Revision as of 22:50, 3 September 2024 editMrethtr (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users608 edits →Weekly chartsTag: Reverted← Previous edit | Revision as of 06:55, 8 September 2024 edit undoPSA (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users12,261 edits the recent revert undid a *massive amount* of good-faith updates, moved it back to its pre-GA-quality state, and caused the article to be severely outdated in its coverage. please manually revert the LTA edits insteadTag: Manual revertNext edit → | ||
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{{short description|2023 single by SZA}} | ||
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}} | |||
{{good article}} | {{good article}} | ||
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}} | |||
{{Infobox song | {{Infobox song | ||
| name = Kill Bill | | name = Kill Bill | ||
| cover = SZA - Kill Bill.png | | cover = SZA - Kill Bill.png | ||
| caption = | | caption = | ||
| alt = Cover art of "Kill Bill": SZA behind a training dummy, holding |
| alt = Cover art of "Kill Bill": SZA behind a training dummy, holding a katana towards its neck | ||
| type = single | | type = single | ||
| artist = ] | | artist = ] | ||
| album = ] | | album = ] | ||
| written = 2022 | | written = {{start date|2022|5|mf=y}}–{{end date|2022|7|13|mf=y}} | ||
| released = {{start date|2023|1|10|mf=y}} | | released = {{start date|2023|1|10|mf=y}} | ||
| recorded = 2022 | | recorded = {{start date|2022|7|13|mf=y}} | ||
| studio = * Ponzu (Los Angeles) | | studio = * Ponzu (Los Angeles) | ||
* ]'s home studio (Chicago) | * ]'s home studio (Chicago) | ||
| genre = * ] | | genre = * ] | ||
*] | * ] | ||
* ] | |||
| length = 2:35 | |||
| length = {{Duration|m=2|s=35}} | |||
| label = * ] | | label = * ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
| writer = * ] | | writer = * ] | ||
* ] | |||
* Carter Lang | |||
* ] | |||
* Rob Bisel | |||
| producer = * ] | | producer = * Rob Bisel | ||
* ] | |||
* Rob Bisel | |||
| prev_title = ] | | prev_title = ] | ||
| prev_year = 2023 | | prev_year = 2023 | ||
| next_title = ] | | next_title = ] | ||
| next_version = remix | |||
| next_year = 2023 | | next_year = 2023 | ||
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|MSRcC626prw|"Kill Bill"}}}} | | misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|MSRcC626prw|"Kill Bill"}}}} | ||
{{Extra album cover | {{Extra album cover | ||
| header = |
| header = Remix cover | ||
| type = single | | type = single | ||
| cover = SZA - Kill Bill (Remix).png | | cover = SZA - Kill Bill (Remix).png | ||
| alt = Cover art of the "Kill Bill" remix: SZA on a travelling motorcycle, wearing a black and red jumpsuit | |||
| border = | |||
| alt = | |||
| caption = Doja Cat Remix cover art | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{ |
{{extra chronology | ||
| artist = ] | |||
| type = single | |||
| prev_title = ] | |||
| prev_year = 2022 | |||
| title = Kill Bill | |||
| version = remix | |||
| year = 2023 | |||
| next_title = ] | |||
| next_year = | |||
| next_year = 2023 | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{External music video|{{YouTube|ZFjIMowsudA|"Kill Bill" (remix)}}}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
"'''Kill Bill'''" is a song by American singer-songwriter ] from her second studio album, ] (2022). |
"'''Kill Bill'''" is a song by American singer-songwriter ] and the fifth single from her second studio album, ] (2022). It is a ] and ] ], built around a ], ] rhythm and a ] melody. ]s, a ], and a ] that was ] from a ] constitute the song's production, which is influenced by the ] subgenre of ]. Mirroring the plot of the '']'' film duology (2003–2004) after which the song is named, the lyrics discuss a fantasy to kill an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend out of jealousy, and they employ humorous ] alongside violent imagery that contrasts with SZA's soft vocals. "Kill Bill" was sent to US radio on January 10, 2023, after achieving success on streaming services. | ||
Bolstered by its success on ] services, "Kill Bill" went number one in seven territories worldwide and reached the top 10 in eight more. It gave SZA her first number one on the ]. Attributing the decision to its streaming numbers, ] promoted the song to US radio starting January 10, 2023, as the fifth single from ''SOS''. After a remix featuring American rapper ] three months later, "Kill Bill" topped the US ], after eight weeks at number two. With the song, SZA earned several chart milestones. It, her first single to top the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, tied with three other songs as spending the second-most amount of weeks at number two before reaching number one. On US ], "Kill Bill" broke the record for the longest time a female lead artist spent on top, with 17 weeks. | |||
A chart-topper in several territories, "Kill Bill" was SZA's first number-one on the ] and US ] charts. The song spent eight weeks at number two on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 before an April 2023 remix featuring American rapper ] propelled the solo version to the top, tying for the second-longest time at number two before reaching number one. On US ], it broke the record set by ]'s "]" (2019) for the chart's longest-running number one, with 21 weeks. "Kill Bill" was one of the top 10 best-performing songs of 2023 in several countries, and according to the ], it was the third best-selling single of 2023. | |||
A music video for the song premiered the same day as its single release. Directed by Christian Breslauer, it reimagines several scenes from the ''Kill Bill'' films, with SZA as her version of the Bride and ], one of the actresses who starred in the duology, in a supporting role. The video ends as SZA confronts her ex-boyfriend and tears his heart out. On the ], where she first performed "Kill Bill" live, she recreated various visual elements from the music video, including the costume. SZA had a spiked ] in hand that she swung across the stage, a callback to one fight scene in ''Volume 1''. | |||
"Kill Bill" was praised primarily for its songwriting; critics liked its poetic quality, diaristic honesty, and relatability despite the violent content. The original version and the remix were placed in many year-end listicles for 2023, and in February 2024, '']'' placed "Kill Bill" at number 267 on ]. The song received many industry award nominations, including three nods for the ]. "Kill Bill" won Song of the Year at the ], as well as ] at the ] and ] at ]. | |||
A music video for the song premiered the same day as its single release. Directed by ], it reimagines several scenes from the ''Kill Bill'' films, with SZA as her version of ] and ], one of the actresses who starred in the duology, in a supporting role. SZA confronts her ex-boyfriend at the end and tears his heart out, and the outro features her suspended by a rope using the ] technique. On the ], where she first performed "Kill Bill" live, she recreated various visual elements from the film duology and the music video, such as the costume. Other live performances also involved choreography inspired by the ''Kill Bill'' films, featuring background dancers who brandished swords and participated in fight scenes onstage. | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
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] performing in ] (2017–2018)]] | ] performing in ] (2017–2018)]] | ||
] released her debut studio album, '']'', in 2017. Primarily an ] album that deals with themes like heartbreak, ''Ctrl'' received widespread acclaim for SZA's vocals and the eclectic musical style, as well as the relatability, emotional impact, and confessional nature of the songwriting. The album brought SZA to mainstream fame, and critics credit it with establishing her status as a major figure in contemporary pop and R&B music and pushing the boundaries of the R&B genre.{{NoteTag|Cited to '']'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA Finally Unleashed Her Inner Rock Star |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-f2f-song-review-sos-rock.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221234455/https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-f2f-song-review-sos-rock.html |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=] |language=en-us}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Ashlee |date=December 13, 2022 |title=5 Takeaways from SZA's New Album ''SOS'' |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/5-takeaways-sza-sos-new-album-shirt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221230065436/https://www.grammy.com/news/5-takeaways-sza-sos-new-album-shirt |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=] |publisher=}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="BestFitReview">{{Cite web |first=Ims |last=Taylor |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA Hits the Heights on the Dense but Masterful ''SOS'' |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/sza-sos-hits-the-heights |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=] |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219174402/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/sza-sos-hits-the-heights |url-status=live |language=en-US}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="AlbumReview-NME" /> '']'',<ref name="AlbumReview-DailyTele">{{Cite news |last1=McCormick |first1=Neil |author-link=Neil McCormick |last2=Haider |first2=Arwa |last3=Johnston |first3=Kathleen |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Sam Ryder Is No One-Hit Wonder, SZA Channels Princess Diana – The Week's Best Albums |language=en-GB |work=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-albums-week-sam-ryder-sza-nina-hagen/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217123137/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-albums-week-sam-ryder-sza-nina-hagen/ |archive-date=December 17, 2022}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Sheldon |last=Pearce |title=SZA: ''Ctrl'' (Deluxe) |url=https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/night-life/sza-ctrl-deluxe |access-date=January 2, 2023 |magazine=] |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102034854/https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/night-life/sza-ctrl-deluxe |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref> and '']''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siregar |first=Cady |date=December 9, 2022 |title=On ''SOS'', SZA Once Again Blows Expectations Out of the Water |url=https://consequence.net/2022/12/sos-album-review-sza/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229034437/https://consequence.net/2022/12/sos-album-review-sza/2/ |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>}} | |||
] released her debut studio album, '']'', in 2017. Primarily an ] album that deals with themes like heartbreak, ''Ctrl'' received widespread acclaim for SZA's vocals and the eclectic musical style, as well as the relatability, emotional impact, and confessional nature of its songwriting. The album brought SZA to mainstream fame. Critics credit it with establishing her status as a major figure in contemporary pop and R&B music and pushing the boundaries of the R&B genre.{{NoteTag|Cited to multiple sources: | |||
* '']'': "Raw, candid writing isn't new for SZA; it's what made the previous album, ''Ctrl'', such a breakout and one of the high marks of the confessional R&B; of the past decade."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA Finally Unleashed Her Inner Rock Star |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-f2f-song-review-sos-rock.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221234455/https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-f2f-song-review-sos-rock.html |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=] |language=en-us}}</ref> | |||
* ]: "The release of her critically acclaimed debut album ''Ctrl'' in 2017 solidified the artist not only as an R&B mainstay, but soundtracked the heartbreaks and growing pains of millions of young people. With her eloquent vocals and layered storytelling abilities, listeners felt every word like it was their own."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Ashlee |date=December 13, 2022 |title=5 Takeaways from SZA's New Album ''SOS'' |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/5-takeaways-sza-sos-new-album-shirt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221230065436/https://www.grammy.com/news/5-takeaways-sza-sos-new-album-shirt |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=] |publisher=}}</ref> | |||
