In February 2021, New York singer-rapper Lil Tjay released “Calling My Phone” with R&B star 6lack, which was the lead single for Tjay’s eventual sophomore studio album Destined 2 Win. Thanks to TikTok’s affinity for the song, “Calling My Phone” would go on to reach No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest Tjay had ever and still has ever placed on the chart. But last week, we learned that it could have included even more star power.
Recently, a version of “Calling My Phone” including a verse from SZA surfaced online, and was immediately loved by the R&B community. Because this rendition never saw the light of day, though, fans were skeptical if it was actually recorded by SZA for the song, or if it was manipulated or AI-generated in any way. Eventually, SZA took to Twitter last Friday (June 9) to clear the air.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Lmao as for the calling my phone verse… I’m mad y’all leaked it… but glad y’all liked it?” she wrote. “I punked out of turning it in… happens a lot actually. I be feeling like I can’t add anything to songs that are already fire. Respect to @liltjay + @6LACK.”
In response, 6lack jokingly responded that he did his best to not listen to the leak, but could not resist temptation.
“(Not gonna lie) i listened with my hands over my ears (because) it felt like a sin,” he replied to SZA’s tweet. “sound like butter tho.”
On top of 6lack’s reply, Tjay also tweeted at SZA regarding the leaked verse. Instead of putting it out two years later, though, he suggested that he and SZA connect again for a new release.
“Mannnnnn I got some shit better for u right now,” he wrote replying to SZA. “You know that’s what they want!”
SZA and Tjay have still not been able to collaborate on a song in their careers, but with fans recently learning about their past efforts together, a new song from the duo would likely be well received. While we await that possibility, check out SZA’s forbidden “Calling My Phone” verse below.
Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage
Most Viewed
-
Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for ABA -
Portrait of the American-based rock band Foreigner as they pose backsatge at the Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois, November 8, 1981. Pictured are, from left, Dennis Elliot, Lou Gramm, Rick Wills, and Mick Jones. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
Bob Dylan seen here performing on stage at The Picnic concert at Blackbushe Aerodrome 15th July 1978. (Photo by Staff/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) -
30th January 1969: British rock group the Beatles performing their last live public concert on the rooftop of the Apple Organization building for director Michael Lindsey-Hogg's film documentary, 'Let It Be,' on Savile Row, London, England. Drummer Ringo Starr sits behind his kit. Singer/songwriters Paul McCartney and John Lennon perform at their microphones, and guitarist George Harrison (1943 – 2001) stands behind them. Lennon's wife Yoko Ono sits at right. (Photo by Express/Express/Getty Images) -
Duane Allman & Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers on October 16, 1970 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Paul McCartney of Wings, London, circa 1975. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
