Steve Lacy and SZA Unveil ‘is it cool?’ as a Bold Preview for ‘Oh yeah?’ Album
Steve Lacy and SZA have dropped their new single “is it cool?” serving as the latest preview into Lacy’s upcoming album *Oh yeah?*, set for release July 17. The track, described as an unpacking of the “messy realities of intimacy, vulnerability and self-sabotage,” features Lacy confronting his shortcomings with “disarming candor.” The song’s lyrics, including Lacy’s admission, “I just cheat every now and again / That was hard for me to admit / ‘Cause I really want to commit,” and SZA’s line, “Being vulnerable is exhausting, babe / Can we get naked instead of talking, babe?” reflect a candid exchange on the challenges of relationships.
A Candid Exchange: The Genesis of ‘is it cool?’
The collaboration between Lacy and SZA has been anticipated since the pair was spotted in the studio earlier this year. The track’s production blends “bedroom soul” and “confessional singer/songwriter traditions.” Lacy, 28, has already won two Grammy Awards and has two entries in Spotify’s Billions Club. His 2022 album *Gemini Rights* included the hit “Bad Habit.” The new single’s release coincides with Lacy’s Asian tour, featuring headlining appearances at Summer Sonic in Japan and Lalala Festival in Manila and Jakarta, starting August 13.
A Personal Chronicle: Inside Lacy’s ‘Oh yeah?’
*Oh yeah?* is Lacy’s most personal project to date, with the artist writing, producing, and performing most of the tracks. The album follows a four-year period during which Lacy felt “more at home abroad than in his own surroundings.” The tracklist includes collaborations with Erykah Badu on “pure colour” and experimental pop artist Cecile Believe on “lovesexdrugbomb.” The lead single, “the feeling,” hinted at those emotions.
Career Crossroads: How ‘Oh yeah?’ Could Redefine Lacy’s Legacy
Lacy’s upcoming tour will mark his first shows since early 2024. The “is it cool?” collaboration has already sparked speculation about future joint projects.
Touring and Beyond: Lacy’s Live Return
Lacy’s July 17 album drop will be the centerpiece of his Asian tour, which includes stops in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The dates signal a return to live performance. For now, fans await the full *Oh yeah?* experience, a project that promises to merge Lacy’s introspective lyricism with SZA’s signature emotional depth.