* '']'': "her debut ''Ctrl'' has ascended to classic status, going down as one of the decade's best and cementing SZA's voice at the forefront of contemporary R&B, and of pop."<ref>{{Cite web |first=Ims |last=Taylor |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA Hits the Heights on the Dense but Masterful ''SOS'' |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/sza-sos-hits-the-heights |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=] |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219174402/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/sza-sos-hits-the-heights |url-status=live |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
* '']'': ''Ctrl'' "ushered in a new era for R&B, one where the genre's boundaries shifted, bringing new levels of inventiveness into a classic sound and fusing it with indie, alternative, trap and more{{nbsp}} SZA herself spent the aftermath of ''Ctrl'' trying to grapple with her new stardom and the huge impact that had on her life."<ref name="AlbumReview-NME" /> | |||
* '']'': "''Ctrl'', the triple-platinum, four-time Grammy nominated debut that propelled SZA to popstar status"<ref name="AlbumReview-DailyTele">{{Cite news |last1=McCormick |first1=Neil |author-link=Neil McCormick |last2=Haider |first2=Arwa |last3=Johnston |first3=Kathleen |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Sam Ryder Is No One-Hit Wonder, SZA Channels Princess Diana – The Week's Best Albums |language=en-GB |work=] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-albums-week-sam-ryder-sza-nina-hagen/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217123137/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-albums-week-sam-ryder-sza-nina-hagen/ |archive-date=December 17, 2022}}</ref> | |||
* '']'': "''Ctrl'' opened a portal—one that represented not just a major leap for the artist but a breakthrough for the genre itself. Her alternative slow jams pushed her voice to the fore and laid bare all the quirks of her dating life, establishing her as a distinguished millennial anecdotalist in the process."<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Sheldon |last=Pearce |title=SZA: ''Ctrl'' (Deluxe) |url=https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/night-life/sza-ctrl-deluxe |access-date=January 2, 2023 |magazine=] |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102034854/https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/night-life/sza-ctrl-deluxe |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref> | |||
* '']'': In ''Ctrl'', "SZA's personal style of lyricism has always read like an endless diary entry, and the transcendent nature of her genre-shifting abilities helped revolutionize modern R&B and pop."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siregar |first=Cady |date=December 9, 2022 |title=On ''SOS'', SZA Once Again Blows Expectations Out of the Water |url=https://consequence.net/2022/12/sos-album-review-sza/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229034437/https://consequence.net/2022/12/sos-album-review-sza/2/ |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>}} | |||
SZA alluded to possibly releasing her second album as early as August 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Ellie |date=June 7, 2021 |title=SZA Reveals She 'Burst Into Tears' During a Rehearsal of '20 Something' |url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/sza-reveals-she-burst-into-tears-during-a-rehearsal-of-20-something-2962520 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228181636/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/sza-reveals-she-burst-into-tears-during-a-rehearsal-of-20-something-2962520 |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Alston |first=Trey |date=January 3, 2020 |title=SZA Is Dropping a New Album This Year but When Is Beyond Her ''Ctrl'' |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/czsw6b/sza-releasing-new-album-in-2020 |url-status= |
SZA alluded to possibly releasing her second album as early as August 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Ellie |date=June 7, 2021 |title=SZA Reveals She 'Burst Into Tears' During a Rehearsal of '20 Something' |url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/sza-reveals-she-burst-into-tears-during-a-rehearsal-of-20-something-2962520 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228181636/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/sza-reveals-she-burst-into-tears-during-a-rehearsal-of-20-something-2962520 |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Alston |first=Trey |date=January 3, 2020 |title=SZA Is Dropping a New Album This Year but When Is Beyond Her ''Ctrl'' |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/czsw6b/sza-releasing-new-album-in-2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221230070311/https://www.mtv.com/news/czsw6b/sza-releasing-new-album-in-2020 |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> during an interview with DJ ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reese |first=Alexis |date=August 20, 2019 |title=SZA Reveals Sophomore Album Is On the Way |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/sza-sophomore-album-on-the-way-661298/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520143032/https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/sza-sophomore-album-on-the-way-661298/ |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> It, she said, retained the candid and personal qualities of ''Ctrl''. In her words, the album was "even more of me being less afraid of who am I when I have no choice when I'm not out trying to curate myself and contain."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schatz |first=Lake |date=August 20, 2019 |title=SZA Says New Album Coming 'Soon as F*ck' |url=https://consequence.net/2019/08/sza-new-album-update-justin-timberlake/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228130346/https://consequence.net/2019/08/sza-new-album-update-justin-timberlake/ |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> When SZA collaborated with ] for their February 2021 issue, she spoke about her creative process as such: "this album is going to be the shit that made me feel something in my... and in ".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kenneally |first=Cerys |date=January 5, 2021 |title=SZA Says New Album Will Feature Material That Made Her Feel Something in Her Heart and Gut |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/sza-says-new-lp-will-feature-material-made-her-feel-something-in-heart-gut |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228102934/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/sza-says-new-lp-will-feature-material-made-her-feel-something-in-heart-gut |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
One of the tracks from the album, named '']'', is |
One of the tracks from the album, named '']'', is titled "Kill Bill". It gets its name from the '']'' films (2003–2004), a ] duology directed by ].<ref name="AlbumReview-Slant" /> The plot centers on ] and her plans to murder Bill, head of the enemy Deadly Viper assassins of which she was a past member. Bill was a former love interest who failed to have Kiddo killed on the day of her wedding.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=A. O. |date=October 10, 2003 |title=Film Review; Blood Bath & Beyond |language=en-US |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/10/movies/film-review-blood-bath-beyond.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103222235/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/10/movies/film-review-blood-bath-beyond.html |archive-date=November 3, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dargis |first=Manohla |date=April 16, 2004 |title=Vengeance Is Theirs |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-apr-16-et-dargis16-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227135944/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-apr-16-et-dargis16-story.html |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> While watching the films, Bill caught SZA's attention, who found him a complex and nuanced character that "doesn't understand why he did what he did".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inman |first=DeMicia |date=January 11, 2023 |title=SZA Gets Bloody Revenge in 'Kill Bill' Music Video |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/videos/sza-kill-bill-music-video-1234726483/ |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331061622/https://www.vibe.com/music/videos/sza-kill-bill-music-video-1234726483/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
She further spoke: " |
She further spoke of Bill: "he's void of emotion, but he loved the Bride so much that he couldn't stand her to be with anyone else."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Myers |first=Owen |date=December 20, 2022 |title=SZA on ''SOS'', the Story Behind Her ''SNL'' Bop 'Big Boys,' and Her Favorite ''Kill Bill'' Character |url=https://ew.com/music/sza-interview-sos-big-boys-snl-song-kill-bill/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228161704/https://ew.com/music/sza-interview-sos-big-boys-snl-song-kill-bill/ |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022}}</ref> In '']'', Bill confessed jealousy was his motive for trying to assassinate Kiddo. He felt enraged at her for two reasons—her marriage to someone else and her unborn baby with the groom. Bill said: "Not only are you not dead, you're getting married to some fucking jerk and you're pregnant. I overreacted. There are consequences to breaking the heart of a murdering bastard."<ref name="Lyrics-AmericanSongwriter">{{Cite web |last=Hopper |first=Alex |date=February 7, 2023 |title=The Revengeful Meaning Behind SZA's 'Kill Bill' |url=https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-meaning-of-szas-kill-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210023553/https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-meaning-of-szas-kill-bill/ |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
== |
== Music and recording == | ||
{{Listen | {{Listen | ||
| filename = SZA - Kill Bill song sample.ogg | | filename = SZA - Kill Bill song sample.ogg | ||
| title = "Kill Bill" | | title = "Kill Bill" | ||
| description = |
| description = "Kill Bill" is ], with a ], ] production that employs ]–influenced ]s, ]s, and a ] from an ] tuned down an ]. ]-like sounds from a ] give it its detuned melody. | ||
| format = Ogg | | format = Ogg | ||
}} | }} | ||
"Kill Bill" incorporates prominent, basic ]<ref name="PHInquirer-KillBill">{{Cite news |last=Agustin |first=Carl Martin |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Listening Party: SZA Releases Music Video for 'Kill Bill' |language=en-US |newspaper=] |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/437814/listening-party-sza-releases-music-video-for-kill-bill/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112134916/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/437814/listening-party-sza-releases-music-video-for-kill-bill/ |archive-date=January 12, 2023}}</ref> and is built around a ], ] rhythm<ref name="AlbumReview-DailyTele" /><ref name="KB-NPR">{{cite web |last=Xie |first=Teresa |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA, 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/now-playing/2022/12/13/1142281866/sza-kill-bill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229102531/https://www.npr.org/sections/now-playing/2022/12/13/1142281866/sza-kill-bill |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Mikael |date=December 9, 2022 |title=On the Dazzling ''SOS'', SZA Spares No One, Least of All Herself |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-12-08/sza-sos-new-album |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229123345/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-12-08/sza-sos-new-album |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> and a detuned melody.<ref name="AlbumReview-Variety">{{Cite web |last=Amorosi |first=A. D. |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA Sends Out an ''SOS'' That Will Be an Emergency Addition to Everyone's 10-Best Lists: Album Review |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/album-reviews/sza-sos-album-review-1235455868/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217103409/https://variety.com/2022/music/album-reviews/sza-sos-album-review-1235455868/ |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="AlbumReview-NME">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA – ''SOS'' Review: A Comeback Album Well Worth the Wait |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/reviews/album/sza-sos-album-review-3363708 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227143429/https://www.nme.com/en_au/reviews/album/sza-sos-album-review-3363708 |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=] |language=en-AU}}</ref> The song has a retro, late 1990s–early 2000s sound, influenced by a subgenre of ] called ].