Honestly, the music world kinda lost its collective mind when the "Snooze" video dropped. You probably remember it. One second you're watching SZA navigate these messy, beautiful dreamscapes, and the next, Justin Bieber is just there. No warning. No massive PR rollout. Just Justin in a white tank top, looking like he walked straight off a 2010s poster and into SZA's universe.
It felt like a glitch in the simulation, but the good kind.
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But if you think their connection started and ended with a music video cameo, you’ve actually missed the best parts of the story. Between the "Yukon" remix leaks and that wild night at SoFi Stadium, the Justin Bieber and SZA era has been way deeper than a simple PR stunt.
The Random FaceTime That Started It All
So, how did Justin even end up in the video? According to SZA herself, it wasn't some high-level label negotiation. It was actually a FaceTime call.
Right after SOS dropped in late 2022, Justin and Hailey Bieber were some of the first people to call SZA to tell her how much they loved the record. That’s the thing about Justin; despite being one of the biggest stars on the planet, he’s still a massive fan of R&B. He hears a good melody and he has to be part of it.
SZA told The Wall Street Journal that Justin wasn’t even originally cast in the "Snooze" video. He just happened to be on location that day. They were filming, he was there, and they basically said, "Hey, want to hop in this scene?"
That spontaneity is exactly why the chemistry feels real. In a world of over-produced TikTok "collabs," seeing them just vibing on a mattress or leaning against a car felt... human.
The Acoustic Remix: More Than Just Background Vocals
A few weeks after the video broke the internet, we got the Snooze (Acoustic) version. This is where things got interesting for the "Beliebers" and the "SZA stans" alike.
Most people expected Justin to just hum a few bars or do some light ad-libs. Instead, he took over the entire second verse.
- He replaced SZA’s original vocals for that section.
- He added those signature "Purpose-era" runs.
- The lyrics about "nasty habits" and "droptop rides" sounded like they were written for him.
It’s rare to see two artists with such distinct vocal textures—SZA’s raspy, conversational delivery and Justin’s polished, airy falsetto—blend without one overpowering the other. It worked because they didn't try to out-sing each other. They just sat in the pocket of the groove.
Why fans are still obsessed with "Yukon"
If you've been on Reddit or X lately, you’ve probably seen the "Yukon" rumors.
In late 2025, SZA posted a screenshot of a voice note titled "Yukon Remix." For context, "Yukon" was a standout track from Justin’s Swag album (released earlier that summer). The fact that SZA is the one teasing a remix of his song shows that this isn't a one-off partnership. It's a genuine creative friendship.
That "Erratic" Night at SoFi Stadium
Fast forward to May 24, 2025. SZA is headlining the Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar. The lights go down at SoFi Stadium in LA, and suddenly, that familiar acoustic guitar intro for "Snooze" starts playing.
The crowd didn't just scream; they erupted.
Justin walked out in all black. He and SZA did this very intimate, almost theatrical performance. He was kissing her hand, she was holding his chin—it was a lot. While the fans loved it, some "insider" reports from The US Sun and Reality Tea started claiming Justin seemed "out of it" or "erratic" backstage.
The internet spent a week arguing about whether he was just being "artistic" or if he was genuinely struggling. Honestly? If you watch the footage, he looks like a guy who hasn't played a stadium in years and was feeling the weight of the moment. He stayed for the whole song, hugged SZA, and disappeared into the stage lift.
Hailey Bieber was in the wings the whole time, posting clips and calling them her "two favorite artists." Whatever the tabloids say, the "vocals," as Hailey put it, were definitely there.
What’s Next: Is a Joint Album Coming?
Look, we have to be realistic. Both of these artists are notorious for "gatekeeping" their best music. SZA’s Lana deluxe took forever to surface, and Justin’s release schedule is basically a mystery wrapped in a riddle.
However, the signs are pointing toward more:
- The "Yukon" Remix: This is almost certainly dropping soon given the recent social media teases.
- Coachella 2026: With Justin confirmed for a major set, don't be surprised if SZA returns the favor and pops up during his show.
- The Studio Vibe: There are dozens of unreleased snippets floating around that sound like their "Snooze" sessions.
Whether we get a full project or just a string of remixes, the Justin Bieber and SZA era has proven that R&B is at its best when it's collaborative. They've bridged the gap between 2010s pop royalty and the modern "alt-R&B" movement in a way that feels completely organic.
If you want to stay ahead of the next drop, keep an eye on SZA’s Instagram carousels. She usually buries the biggest news in the very last slide of a 10-photo dump. That’s usually where the "voice note" screenshots live. Also, keep your notifications on for any surprise "Bieber" appearances on the festival circuit—he’s clearly in his "guest star" era, and he’s loving every second of the chaos.
Take Action: Go back and listen to the Snooze (Acoustic) version with a good pair of headphones. Pay attention to the layering of Justin's background vocals during the final chorus—it's a masterclass in vocal production that most people miss on the first listen.