotional turmoil, making it difficult to break free. SZA articulates this through introspective verses that highlight the internal conflict of craving connection even when it leads to self-harm, emphasizing themes of dependency and the reluctance to start anew.[11] Central to the track's emotional core is the recurring refrain "Hit different (Hit different), hit different (Hit different)," which symbolizes the uniquely intense blend of pleasure and pain derived from this toxic bond, distinct from other romantic experiences. Lyrics such as "You wrong, but I can't get along without you" and "Scared to admit my shortcomings" underscore references to vulnerability and self-sabotage, where the narrator acknowledges personal flaws and the misalignment in the relationship yet chooses to persist, wading deeper into the dysfunction like "cool water." This refrain and surrounding lines capture the addictive quality of the intimacy, evoking a sense of inescapable emotional pull.[8][16] From SZA's perspective, the song reflects her exploration of toxic love cycles, informed by personal experiences following the release of her debut album Ctrl in 2017, a period marked by reflections on unhealthy relational patterns lacking sufficient self-love. SZA has discussed in interviews how such relationships provided validation amid inner turmoil, themes that align with the codependency and highs of flawed connections examined in "Hit Different." Ty Dolla $ign's contributions to the chorus introduce a male viewpoint on this mutual toxicity, mirroring SZA's sentiments with lines like "Hit different when I'm sittin' here alone," which convey shared jealousy, loneliness, and the reciprocal nature of the emotional dependency.[17][18]Release and promotion
Commercial release
"Hit Different" was released on September 4, 2020, as a standalone single by SZA featuring Ty Dolla $ign, distributed through Top Dawg Entertainment under exclusive license to RCA Records.[19] The track became available for digital download and streaming on major platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, marking its immediate accessibility to audiences worldwide.[20][19] The single's launch followed a period of public tension between SZA and Top Dawg Entertainment regarding delays in her music releases, positioning "Hit Different" as her surprise return to the music scene after over two years since her debut album Ctrl.[5] Although teased via social media posts in the days leading up to its drop, "Hit Different" was not included on the standard edition of SZA's sophomore album SOS (2022), though elements of the track were later sampled in the album's closing song "Open Arms."[21][22] The single has since appeared in various editorial playlists curated by streaming services, highlighting its enduring presence in R&B rotations.Marketing efforts
In August 2020, SZA used her Instagram Stories to publicly express frustrations with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), her record label, over delays in releasing new music following her 2017 album Ctrl. She described the environment as "hostile" and stated she had "done all I can do," highlighting creative blocks she faced, which sparked the #FreeSZA social media campaign among fans demanding her release from contractual constraints.[23][24] This outburst generated significant buzz and anticipation for her return, positioning "Hit Different" as a breakthrough amid her ongoing label tensions.[25] The track's promotion relied heavily on digital and social media channels rather than traditional outlets. SZA announced the surprise release on her social platforms at midnight EST on September 3, 2020, sharing the song and its accompanying visuals exclusively via streaming services like Apple Music and YouTube. Teaser elements, including a brief snippet of her upcoming single "Good Days" integrated into the rollout, further fueled fan engagement on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where users amplified the #FreeSZA narrative.[26][27] Radio efforts focused on urban contemporary formats, with "Hit Different" impacting stations shortly after its digital launch, contributing to its status as an urban radio smash without major television appearances or performances at the time. This approach aligned with SZA's broader comeback strategy, marking her first original solo single in three years and setting the stage for subsequent releases like "Good Days" that culminated in her 2022 album SOS.[28][29]Critical reception
Reviews
"Hit Different" received widespread acclaim from music critics upon its release, with reviewers highlighting its nostalgic production and SZA's raw emotional delivery. Pitchfork praised The Neptunes' production for evoking early-2000s R&B vibes through jazz-inflected flourishes and a smooth, earthy rhythm that complements SZA's exploration of love's dualities.[14] The outlet commended SZA's vulnerability, noting how she articulates the necessity of a flawed romance with a mix of empowerment and caution, marking a confident return after her vocal challenges and delays.[14] The song's emotional depth earned it prominent spots on year-end lists, reflecting its resonance amid 2020's uncertainties. NPR ranked "Hit Different" at number 20 on its 100 Best Songs of 2020, lauding its delve into rhythm and blues' earthiness as SZA navigates the complexities of tainted love through Ty Dolla $ign's emotive, gravelly chorus opener.[30] Similarly, Consequence of Sound placed it at number 22 on its Top 50 Songs of 2020, appreciating the track's sincere sensuality and effortless blend of infatuation with relational turmoil.[31] Critics generally viewed Ty Dolla $ign's feature as a seamless addition that enhances the song's moody atmosphere without overshadowing SZA's narrative. His hook provides a cooing contrast to her silky verses, adding layers to the theme of toxic yet irresistible relationships, though some noted it serves more as a supportive element than a pivotal shift in the track's dynamic.[14][11] Fans embraced "Hit Different" enthusiastically, especially as SZA's first major solo release following a three-year hiatus since Ctrl, often citing its replay value for the addictive production and introspective lyrics on lingering attachments.[26] The track's immediate appeal helped bridge the gap during her absence, with listeners streaming it repeatedly for its comforting familiarity in exploring dysfunctional bonds.[32]Accolades