<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS">{{cite magazine |last=Tingen |first=Paul |date=March 2023 |title=Inside Track: SZA 'Kill Bill' |magazine=] |pages=122–129}}</ref> Music journalists have described the song as a blend of ], ],<ref name="AlbumReview-Variety" /><ref name="AlbumReview-NYT">{{cite web |last=Pareles |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Pareles |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Revels in Mixed Emotions on ''SOS'' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/arts/music/sza-sos-review.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222042443/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/arts/music/sza-sos-review.html |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> and ];<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Ruggieri |first=Melissa |date=December 7, 2023 |title=It Was a Great Year for Music. Here Are Our Top Songs Including Olivia Rodrigo and the Beatles |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/12/07/top-10-best-songs-2023/71817757007/ |access-date=December 9, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212022401/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/12/07/top-10-best-songs-2023/71817757007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> some observed elements of associated genres like ], ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |date=December 9, 2022 |title=''SOS'' Review by Andy Kellman |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/sos-mw0003876335 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219043428/https://www.allmusic.com/album/sos-mw0003876335 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hussain |first=Shahzaib |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA – ''SOS'' |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/sza-sos/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223163851/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/sza-sos/ |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Will Dukes of '']'' wrote the "eerie chords modish late-Sixties cool".<ref name="AlbumReview-RS">{{Cite magazine |last=Dukes |first=Will |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA's Out for Blood and Big Moods on ''SOS'' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-sza-sos-review-1234642441/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216094205/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-sza-sos-review-1234642441/ |archive-date=December 16, 2022 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> | |||
"Kill Bill" was produced by ] and ], who wrote the song with SZA.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-RS" /> Its creation, by SZA's account, was "super easy", and she deemed it a "one take, one night" type of song.{{NoteTag|When "Kill Bill" broke her record for highest-charting song in the United States, she was furious that the song that achieved such success was not one that took much effort to make. She said in ''Billboard'': "I knew it would be something that pissed me off. It's always a song that I don't give a fuck about that's just super easy, not the shit that I put so much heart and energy into."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=February 22, 2023 |title=''Billboard'' Woman of the Year SZA on Making Chart History and Preparing to 'Pop Ass and Cry and Give Theater' on Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/sza-billboard-woman-of-the-year-sos-deluxe-interview-1235256725/ |access-date=February 22, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222185449/https://www.billboard.com/music/features/sza-billboard-woman-of-the-year-sos-deluxe-interview-1235256725/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} While work on ''SOS'' had begun by 2019, "Kill Bill" was recorded in 2022 alongside a significant number of other tracks due to bursts of productivity from time pressure. Lang commented, "that's when started feeling like, hey, 'We gotta do this shit like, it's been some years.' We bottled up that energy and everything was just sort of a preparation for that moment."<ref name="BehindtheScenes-RS">{{Cite podcast |last=Hiatt |first=Brian |date=January 29, 2023 |title=The Making of SZA's ''SOS'' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sza-making-of-sos-podcast-1234670550/ |url-access=limited |access-date=January 30, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129211852/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sza-making-of-sos-podcast-1234670550/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
=== Music and production === | |||
"Kill Bill" incorporates prominent, basic ]<ref name="PHInquirer-KillBill">{{Cite news |last=Agustin |first=Carl Martin |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Listening Party: SZA Releases Music Video for 'Kill Bill' |language=en-US |newspaper=] |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/437814/listening-party-sza-releases-music-video-for-kill-bill/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112134916/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/437814/listening-party-sza-releases-music-video-for-kill-bill/ |archive-date=January 12, 2023}}</ref> and is built around a ], ] rhythm<ref name="AlbumReview-DailyTele" /><ref name="KB-NPR">{{cite web |last=Xie |first=Teresa |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA, 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/now-playing/2022/12/13/1142281866/sza-kill-bill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229102531/https://www.npr.org/sections/now-playing/2022/12/13/1142281866/sza-kill-bill |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Mikael |date=December 9, 2022 |title=On the Dazzling ''SOS'', SZA Spares No One, Least of All Herself |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-12-08/sza-sos-new-album |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229123345/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-12-08/sza-sos-new-album |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> and a detuned melody.<ref name="AlbumReview-Variety" /><ref name="AlbumReview-NME">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA – ''SOS'' Review: A Comeback Album Well Worth the Wait |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/reviews/album/sza-sos-album-review-3363708 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227143429/https://www.nme.com/en_au/reviews/album/sza-sos-album-review-3363708 |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=] |language=en-AU}}</ref> The song has a retro, late 1990s–early 2000s sound, influenced by a subgenre of ] called ].<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS">{{cite magazine |last=Tingen |first=Paul |date=March 2023 |title=Inside Track: SZA 'Kill Bill' |magazine=] |pages=122–129}}</ref> Music journalists have described the song as predominantly ] and ],<ref name="AlbumReview-NYT" /><ref name="AlbumReview-Variety">{{Cite web |last=Amorosi |first=A. D. |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA Sends Out an ''SOS'' That Will Be an Emergency Addition to Everyone's 10-Best Lists: Album Review |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/album-reviews/sza-sos-album-review-1235455868/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217103409/https://variety.com/2022/music/album-reviews/sza-sos-album-review-1235455868/ |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> and some observed elements of associated genres like ], ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |date=December 9, 2022 |title=''SOS'' Review by Andy Kellman |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/sos-mw0003876335 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219043428/https://www.allmusic.com/album/sos-mw0003876335 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hussain |first=Shahzaib |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA – ''SOS'' |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/sza-sos/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223163851/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/sza-sos/ |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref> Will Dukes of '']'' wrote the "eerie chords modish late-Sixties cool".<ref name="AlbumReview-RS">{{Cite magazine |last=Dukes |first=Will |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA's Out for Blood and Big Moods on ''SOS'' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-sza-sos-review-1234642441/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216094205/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-sza-sos-review-1234642441/ |archive-date=December 16, 2022 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> "Kill Bill" was produced by Rob Bisel and ], who wrote the song with SZA.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-RS" /> Its creation, by SZA's account, was "super easy", and she deemed it a "one take, one night" type of song.{{NoteTag|When "Kill Bill" broke her record for highest-charting song in the United States, she was furious that the song that achieved such success was not one that took much effort to make. She said in ''Billboard'': "I knew it would be something that pissed me off. It's always a song that I don't give a fuck about that's just super easy, not the shit that I put so much heart and energy into."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=February 22, 2023 |title=''Billboard'' Woman of the Year SZA on Making Chart History and Preparing to 'Pop Ass and Cry and Give Theater' on Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/sza-billboard-woman-of-the-year-sos-deluxe-interview-1235256725/ |access-date=February 22, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222185449/https://www.billboard.com/music/features/sza-billboard-woman-of-the-year-sos-deluxe-interview-1235256725/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} | |||
Production began around May 2022 when Bisel, in his Los Angeles home's Ponzu Studios, played some chords on his ]. With it, he used ] to ] the synthesizer's ]-like sound. After adding a ] from an ] tuned down an ], Bisel was unsure where he wanted the song to go, so he sent the Ableton clip to Lang for assistance.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /><ref name="BehindtheScenes-RS" /> Lang's first approach to the beat consisted of a singular ], which was an electronic fusion of bouncy ]s, ], and 16th-note ] beats.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=December 1, 2023 |title=SZA's 'Kill Bill' and 'Snooze': Opposite Songs That Became Two of the Year's Biggest Hits |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-kill-bill-snooze-stories-behind-1235815786/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213201922/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-kill-bill-snooze-stories-behind-1235815786/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Settling on a ]ic production with a ] style, he took more beats from a separate, vintage ] and made them twice as slow as the first approach, and he added more guitars and bass on top.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ragusa |first=Paolo |date=September 15, 2023 |title=Behind the Boards with Carter Lang: Producer Talks Working with SZA, Lil Nas X, and Post Malone |url=https://consequence.net/2023/09/carter-lang-interview-behind-the-boards/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118072230/https://consequence.net/2023/09/carter-lang-interview-behind-the-boards/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The two also incorporated a choir and backing vocals into the song. Most of the final version's instruments were recorded at Lang's home studio in Chicago.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /> | |||
