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Following the Dec. 9 release of her sophomore album “SOS,” R&B sensation SZA seized global charts and broken hearts with standout track “Kill Bill.” Laced with gorgeous, dream-like vocals and backed by a mid-tempo beat, the song alludes to Quentin Tarantino’s film, “Kill Bill Volume 1,” a movie following a character’s pursuit to murder her ex-lover. The lyrics, “I might kill my ex, not the best idea,” has listeners in a chokehold, racking up millions of videos on TikTok and topping the Billboard Global 200. With its deliciously vindictive lyrics, “Kill Bill” describes SZA’s desire for revenge when an ex moves on, and listeners relate to her passion as they savor her captivating vocals. Laid over a slow yet comforting beat, SZA creates a distinctive juxtaposition with her soft, melancholic tone, absent of the homicidal rage in her words. At the finale of “Kill Bill,” she carries out her murderous impulses with a candid confession — SZA might have killed her ex (and his girlfriend) but she would “rather be in hell than alone” — encapsulating a desperation easy to resonate with. The vulnerability of “Kill Bill” is a glimpse of SZA’s genuine artistry, a talent whose ability to capture the hearts of so many listeners has shaken the modern R&B landscape.
SZA Seeks Bittersweet Revenge in “Kill Bill”
About the Contributors
Nathan Perera, Staff Writer
Nathan Perera will be beginning his second year in Gamut as a writer. He enjoys writing A&E, alternating between scathing reviews to praiseful columns. Writing is at the heart of Nathan’s passion, having first joined the Gamut to become part of a group of people that shared his love for writing. In addition, he is also the Vice President of the Creative Writing Club at Oxford Academy. Outside of school, he enjoys thrillers and dramas in the form of both books and TVs. “Cruel Summer” is among his favorite TV shows. He also enjoys alternative rock and pop. Lana Del Rey is his favorite artist, and his favorite album from her is Norman F. Rockwell. When asked what he likes most about her songs, he admitted he loved everything about it, ranging from their attractive visuals to heartfelt lyrics. Nathan is excited for the rest of his time in Gamut and Oxford, and he will continue to follow his passion for writing.
Rowan Lee, Art/Layout Editor
Aside from finally graduating, Rowan Lee is looking most forward to serving as The Gamut’s Art and Layout Editor for their final year of high school. Their go-to hobbies are drawing and painting: an explanation as to why they immediately applied to join The Gamut staff after learning there were drawing positions available, along with their having illustrated for The Gamut for the past 3 years. Outside of the Gamut, Rowan takes their fascination with Japanese culture to the OA Japanese Club, where they serve as Tech Chair. When they’re not busy taking on their various roles at school, drawing fanart for Jujutsu Kaisen (their favorite anime of all time), or jamming out to their 3-hour long SE SO NEON playlist, Rowan guiltily admits that they spend their free time playing Valorant or watching VTubers (virtual YouTubers). Rowan honestly confesses that their Senioritis has been kicking in since Junior year, but as the diligent worker they are, they vow to push through till the very night they toss their cap into the air at Handel Stadium.