"Hit Different" received a 2× Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in August 2022, and was later certified 3× Platinum as of February 2025, recognizing 3 million units consumed in the United States.[33][34] The song was ranked No. 80 on Pitchfork's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2020.[35] It also appeared on the New York Times' list of the 50 Best Songs of 2020 at No. 35.[36] Consequence named it No. 22 on its Top 50 Songs of 2020, praising its nostalgic production and emotional depth.[31]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Hit Different" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 29 on September 19, 2020, marking SZA's highest debut position on the chart at the time, and ultimately peaked at number 29 while spending 20 weeks on the tally.[37] The track performed strongly within the R&B genre, reaching number 12 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 3 on the R&B Songs chart, reflecting its appeal to core audiences through streaming and airplay metrics.[38] Internationally, "Hit Different" entered the UK Singles Chart at its peak of number 55, supported by digital sales and streaming in the region.[39] It peaked at number 55 on the Canadian Hot 100 and number 2 on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart. By 2025, the song had amassed over 300 million streams on Spotify, underscoring its enduring popularity and contribution to SZA's streaming dominance.[40]| Chart (2020–2021) | Peak Position | Weeks Charted |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 29 | 20 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 12 | - |
| US R&B Songs | 3 | - |
| Canadian Hot 100 | 55 | - |
| UK Singles Chart | 55 | 2 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles | 2 | - |
Certifications and sales
"Hit Different" has achieved significant commercial certifications across multiple territories, reflecting its enduring popularity through streaming and sales. In the United States, the song was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 8, 2025, denoting 500,000 units sold or streamed.[41] Internationally, the track earned Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom for 200,000 units. The single's success contributed substantially to SZA's pre-SOS catalog revenue, bolstering her position as a leading R&B artist prior to the 2022 album release.[42]Music video
Production
The music video for "Hit Different" was directed by SZA (Solána Rowe) herself.[43][2] It premiered on YouTube on September 4, 2020, coinciding with the song's commercial release.[43][44] Executive production was overseen by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and Angel J. Rosa, allowing SZA significant creative autonomy in the visual's development amid her ongoing frustrations with label constraints at Top Dawg Entertainment.[43][45] The production featured a compact crew, emphasizing SZA's hands-on involvement to capture fluid dance sequences with a focus on her personal vision.[46]Visual narrative
The visual narrative of the "Hit Different" music video unfolds through a series of evocative scenes that blend sensuality with emotional rawness, directed by SZA herself in her debut behind the camera. SZA performs intimate, fluid dances in unconventional yet symbolically domestic-inspired settings, such as a half-destroyed farmhouse evoking relational intimacy amid decay, alongside a car junkyard and expansive hay fields that represent the chaotic pull of love.[47] These locations underscore the song's exploration of dysfunctional connections, with SZA's movements—body rolls, regal poses, and group synchrony—symbolizing vulnerability and desire.[47] Ty Dolla $ign integrates into the narrative during his verses via distinct, contrasting shots in an all-white ensemble, appearing amid the video's hazy, color-saturated aesthetic to emphasize collaborative tension without overpowering SZA's central performance.[4] The choreography, crafted by Parris Goebel, amplifies themes of sensuality and isolation, as SZA transitions from communal dances with women in vibrant outfits (like orange bikinis and blue cargos) to solitary reflections, mirroring the lyrics' introspection on emotional distance. Biblical and transformative imagery, such as SZA covered in red paint resembling blood, further evokes purging toxicity and self-reclamation.[47][15] The video culminates in a teaser for SZA's follow-up single "Good Days," shifting to a more isolated, redemptive close with SZA in a brown bikini and beaded braids, lounging on a gymnastic pommel horse while delivering lyrics about self-salvation.[15] This narrative arc has been lauded for its authentic emotional depth and stylistic boldness, amassing over 168 million views on YouTube as of November 2025.[43][47]Other media and versions
Acoustic rendition