Work on ''SOS'' had begun by 2019, but "Kill Bill" was recorded in 2022 alongside a significant number of other tracks due to bursts of productivity from time pressure. Lang commented, "that's when started feeling like, hey, 'We gotta do this shit like, it's been some years.' We bottled up that energy and everything was just sort of a preparation for that moment."<ref name="BehindtheScenes-RS">{{Cite magazine |last=Hiatt |first=Brian |date=January 29, 2023 |title=The Making of SZA's Chart-Topping ''SOS'' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sza-making-of-sos-podcast-1234670550/ |url-access=limited |access-date=January 30, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129211852/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sza-making-of-sos-podcast-1234670550/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Production began when Bisel, in his Los Angeles home's Ponzu Studio, played some chords on his ]. With it, he used ] to ] the synthesizer's ]-like sound.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /> | |||
Bisel asked ], president of SZA's label ], if he could ] "Kill Bill" on his own, to which Punch agreed. To Bisel, if anyone else took the task, the sonic vision he conjured for the song would get diluted: "I really wanted to see it through all the way to the end." His mentality for the sessions, which consisted of 120 tracks, was mixing the song "as if had never heard the song before", a departure from his usual approach. Since reinforcing the song's boom bap influences was his primary goal, part of the task was making the drums from the rough recordings louder.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /> | |||
"Kill Bill", which was under the ] "Igloo", had five or six different ] from which Bisel and Lang had to pick for SZA.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /> When she listened to the demos one night in July 2022,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Sadie |date=November 29, 2023 |title=SZA Wrote Her Hit 'Kill Bill' in an Hour and Was Hesitant to Release It: 'I Was Like, Can I Say This?' |url=https://people.com/sza-wrote-kill-bill-in-an-hour-was-hesitant-to-release-song-8408037 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209142456/https://people.com/sza-wrote-kill-bill-in-an-hour-was-hesitant-to-release-song-8408037 |url-status=live }}</ref> she immediately gravitated towards the boom bap beat, which Bisel and Lang happened to like the most.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /> About a week later,<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /> on July 13,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=November 29, 2023 |title=SZA, ''Variety''{{'s}} Hitmaker of the Year, Unpacks ''SOS'', Her 9 Grammy Noms, and Says 'F— You' to Song Leakers |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/features/sza-hitmaker-of-the-year-sos-grammy-song-leakers-1235810535/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116154035/https://variety.com/2023/music/features/sza-hitmaker-of-the-year-sos-grammy-song-leakers-1235810535/ |url-status=live }}</ref> SZA was alone with Bisel in the studio for recording sessions,<ref name="BehindtheScenes-RS" /> asking him to loop the beat in the background.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /> He left her alone in a corner to give her space to ideate. It took five to ten minutes for SZA to come up with the hook's melody and lyrics, which she wrote on her phone.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /><ref name=":2" /> Humming the melodies, she turned to Bisel to say about the lyrics, "I have an idea. This might be a little too crazy, but let me know what you think."<ref name="BehindtheScenes-RS" /> Within one day, the entire song was finished—SZA needed only one or two takes to record the vocals.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> | |||
Bisel asked ], president of SZA's label ], if he could do the ] for "Kill Bill" instead of anyone else, to which Punch agreed. Bisel said that if this were not to happen, his specific sonic vision he conjured for the song would get diluted: "We helped find a sonic world for all that, and I really wanted to see it through all the way to the end." Bisel's sessions consisted of 120 tracks, and his primary goal was to make the drums from the rough recordings louder to reinforce the boom bap influences. His mentality for the sessions was mixing the song "as if had never heard the song before", a departure from his usual approach.<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /> | |||
== Lyrics == | |||
Sometime prior, when SZA listened to the demos, she gravitated towards Bisel's and Lang's preferred beat, in Bisel's words, "immediately". When he and SZA were alone in the studio for recording sessions one week later, she asked him to loop the beat in the background. He left her alone in a corner to give her space for contemplation. It took five minutes for SZA to come up with the melody and lyrics for the hook, which she wrote on her phone. Humming the melodies, she turned to Bisel to say about the lyrics, "I have an idea. This might be a little too crazy, but let me know what you think."<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /><ref name="BehindtheScenes-RS" /> | |||
SZA told '']'' in 2022 that many tracks in ''SOS'' centered around themes of revenge, heartbreak, and "being pissed": "I've never raged the way that I should have. This is my villain era, and I'm very comfortable with that. It is in the way I say no{{nbsp}} It's in the fucked up things that I don't apologize for."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saint-Vil |first=Sweenie |date=December 12, 2022 |title=SZA's New Album, ''SOS'', Ties Cardi B's ''Invasion of Privacy'' on Apple Music Chart |url=https://digital.abcaudio.com/news/szas-new-album-sos-ties-cardi-bs-invasion-privacy-apple-music-chart |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=] |type=digital syndication |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330115122/https://digital.abcaudio.com/news/szas-new-album-sos-ties-cardi-bs-invasion-privacy-apple-music-chart |url-status=live }}</ref> The premise of "Kill Bill" is heavily based on the ''Kill Bill'' films, a reimagining of Thurman's tale of revenge. Shaad D'Souza of '']'' wrote that unlike the films, however, the song "provides no real emotional payoff; its narrative is a cry of pure ], with no return for its narrator other than a split-second of bloodlust".<ref name=":0" /> | |||
"Kill Bill" was written during one of what SZA called "palate cleanser" moments, sessions where she would quickly write full songs in between ones she took more seriously and wanted to meticulously finish.<ref name="AppleMusicInterview">{{Cite interview |last=Rowe |first=Solána |subject-link=SZA |interviewer=Zane Lowe |title=Behind SZA's ''SOS'' Album & Tour |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8cNCy9SxI4&t=294s |access-date=6 January 2022 |publisher=] |via=] |date=December 13, 2023 }} </ref> With "Kill Bill", she wrote all of the lyrics on-the-spot in under an hour.<ref name=":2" /> What resulted was a song about a protagonist who goes on a quest to avenge her broken heart by murdering her ex-boyfriend for quickly moving on from their relationship.<ref name="Lyrics-AmericanSongwriter" /><ref name="KB-NPR" /> The violent lyrics are juxtaposed by SZA's soft, ]-like vocals, suggesting wholesomeness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holland |first=Nora |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Album Review: SZA, ''SOS'' |url=https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/album-review-sza-sos-22942798 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212052858/https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/album-review-sza-sos-22942798 |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Due to the violence, some radio stations played a ] of "Kill Bill" with the word "kill" replaced by the sound of a slashing blade.<ref name="PopRadioDissection">{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=January 13, 2023 |title=SZA Is Making a 'Kill'-ing on Pop Radio, Drawing Praise for Her 'Creativity and Storytelling' |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-nobody-gets-me-climb-pop-airplay-chart/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115205503/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-nobody-gets-me-climb-pop-airplay-chart/ |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> | |||
=== Lyrics === | |||
SZA told '']'' in 2022 that many tracks in ''SOS'' centered around themes of revenge, heartbreak, and "being pissed": "I've never raged the way that I should have. This is my villain era, and I'm very comfortable with that. It is in the way I say no{{nbsp}} It's in the fucked up things that I don't apologize for."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saint-Vil |first=Sweenie |date=December 12, 2022 |title=SZA's New Album, ''SOS'', Ties Cardi B's ''Invasion of Privacy'' on Apple Music Chart |url=https://digital.abcaudio.com/news/szas-new-album-sos-ties-cardi-bs-invasion-privacy-apple-music-chart |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=] |type=digital syndication |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330115122/https://digital.abcaudio.com/news/szas-new-album-sos-ties-cardi-bs-invasion-privacy-apple-music-chart |url-status=live }}</ref> The premise of "Kill Bill" is heavily based on the ''Kill Bill'' films, a reimagining of Thurman's tale of revenge—the lyrics follow SZA as she avenges her broken heart by murdering her ex-boyfriend for quickly moving on from their relationship.<ref name="Lyrics-AmericanSongwriter" /><ref name="KB-NPR" /> Nora Holland of '']'' noted the violent lyrics are juxtaposed by SZA's soft, ]-like vocals that suggest wholesomeness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holland |first=Nora |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Album Review: SZA, ''SOS'' |url=https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/album-review-sza-sos-22942798 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212052858/https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/album-review-sza-sos-22942798 |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Due to the violence, some radio stations played a censored version of "Kill Bill" with the word "kill" replaced by the sound of a slashing blade.<ref name="PopRadioDissection">{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=January 13, 2023 |title=SZA Is Making a 'Kill'-ing on Pop Radio, Drawing Praise for Her 'Creativity and Storytelling' |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-nobody-gets-me-climb-pop-airplay-chart/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115205503/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-nobody-gets-me-climb-pop-airplay-chart/ |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> | |||
In the first verse, |
In the first verse, the protagonist acts analogously to Bill, resentful about the new girlfriend that her ex-boyfriend has met: "Hate to see you with some other broad, know you happy{{spaces}}/{{spaces}}Hate to see you happy if I'm not the one drivin'."<ref name="Lyrics-AmericanSongwriter" /> Restraining her murderous urges, she tries to look at the situation from a rational perspective.<ref name="KB-NPR" /> In a '']'' review, Paul Attard writes that SZA explores how intense love and intense anger towards somebody can often coexist with one another. In spite of her fury, her love for her ex-boyfriend persists.<ref name="AlbumReview-Slant">{{Cite web |last=Attard |first=Paul |date=December 10, 2022 |title=SZA ''SOS'' Review: Finding Comfort Amid the Chaos |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/sza-sos-album-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224113814/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/sza-sos-album-review/ |archive-date=December 24, 2022 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> She tries to navigate her issues through consultations with a therapist, making her dryly say she is mature and mockingly congratulate herself for it.<ref name="KB-NPR" /><ref name="SMH-AlbumReview"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yalcinkaya |first=Günseli |date=December 9, 2022 |title=New Music Friday: 4 Albums to Stream This Week |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/57746/1/new-music-friday-4-albums-to-stream-december-2022-sza-sos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216065936/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/57746/1/new-music-friday-4-albums-to-stream-december-2022-sza-sos |archive-date=December 16, 2022 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> | ||
Her therapist has advised her to seek other men, but |
