SZA has enlisted the help of Ben Stiller in the new music video for her song “Drive.”
The official video arrived ahead of the R&B singer’s highly anticipated release of her deluxe album Lana, slated to drop on the morning of December 20.
Directed by Bradley J. Calder, Stiller is seen mouthing the words to the song while he is “drivin’ to nowhere/bumpin’ a slow song … hopin’ that someone’s missin’ me somewhere,” per the track’s lyrics. Later in the video, he exits the car in the middle of a dark and empty road so he can dance, at some points with his eyes closed as he takes in the music.
When Stiller eventually drives out of frame, the camera moves to the forest, where SZA—born Solána Rowe—appears, dressed as a bug. The surreal imagery evokes the cover art of Lana that SZA previously shared on social media, as well as her quirky costume choice from her memorable appearance on Hot Ones, the celebrity interview show where she wore a similar insect outfit while tackling fiery chicken wings.
Taylor Hill/Neilson Barnard/WireImage/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
After the music video was posted to YouTube, people took to the comments to heap praise on SZA and Stiller. Newsweek emailed spokespeople for SZA and Stiller for comment on Friday outside of normal business hours.
“This album is going to make a lot of grown men and women cry… I can feel it,” one person wrote.
“Ben Stiller ?!?!?! She goated!!!! Done deal!” said another.
“Ben stiller in a SZA vid? Why’s this so perfect?” someone else commented.
A fourth person added: “I will never question her about release dates again bc [because] she knew the perfect time of when we all needed this.”
SZA previously teased Stiller’s appearance in the video, sharing multiple clips of the video on her Instagram. While the Hollywood star making an appearance might seem like an unusual choice to some, SZA is a huge fan of his show Severance.
Omg please accept my humble apology 🥹 lmao whenever ur ready is fine 😩just dying of thirst it’s the best show ever! ur a madman 🫡 THANK U mr stiller king sir ! https://t.co/wacadLN6aJ
— SZA (@sza) May 4, 2024
The Apple TV+ series, directed and executive produced by Stiller, has been eagerly awaited by fans since its critically acclaimed first season premiered over two years ago. Among its most devoted viewers is SZA, who humorously voiced her impatience on X (formerly Twitter) in May.
“Was trying to be polite but I really need a new season of ‘Severance’ right the f*** now,” the Grammy-winning artist posted.
Stiller responded with a simple, “Ok ok got it,” prompting SZA to follow up with an endearing apology: “Omg please accept my humble apology lmao whenever ur ready is fine. Just dying of thirst it’s the best show ever! Ur a madman. THANK U mr stiller king sir!”
Then, when a trailer for Season 2 of the hit show was eventually shared on X by Apple in December, Stiller reshared it and wrote: “Attn: @sza. For you.” The post revealed that Severance Season 2 will premiere on January 17 on Apple TV+.
This exchange was then discussed when Stiller appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
“Whatever SZA wants, SZA gets,” Stiller said after Fallon read out his and her posts on X.
