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.
Videos by American Songwriter
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.
“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
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