Her therapist has advised her to seek other men, but she loves her ex-boyfriend to such a degree that she would rather still be with him than with anyone else. According to her, if she cannot have him back, then "no one should".<ref name="AlbumReview-NME" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorpe-Tracey |first=CJ |author-link=Chris T-T |date=December 15, 2022 |title=SZA: ''SOS'' |url=https://thequietus.com/articles/32478-sza-sos-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221230083317/https://thequietus.com/articles/32478-sza-sos-review |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=] |language=en-us}}</ref> What follows is the hook, in which she openly fantasizes about killing him and his new girlfriend. She acknowledges, self-aware, that her intrusive thoughts are unhealthy and wonders "how'd I get here?"<ref name="AlbumReferences-Vulture">{{cite web |last=Guy |first=Zoe |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Everything SZA References on ''SOS'' (Including Herself) |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-sos-lyrics-samples-movie-references.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220165422/https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-sos-lyrics-samples-movie-references.html |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="AlbumReview-Pitchfork">{{cite web |last=Shepherd |first=Julianne Escobedo |date=December 9, 2022 |title=''SOS'': SZA |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/sza-sos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229074553/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/sza-sos/ |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Some critics argued that SZA amplifies the hook's unsettling nature and criminal themes using melodies evocative of lullabies.<ref name="AlbumReview-DailyTele" /><ref name="AlbumReview-Pitchfork" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Millie |date=December 12, 2022 |title=Album Review: SZA – ''SOS'' |url=https://www.gigwise.com/reviews/3428175/album-review-sza-sos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212185112/https://gigwise.com/reviews/3428175/album-review-sza-sos |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=]}}</ref> For '']'' journalist Carl Martin Agustin, the hook conjures the imagery of "the bride preparing her mark for his eternal slumber".<ref name="PHInquirer-KillBill" /> Thurman's character manifests itself within SZA in the hook, moving the perspective away from Bill's. Despite hesitations, she begins her plans for revenge. SZA ends the hook with the line "Rather be in jail than alone."<ref name="Lyrics-AmericanSongwriter" /> | ||
The song's next lyrics narrate how she carefully peruses past messages with her ex-boyfriend that might implicate her in the murder.<ref name="KB-NPR" /> The final hook contains several line changes<ref name="Lyrics-AmericanSongwriter" /> that mark the culmination of the violent ideations that manifested in the first hook. SZA enacts the double homicide, solidifying the song's nature as a ].<ref name="WitJokeKissOff-Pitchfork">{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2023 |title=All the Best Kiss-Offs, Jokes, and Wisdom on SZA's ''SOS'' |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/podcast/all-the-best-kiss-offs-jokes-and-wisdom-on-sza-sos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315044544/https://pitchfork.com/features/podcast/all-the-best-kiss-offs-jokes-and-wisdom-on-sza-sos/ |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> Reasoning with herself, she claims what she did to her ex-boyfriend was an act of love<ref name="AlbumReview-RS" /> and is not something that she regrets doing.<ref name="AlbumReview-NME" /> Music journalists from ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newstead |first=Al |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA: Is ''SOS'' Worth the Wait or Too Much of a Good Thing? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/sza-sos-feature-album-review-worth-the-wait-too-much-good-thing/101765932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123043646/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/sza-sos-feature-album-review-worth-the-wait-too-much-good-thing/101765932 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=] |language=en-AU}}</ref> and '']'' found this |
The song's next lyrics narrate how she carefully peruses past messages with her ex-boyfriend that might implicate her in the murder.<ref name="KB-NPR" /> The final hook contains several line changes<ref name="Lyrics-AmericanSongwriter" /> that mark the culmination of the violent ideations that manifested in the first hook. SZA enacts the double homicide, solidifying the song's nature as a ].<ref name="WitJokeKissOff-Pitchfork">{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2023 |title=All the Best Kiss-Offs, Jokes, and Wisdom on SZA's ''SOS'' |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/podcast/all-the-best-kiss-offs-jokes-and-wisdom-on-sza-sos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315044544/https://pitchfork.com/features/podcast/all-the-best-kiss-offs-jokes-and-wisdom-on-sza-sos/ |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> Reasoning with herself, she claims what she did to her ex-boyfriend was an act of love<ref name="AlbumReview-RS" /> and is not something that she regrets doing.<ref name="AlbumReview-NME" /> Music journalists from ]<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Newstead |first=Al |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA: Is ''SOS'' Worth the Wait or Too Much of a Good Thing? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/sza-sos-feature-album-review-worth-the-wait-too-much-good-thing/101765932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123043646/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/sza-sos-feature-album-review-worth-the-wait-too-much-good-thing/101765932 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=] |language=en-AU}}</ref> and '']'' found this humorous; ''Pitchfork''{{'s}} Julianne Escobedo Shepherd wrote: "It's so funny to imagine killing someone and his new girl and then have a fleeting second thought about it. Like, 'Maybe I shouldn't have done that. Oh well!{{' "}}<ref name="WitJokeKissOff-Pitchfork" /> | ||
The last lyric of the final hook, and the last lyric of the song, contrasts with the first hook. "I might kill my ex, not the best idea{{spaces}}/{{spaces}}His new girlfriend's next," becomes "I just killed my ex, not the best idea{{spaces}}/{{spaces}}Killed his girlfriend next."<ref name="Lyrics-AmericanSongwriter" /> This final lyric shows her admission she would pick damnation in hell over his absence from her life. The "Rather be in jail than alone" from the previous hooks becomes "Rather be in hell than alone."<ref name="Lyrics-AmericanSongwriter" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=December 14, 2022 |title=What Gives SZA Her Edge |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2022/12/sza-sos-2022-album-review/672462/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226021827/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2022/12/sza-sos-2022-album-review/672462/ |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> Some critics wrote that the last line unveiled the song's underlying tones of loneliness and turned "Kill Bill" into a ].<ref name="WitJokeKissOff-Pitchfork" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Phan |first=Karena |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Review: SZA's Perfection Takes Time in Second Album ''SOS'' |url=https://apnews.com/article/travis-scott-entertainment-reviews-hip-hop-and-rap-623ad8d680b71cc142b06c9b00fd8bf1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228133656/https://apnews.com/article/travis-scott-entertainment-reviews-hip-hop-and-rap-623ad8d680b71cc142b06c9b00fd8bf1 |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> In '']'', Steffanee Wang thought it "will make you wonder how SZA can generate such devastation from such simplicity".<ref name="AlbumAnalysis-Nylon">{{cite web |last=Wang |first=Steffanee |date=December 9, 2022 |title=SZA's ''SOS'' in 5 Essential Songs |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/best-songs-sza-sos-album-phoebe-bridgers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215093619/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/best-songs-sza-sos-album-phoebe-bridgers |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
== |
== Release == | ||
=== Original === | |||
Zoe Guy at '']'' noted the song for being an integral part of "an arsenal of pop-culture references" throughout the album and pointed out the "already well-seasoned lyrics about growing up".<ref name="AlbumReferences-Vulture">{{cite web |last=Guy |first=Zoe |date=December 9, 2022 |title=Everything SZA References on ''SOS'' (Including Herself) |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-sos-lyrics-samples-movie-references.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220165422/https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-sos-lyrics-samples-movie-references.html |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> ''Nylon'' chose the track as the top essential song of the album, praising the artist's ability to showcase her own emotions through "unspooling diaristic toxic thoughts and worst case scenarios".<ref name="AlbumAnalysis-Nylon">{{cite web|url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/best-songs-sza-sos-album-phoebe-bridgers|title=SZA's SOS in 5 essential songs|last=Wang|first=Steffanee|website=]|date=December 9, 2022|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215093619/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/best-songs-sza-sos-album-phoebe-bridgers|url-status=live}}</ref> Shepherd referred to the song as a "stalker lullaby" that the singer uses to convey "all her darkest thoughts".<ref name="AlbumReview-Pitchfork">{{cite web |last=Shepherd |first=Julianne Escobedo |date=December 9, 2022 |title=''SOS'': SZA |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/sza-sos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229074553/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/sza-sos/ |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> Jon Pareles of '']'' thought that Rowe sounded "both lighthearted and dangerous" on this "plush R&B ballad".<ref name="AlbumReview-NYT">{{cite web |last=Pareles |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Pareles |date=December 13, 2022 |title=SZA Revels in Mixed Emotions on ''SOS'' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/arts/music/sza-sos-review.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222042443/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/arts/music/sza-sos-review.html |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
From April to May 2022, SZA told media outlets that she had recently finished the album in ] and said it was coming soon.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kenneally |first=Cerys |date=April 4, 2022 |title=SZA Says New Album Is 'Finished' and Describes It as Her 'Most Unisex' Project Yet |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/sza-says-new-album-is-finished-describes-it-as-her-most-unisex-project-yet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209000759/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/sza-says-new-album-is-finished-describes-it-as-her-most-unisex-project-yet |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |access-date=November 17, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> During a '']'' cover story published in November, SZA revealed the album title and release date, which was scheduled sometime next month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serrano |first=Athena |date=November 16, 2022 |title=SZA Is 'Currently Stressed' About Releasing New Album ''S.O.S.'' |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/8znfna/sza-sos-album-announcement |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229005159/https://www.mtv.com/news/8znfna/sza-sos-album-announcement |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> On December 5, 2022, she posted the album's track list on ], and ''SOS'' was released four days later. Out of 23 songs, "Kill Bill" appears as the second track;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |date=December 5, 2022 |title=SZA Puts Fans on Alert, Announces New Album ''S.O.S'' |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-album-sos-release-date-details.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219211034/https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-album-sos-release-date-details.html |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=] |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=December 5, 2022 |title=SZA Taps Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott for ''S.O.S'' Album |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-phoebe-bridgers-travis-scott-sos-tracklist-1234641720/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215144257/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-phoebe-bridgers-travis-scott-sos-tracklist-1234641720/ |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> following its success on streaming platforms, ] chose it as the next radio ] from the album.<ref name="UKDebut" /> | |||