On December 25, 2020, SZA released an official acoustic rendition titled "Hit Different x Good Days," presented as a video on YouTube featuring a medley of the track blended with a snippet of her then-upcoming single "Good Days."[48][49] The performance captures SZA delivering the song in a stripped-down format, accompanied solely by producer Carter Lang on keyboard, which allows her raw, emotive vocals to take center stage without the original's intricate electronic and R&B production elements.[50][49] Clocking in at 4:15, the intimate home-recorded video transitions fluidly between the two songs, underscoring SZA's live singing prowess and vocal range in a minimalist setting that emphasizes emotional vulnerability over polished studio effects.[48][51] This rendition subtly echoes the original "Hit Different"'s exploration of fleeting romantic connections and self-reflection.[52] Intended as a festive surprise for fans during the holiday season, the acoustic version was described by outlets as a thoughtful gift from SZA, highlighting her unfiltered artistry amid the year's challenges.[50][49]Solo variant
On November 30, 2020, SZA shared an unofficial solo demo of "Hit Different" on her Instagram account, presenting the track without Ty Dolla $ign's feature and highlighting her vocals in a raw, intimate arrangement.[53] Running approximately 3:45, the demo was posted as a video snippet, with fans recording and circulating clips online, which fueled widespread calls for an official release or remix.[54] Although teased amid the development of her album SOS, the solo variant remains unreleased officially, distinguishing it from polished renditions like the acoustic version by emphasizing unfiltered vocal delivery.Live performances and legacy
Stage renditions
SZA debuted "Hit Different" live during the American Express Unstaged virtual concert on June 17, 2021.[55] The performance featured an intimate arrangement that emphasized her vocal nuances.[56] The song was subsequently performed at the "In Bloom" virtual concert in partnership with Grey Goose on July 1, 2021, presented as a solo acoustic rendition at the Wisdome LA venue.[57][58] This ethereal set highlighted the track's emotional depth in a stripped-down format.[59] In 2021, SZA incorporated "Hit Different" into several tour dates and festivals, such as the Astroworld Festival on November 5 and the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver on November 9.[60][61] These shows showcased evolving vocal interpretations, blending smooth runs with improvisational flair. Key 2022 renditions included the BST Hyde Park festival at Finsbury Park in London on July 9, the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival in San Francisco on August 5, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival on October 7, where it was delivered with a full band arrangement.[62][63][64][65] By the end of 2022, the song had been performed over 10 times across major events, demonstrating SZA's growing command of its dynamic range.[66] The acoustic elements from earlier virtual sets influenced subsequent live arrangements, adding layers of vulnerability to band-backed versions. The song was not performed during SZA's subsequent SOS Tour in 2023 or Grand National Tour in 2025, based on available setlists as of November 2025.Cultural impact
"Hit Different" extended its cultural reach through its sampling in SZA's 2022 track "Love Language" from the album SOS, where lyrics and elements from the original song were incorporated, reinforcing themes of emotional introspection in relationships. This self-sampling highlighted the song's enduring resonance within SZA's discography, bridging her 2020 standalone release with her sophomore album and demonstrating how personal vulnerability in love continues to define her artistry.[22] The track contributed to broader discussions in R&B about mental health and emotional dynamics in romantic partnerships, aligning with SZA's narrative of artistic independence by showcasing raw admissions of relational complexities. By exploring the nuances of love that "hit different," the song amplified conversations on self-awareness and healing, influencing how contemporary R&B artists address psychological intimacy without romanticizing toxicity. SZA's candid approach in "Hit Different" has been noted for validating listeners' experiences with relational ambiguity, fostering a space for mental health discourse in the genre.[67]Personnel
Artists and writers
"Hit Different" is performed by American singer-songwriter SZA, whose full name is Solána Imani Rowe, providing the lead vocals on the track. The song features additional vocals from Ty Dolla $ign, born Tyrone William Griffin Jr..[8] The lyrics were co-written by SZA, Ty Dolla $ign, recording engineer and producer Rob Bisel, the production duo The Neptunes, consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, and Anthony Clemons Jr..[68][69]Production team
The production of "Hit Different" was led by the duo The Neptunes, consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who crafted the track's signature R&B sound with neo-soul influences. Rob Bisel contributed as co-producer, handling miscellaneous production elements alongside his role in songwriting. The song was recorded at DJ Khaled's home studio in Miami while he was away on tour.[6] Mixing duties were carried out by Derek "MixedByAli" Ali, with assistance from Curtis "Sircut" Bye.[70][71] Finally, Nicolas de Porcel mastered the track at Million Dollar Snare Mastering in Sacramento, California, enhancing its dynamic range for release.[70]Track listings
Digital download
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Hit Different" (featuring Ty Dolla $ign) | 3:22 |