RCA and Top Dawg sent the song to US pop,<ref>{{Cite web |last=A |first=Aron |date=January 4, 2023 |title=SZA Chooses 'Kill Bill' & 'Nobody Gets Me' as First ''S.O.S'' Singles for Radio |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/617535-sza-chooses-kill-bill-nobody-gets-me-as-first-s-o-s-singles-for-radio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104224113/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/617535-sza-chooses-kill-bill-nobody-gets-me-as-first-s-o-s-singles-for-radio |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="CHRSingle">{{cite web |title=Top 40/Mainstream Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105020424/https://allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |publisher=All Access Music Group}}</ref> rhythmic,<ref name="Top40/R-Single">{{Cite web |title=Top 40/Rhythmic-Crossover Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105020753/https://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |publisher=All Access Music Group}}</ref> and urban radio<ref name="UrbanSingle">{{Cite web |title=Urban/R&B Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108230037/https://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 9, 2023 |publisher=All Access Music Group}}</ref> on January 10, 2023, as the fifth single from ''SOS''.<ref name="Video-NME">{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Ellie |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Watch SZA Channel Her Inner Uma Thurman in Bloody New Video for 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-sza-channel-her-inner-uma-thurman-in-bloody-new-video-for-kill-bill-3378444 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111073212/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-sza-channel-her-inner-uma-thurman-in-bloody-new-video-for-kill-bill-3378444 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref>{{NoteTag|Following "]", "]", "]", and "]"<ref name="VideoTease-Billboard" />}} Originally, only "]" (2023) was scheduled to impact pop radio on January 10. However, RCA and various radio programmers eventually decided to promote the two songs simultaneously despite the intricacies of planning dual singles, citing the large streaming numbers that "Kill Bill" gained in December and the radio-friendly appeal of the lyrics and production.<ref name="PopRadioDissection" /> "Kill Bill" became one of the week's most-added songs on pop and rhythmic formats,<ref name="Single-Vibe">{{Cite web |last=Abraham |first=Mya |date=January 13, 2023 |title=SZA Releases 'Kill Bill' Bundle Featuring Sped Up Version for TikTok |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-tiktok-bundle-1234727496/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114071236/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-tiktok-bundle-1234727496/ |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> with 2,257 plays from 129 pop radio stations.<ref name="PopRadioDissection" /> Top Dawg and RCA pushed it to ] stations three weeks later.<ref name="Urban/R&B" /> | |||
Discussing why the song became commercially successful and warmly received by critics and fans, ''Billboard'' writers pointed towards the emotional impact of its songwriting. They found the melodramatic nature of "Kill Bill" fun and wrote that although the sentiments echoed in the lyrics were extreme, there was a degree of relatability to the song's exploration of violence for the sake of love. As one of them, Cydney Lee, wrote: "while I obviously am not encouraging anyone to act on this, what woman (especially) hasn't emotionally been there before?? Also, people just love violence, and seem to have a weird fascination with 'crazy in love' relationship dynamics — and with it being track two on ''SOS'', it almost felt like it was setting the tone for the album."<ref name="Billboard-FiveBurningQ">{{Cite magazine |last1=Lee |first1=Cydney |last2=Lipshutz |first2=Jason |last3=Mamo |first3=Heran |last4=Robinson |first4=Kristin |last5=Unterberger |first5=Andrew |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Five Burning Questions: SZA Holds at No. 1 for Third Week with ''SOS'' Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-sos-five-burning-questions-1235194018/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104204756/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-sos-five-burning-questions-1235194018/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
On January 13, 2023, Top Dawg and RCA released a four-track bundle of the song to digital download and streaming platforms.<ref name="Single-Amazon">{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2023 |title='Kill Bill' |url=https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0BS4CS8DV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230113151633/https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0BS4CS8DV |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |publisher=] and ] |via=]}}</ref> Apart from the original version of "Kill Bill", the release contains a ], an instrumental version, and an ] version.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=January 13, 2023 |title=SZA Drops Four-Track 'Kill Bill' Bundle |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-four-track-kill-bill-bundle-1235198747/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114180228/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-four-track-kill-bill-bundle-1235198747/ |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> An acoustic version of the song, with a different cover art, was released on January 24.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jon |date=January 26, 2023 |title=SZA Unveils Acoustic Version of 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-01-26/269044/sza-kill-bill-acoustic-single/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130053525/https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-01-26/269044/sza-kill-bill-acoustic-single/ |archive-date=January 30, 2023 |access-date=January 30, 2023 |website=]}}</ref> The sped-up version capitalizes and is based on a ] trend on ] where users would increase the pitch and tempo of certain songs and post them on the application. One user shared a sped-up audio of "Kill Bill" upon the release of ''SOS'', and it was viewed over 21.7{{nbsp}}million times, liked over 1.9{{nbsp}}million times, and reposted in over 1.1{{nbsp}}million videos,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=January 13, 2023 |title=SZA Strips Down and Speeds Up 'Kill Bill' with Four-Track Bundle Package |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-four-track-bundle-package-1234660751/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114073441/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-four-track-bundle-package-1234660751/ |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Single-Vibe" /> boosting streams for the song.<ref name="Billboard-FiveBurningQ">{{Cite magazine |last1=Lee |first1=Cydney |last2=Lipshutz |first2=Jason |last3=Mamo |first3=Heran |last4=Robinson |first4=Kristin |last5=Unterberger |first5=Andrew |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Five Burning Questions: SZA Holds at No. 1 for Third Week with ''SOS'' Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-sos-five-burning-questions-1235194018/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104204756/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-sos-five-burning-questions-1235194018/ |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
=== Remix === | |||
] featured on the official remix for "Kill Bill", their second collaboration after "Kiss Me More".]] | |||
In 2021, SZA collaborated with American rapper ] for the song "]",<ref>{{Cite web |last=C |first=Yashira |date=July 10, 2022 |title=SZA Confirms Another Doja Cat Collaboration |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-07-10-sza-confirms-another-doja-cat-collaboration/ |access-date=May 28, 2023 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528055841/https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-07-10-sza-confirms-another-doja-cat-collaboration/ |url-status=live }}</ref> serving as the lead single from the latter's third studio album, '']'' (2021).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Langford |first=Jackson |date=June 10, 2021 |title=Doja Cat Reveals ''Planet Her'' Tracklist, with Features from Ariana Grande, the Weeknd and More |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/doja-cat-reveals-planet-her-tracklist-with-features-from-ariana-grande-the-weeknd-and-more-2965134 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |website=] |language=en-GB |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610045254/https://www.nme.com/news/music/doja-cat-reveals-planet-her-tracklist-with-features-from-ariana-grande-the-weeknd-and-more-2965134 |url-status=live }}</ref> Their next collaboration was set to be "]", ''SOS''{{'s}} third single.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=July 11, 2022 |title=SZA Reveals Doja Cat Is Featured on Long-Awaited Song 'Shirt' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-reveals-doja-cat-featured-on-shirt-1381064/ |access-date=May 28, 2023 |magazine=] |url-access=limited |language=en-US |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026185034/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-reveals-doja-cat-featured-on-shirt-1381064/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Three months after SZA teased "Shirt" was a collaboration, Punch told '']'' that Doja Cat was to feature not on the song's original version, but on a remix instead.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Cerys |last=Kenneally |date=October 3, 2022 |title=TDE's Punch Reveals Doja Cat Is More Likely to Feature on a Remix of SZA's 'Shirt' than the Original Track |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/tdes-punch-reveals-doja-cat-is-more-likely-to-feature-on-a-remix-of-szas-shirt-than-the-original-track |access-date=May 25, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525042154/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/tdes-punch-reveals-doja-cat-is-more-likely-to-feature-on-a-remix-of-szas-shirt-than-the-original-track |url-status=live }}</ref> Because of an emergency vocal surgery that Doja Cat underwent, the remix's release did not happen. SZA reacted in disappointment, and she hoped that she can work with her again on other projects.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=December 7, 2022 |title=SZA Explains Why Doja Cat's Guest Feature on 'Shirt' Didn't Happen |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-why-doja-cat-shirt-guest-feature-didnt-happen-1235182484/ |access-date=May 25, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207111351/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sza-why-doja-cat-shirt-guest-feature-didnt-happen-1235182484/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
On April 14, 2023, Doja Cat hinted at another collaboration with SZA on Instagram, tagging her on a post that read "9 pm." On Twitter, the two had a public, back-and-forth interaction. Doja Cat told SZA "sis... I did something bad", to which SZA responded "Jesus.. What is it."<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2023 |first=Tyler Damara |last=Kelly |title=SZA Links Up with Doja Cat for Surprise 'Kill Bill' Remix |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/sza-links-up-with-doja-cat-for-surprise-kill-bill-remix |access-date=May 25, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525042155/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/sza-links-up-with-doja-cat-for-surprise-kill-bill-remix |url-status=live }}</ref> A remix of "Kill Bill", featuring Doja Cat, was surprise-released hours later at 9 pm,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brodsky |first=Rachel |date=April 14, 2023 |title=SZA Reunites with Doja Cat for 'Kill Bill' Remix |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2220322/sza-reunites-with-doja-cat-for-kill-bill-remix/music/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=] |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415113003/https://www.stereogum.com/2220322/sza-reunites-with-doja-cat-for-kill-bill-remix/music/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Zhan |first1=Jennifer |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Doja Cat Was Down to 'Kill Bill' with SZA |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/04/doja-cat-sza-kill-bill-remix.html |url-access=limited |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=] |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414050806/https://www.vulture.com/2023/04/doja-cat-sza-kill-bill-remix.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with a rap verse that opens the song and continues the storyline of the original version.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Paul |date=April 18, 2023 |title=SZA & Doja Cat's 'Kill Bill' (Remix): Review |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/661913-sza-doja-cat-kill-bill-remix |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126061827/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/661913-sza-doja-cat-kill-bill-remix |url-status=live }}</ref> With the release came an animated video posted to ] that shows a ] Doja Cat as she uses a ] to fight enemies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=April 15, 2023 |title=Listen to Doja Cat's Relaxed New Remix of SZA's 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-doja-cats-relaxed-new-remix-of-szas-kill-bill-3430564 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |website=] |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528055840/https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-doja-cats-relaxed-new-remix-of-szas-kill-bill-3430564 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
== Commercial performance == | == Commercial performance == | ||
"Kill Bill" |
"Kill Bill" saw massive commercial success, buoyed strongly by its ] numbers.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rys |first=Dan |date=January 6, 2023 |title=How SZA's ''SOS'' Cut Through the Holiday Noise to Rule the Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-sos-rollout-tde-president-terrence-punch-henderson-executive-week/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106193850/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-sos-rollout-tde-president-terrence-punch-henderson-executive-week/ |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> According to the ], it was the third best-selling single of 2023, earning 1.84 billion units based on streams and ],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=February 26, 2023 |title=Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Wins IFPI Global Single Award For 2023 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/miley-cyrus-flowers-ifpi-global-single-award-2023-1235614759/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226153802/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/miley-cyrus-flowers-ifpi-global-single-award-2023-1235614759/ |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |magazine=] |publisher=}}</ref> and it was ]'s second most-streamed song of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fekadu |first=Mesfin |date=November 29, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus Top Spotify's Most-Streamed Lists |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/spotify-most-streamed-artist-song-album-2023-taylor-swift-miley-cyrus-bad-bunny-1235683899/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202004223/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/spotify-most-streamed-artist-song-album-2023-taylor-swift-miley-cyrus-bad-bunny-1235683899/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It spent two weeks atop the ] chart, which tracks songs' performance on streaming and download platforms,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Adds Third Week at No. 1 on ''Billboard'' Global Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/miley-cyrus-flowers-third-week-number-one-global-charts-1235213895/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207064723/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/miley-cyrus-flowers-third-week-number-one-global-charts-1235213895/ |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> and four weeks atop US ].<ref name="Flowers-KillBill">{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Tops Hot 100 for Fifth Week, PinkPantheress & Ice Spice Surge to Top 10 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/miley-cyrus-flowers-number-1-hot-100-fifth-week-1235256842/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222010522/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/miley-cyrus-flowers-number-1-hot-100-fifth-week-1235256842/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was SZA's first song to top the ''Billboard'' Global 200, and it did so in early January 2023, bolstered by around 64{{nbsp}}million international streams.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=January 9, 2023 |title=SZA's 'Kill Bill' Bounds to No. 1 on ''Billboard'' Global 200 Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-global-200-1235195738/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109223638/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-global-200-1235195738/ |archive-date=January 9, 2023 |access-date=January 10, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Global200Debut2">{{Cite magazine |last1=Trust |first1=Gary |date=December 19, 2022 |title=Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Continues Atop ''Billboard'' Global Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-sza-kill-bill-global-charts-1235189492/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223160943/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-sza-kill-bill-global-charts-1235189492/ |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022}}</ref> The week prior, it debuted atop Streaming Songs with 36.9{{nbsp}}million US streams for the December 24, 2022, issue. It was her first number-one there and the first non-holiday song since 2018 to be the top entry on the chart for the week of ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rutherford |first=Kevin |date=December 22, 2022 |title=SZA Scores Her First Streaming Songs No. 1 with 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-becomes-her-first-streaming-songs-no-1/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223110713/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-becomes-her-first-streaming-songs-no-1/ |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> | ||
With "Kill Bill" and "Nobody Gets Me", SZA acquired her sixth and seventh top 10 songs in the United States.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Zellner |first=Xander |date=December 20, 2022 |title=SZA Debuts 20 Songs from ''SOS'' on Hot 100, Rules Artist 100 for First Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-debuts-20-songs-from-sos-hot-100-rules-artist-100-1235189798/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221081326/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-debuts-20-songs-from-sos-hot-100-rules-artist-100-1235189798/ |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022}}</ref> Meanwhile, in Canada, "Kill Bill" debuted at number 5 and later peaked at number 3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Gavin |date=December 28, 2022 |title=Mariah Carey Reigns Supreme Over the Christmas Chart in Australia |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/mariah-carey-reigns-supreme-over-the-christmas-chart-in-australia/6xb3__7h4OM/28-12-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230075254/https://themusic.com.au/news/mariah-carey-reigns-supreme-over-the-christmas-chart-in-australia/6xb3__7h4OM/28-12-22 |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="CanadaChart" /> SZA achieved her highest debut on the US ] when the song entered the chart as an album track in December 2022, at number three.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=December 19, 2022 |title=Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Scores Milestone 10th Week at No. 1 on ''Billboard'' Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-tops-hot-100-10th-week-1235189304/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225150124/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you-tops-hot-100-10th-week-1235189304/ |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022}}</ref> Once it was ], "Kill Bill" became SZA's first top 10 entry on the ] chart,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Tops ''Billboard'' Hot 100 for Third Week, Lil Uzi Vert's 'Just Wanna Rock' Hits Top 10 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/miley-cyrus-flowers-lil-uzi-vert-just-wanna-rock-hot-100-top-10-1235213867/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207064022/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/miley-cyrus-flowers-lil-uzi-vert-just-wanna-rock-hot-100-top-10-1235213867/ |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=February 8, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> where it reached number two.<ref name=":7" /> It was her third and fastest song to top ], the first radio chart "Kill Bill" topped,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Anderson |first=Trevor |date=March 1, 2023 |title=SZA's 'Kill Bill' Tops Its First Radio Chart with No. 1 on Rhythmic Airplay |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-number-1-rhythmic-airplay-chart/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308212925/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-number-1-rhythmic-airplay-chart/ |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |access-date=April 23, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> and her first in a lead credit to top ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=April 14, 2023 |title=SZA's 'Kill Bill' Slays All Competition, Reaches No. 1 on Pop Airplay Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-hits-number-one-pop-airplay-chart-1235303289/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421182554/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-hits-number-one-pop-airplay-chart-1235303289/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
The song spent 17 of its first 18 weeks on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in the top 10. Of those 18 weeks, 8 were spent at number two.<ref>{{Cite magazine |first1=Katie |last1=Atkinson |first2=Stephen |last2=Daw |first3=Jason |last3=Lipshutz |first4=Neena |last4=Rouhani |first5=Andrew |last5=Unterberger |date=April 25, 2023 |title=How Meaningful Is It for SZA That 'Kill Bill' Finally Hit No. 1? |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-five-burning-questions-1235314777/ |access-date=May 16, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516162408/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-five-burning-questions-1235314777/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Three songs kept "Kill Bill" from the top spot: "]" (2022) by ],<ref name="Anti-Hero">{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=January 17, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift's 'Anti-Hero' Becomes Her Sole Longest-Leading Hot 100 No. 1 with Eighth Week on Top |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-anti-hero-eighth-week-number-one-zach-bryan-top-10-1235199856/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117182530/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-anti-hero-eighth-week-number-one-zach-bryan-top-10-1235199856/ |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |access-date=February 8, 2023 |magazine=]}}</ref> "]" (2023) by ], and "]" (2023) by ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title=Mud, mess and murder ballads: SZA's massive success shows that pop fans are craving realness |newspaper=The Guardian |date=April 26, 2023 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/26/szas-success-reveals-an-appetite-for-a-messiness-in-pop-that-is-in-short-supply-kill-bill-sos |last1=d'Souza |first1=Shaad |access-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603095944/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/26/szas-success-reveals-an-appetite-for-a-messiness-in-pop-that-is-in-short-supply-kill-bill-sos |url-status=live }}</ref> After 8 weeks at number two, "Kill Bill" topped the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, becoming SZA's first number-one in the United States, boosted by the remix. It tied with three other songs for the second-most weeks at number two before reaching the top, behind "]" (2019) by ] (9 weeks).<ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=April 24, 2023 |title=SZA Scores Her First ''Billboard'' Hot 100 No. 1 with 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-hot-100-ice-spice-nicki-minaj-top-10-1235313955/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424210206/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-kill-bill-number-one-hot-100-ice-spice-nicki-minaj-top-10-1235313955/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On US ], "Kill Bill" was SZA's second number-one debut, after "]" in 2021,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Anderson |first=Trevor |date=December 22, 2022 |title=SZA's 'Kill Bill' Fills No. 1 Spot on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-number-1-rb-hip-hop-songs-chart/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222190625/https://www.billboard.com/pro/sza-kill-bill-number-1-rb-hip-hop-songs-chart/ |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> and was at number one for 21 weeks. It broke the record for the longest time a song spent atop the chart, surpassing ]'s "]" (2019).<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Anderson |first=Trevor |date=December 9, 2023 |title=1 Year of ''SOS'': 8 Records & Achievements for SZA's Blockbuster Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/sza-sos-anniversary-kill-bill-records-achievements/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216234505/https://www.billboard.com/lists/sza-sos-anniversary-kill-bill-records-achievements/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Kill Bill" ended 2023 as the third best-performing song in the US,<ref name=":8">{{Cite magazine |first1=Kyle |last1=Denis |first2=Lyndsey |last2=Havens |first3=Jason |last3=Lipshutz |first4=Joe |last4=Lynch |first5=Andrew |last5=Unterberger |date=December 12, 2023 |title=What Do We Make of the Year-End ''Billboard'' Hot 100? |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/year-end-hot-100-morgan-wallen-sza-five-burning-questions-1235553280/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202004223/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/year-end-hot-100-morgan-wallen-sza-five-burning-questions-1235553280/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and it has been ] by the ] for selling 5,000,000 units.<ref name="USCert" /> | |||
The song |
The song peaked within the top 5 of the ] (MENA) region, and it had more several top 5 peaks in the Asia-Pacific. "Kill Bill" spent multiple weeks at number one in New Zealand<ref name="AusRepeak">{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Gavin |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Sam Smith & Kim Petras Reclaim Top Spot in Aus Charts as Christmas Comes to a Close |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/sam-smith-kim-petras-reclaim-top-spot-in-aus-charts-as-christmas-comes-to-a-close/bHF0fmFgY2I/09-01-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109130853/https://themusic.com.au/news/sam-smith-kim-petras-reclaim-top-spot-in-aus-charts-as-christmas-comes-to-a-close/bHF0fmFgY2I/09-01-23 |archive-date=January 9, 2023 |access-date=January 9, 2023 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> and Singapore,<ref name="SGChartWeek1" /><ref name="SGChartWeek2">{{cite web|url=https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/|title=RIAS Top Charts Week 52 (23 – 29 Dec 2022)|publisher=]|access-date=January 7, 2023|archive-date=January 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105141251/https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/}}</ref> and it was the highest-charting international song in Malaysia for over a week.<ref name="Malaysia1stWeekNo1" /><ref name="Malaysia2ndWeekNo1">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/RecordingIndustryMalaysia/posts/pfbid02rGEgZKJhn33vz169MJZ6qsidzcbTKS2Xnp6FmCSpLoQZ5LC34dvDCEi8DBkDusa5l|title=Top 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 52 (23/12/2022–29/12/2022)|publisher=]|date=January 7, 2023|access-date=January 13, 2023|via=]|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114121737/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRecordingIndustryMalaysia%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02rGEgZKJhn33vz169MJZ6qsidzcbTKS2Xnp6FmCSpLoQZ5LC34dvDCEi8DBkDusa5l|url-status=live}}</ref> It also went number one in Indonesia and the Philippines,<ref name="AusNo1">{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Gavin |date=January 16, 2023 |title=SZA Hits ARIA Chart Jackpot and Snags #1 Spot |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/sza-hit-aria-chart-jackpot-and-snags-1-spot/A9gfFxYZGBs/16-01-23 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117045358/https://themusic.com.au/news/sza-hit-aria-chart-jackpot-and-snags-1-spot/A9gfFxYZGBs/16-01-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> and it reached number 4 and number 3 in Vietnam and the MENA's regional chart, respectively.<ref name="MENAChart" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thảo |date=January 5, 2023 |title=NewJeans Chưa Có Dấu Hiệu Hạ Nhiệt, 'Golden Hour' (JVKE) Vươn Lên Top 10 Hot 100 |trans-title=NewJeans Shows No Signs of Cooling Down, 'Golden Hour' (JVKE) Rises to Top 10 on Hot 100 |url=https://billboardvn.vn/newjeans-chua-co-dau-hieu-ha-nhiet-golden-hour-jvke-vuon-len-top-10-hot-100/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106224600/https://billboardvn.vn/newjeans-chua-co-dau-hieu-ha-nhiet-golden-hour-jvke-vuon-len-top-10-hot-100/ |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |access-date=January 12, 2023 |website=] |language=vi}}</ref> "Kill Bill" was SZA's first chart-topping song in Australia,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=January 13, 2023 |title=SZA, Taylor Swift Rule Australia's Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-taylor-swift-australia-aria-charts-1235198693/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113134358/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sza-taylor-swift-australia-aria-charts-1235198693/ |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> where it was certified six times platinum for selling over 420,000 units,<ref name="AustraliaCert" /> and was the country's third-biggest song of 2023.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=January 12, 2024 |title=Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus Reign Over Australia's End of Year Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-miley-cyrus-reign-australias-2023-end-of-year-charts-1235580552/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119094106/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-miley-cyrus-reign-australias-2023-end-of-year-charts-1235580552/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It received a ] in New Zealand for selling over 30,000 units.<ref name="NZCert" /> | ||
On the ], "Kill Bill" debuted within the top 15 in mid–December 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=George |date=December 16, 2022 |title=Whamageddon! 'Last Christmas' Returns to Number 1 in the UK |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/whamageddon-last-christmas-returns-to-number-1-on-the-official-singles-chart-__38116/ |access-date=December 24, 2022 |publisher=] |language=en |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222205053/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/whamageddon-last-christmas-returns-to-number-1-on-the-official-singles-chart-__38116/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It rose to the top 10, SZA's first solo song to do so, in early 2023, once Christmas songs had left the chart.<ref name="UKDebut">{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=George |date=January 4, 2023 |title=SZA's 'Kill Bill' Tops Official Trending Chart on Way to First Solo UK Top 10 Single |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/szas-kill-bill-tops-official-trending-chart-on-way-to-first-solo-uk-top-10-single__38220/ |access-date=January 4, 2023 |publisher=] |language=en |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104111015/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/szas-kill-bill-tops-official-trending-chart-on-way-to-first-solo-uk-top-10-single__38220/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="UKTop10">{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=George |date=January 6, 2023 |title=Raye Claims Her First-Ever Official Number 1 Single with 'Escapism' ft. 070 Shake: "I'm an Independent Artist – This Is Proof You Should Back Yourself, No Matter What!" |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/raye-claims-her-first-ever-official-number-1-single-with-escapism-ft-070-shake-i-m-an-independent-artist-this-is-proof-you-should-back-yourself-no-matter-what-__38244/ |access-date=January 7, 2023 |publisher=] |language=en |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106180304/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/raye-claims-her-first-ever-official-number-1-single-with-escapism-ft-070-shake-i-m-an-independent-artist-this-is-proof-you-should-back-yourself-no-matter-what-__38244/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Peaking at number 3, "Kill Bill" tied "Kiss Me More" as her highest-charting song in the UK;<ref name="UKDebut" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=George |date=February 20, 2023 |title=SZA's ''SOS'' Achieves Most Weeks at Number 1 in the US for a Female Artist Since Adele |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/szas-sos-achieves-most-weeks-at-number-1-in-the-us-for-a-female-artist-since-adele__38575/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |publisher=] |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105054231/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/szas-sos-achieves-most-weeks-at-number-1-in-the-us-for-a-female-artist-since-adele__38575/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ended the year with over 100 million streams<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=January 3, 2024 |title=Miley Cyrus, SZA, Taylor Swift Lead as Women Rule U.K. Music Chart |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/global/miley-cyrus-sza-taylor-uk-music-chart-2023-1235859496/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105015725/https://variety.com/2024/music/global/miley-cyrus-sza-taylor-uk-music-chart-2023-1235859496/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and 1,069,727 total sales;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paine |first=Andre |date=January 4, 2024 |title=2023 Market Analysis: EMI on Top as It Becomes UK's No.1 Streaming Label |url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/2023-market-analysis-emi-on-top-as-it-becomes-uk-s-no-1-streaming-label/089051 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=January 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104203912/https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/2023-market-analysis-emi-on-top-as-it-becomes-uk-s-no-1-streaming-label/089051 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was the country's seventh best-performing song.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Smirke |first=Richard |date=January 3, 2023 |title=Ladies Might: Miley Cyrus, SZA and Taylor Swift Help Lift UK Music Streams to Record High in 2023 |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/uk-music-listening-streaming-vinyl-sales-growth-bpi-2023-report-1235574838/ |access-date=January 7, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107081831/https://www.billboard.com/business/business-news/uk-music-listening-streaming-vinyl-sales-growth-bpi-2023-report-1235574838/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Elsewhere in Europe, it reached the top 20 in Ireland, the Nordic countries, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovakia, Switzerland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria.{{NoteTag|See the ] for the exact peaks.}} | |||
==Critical reception== | |||
== Release == <!--the song reached chart milestones way before its music video and radio impact; don't move this paragraph just because most articles discuss release before commercial performance first--> | |||
From April to May 2022, SZA told media outlets that she had recently finished the album in ] and said it was coming soon.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kenneally |first=Cerys |date=April 4, 2022 |title=SZA Says New Album Is 'Finished' and Describes It as Her 'Most Unisex' Project Yet |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/sza-says-new-album-is-finished-describes-it-as-her-most-unisex-project-yet |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209000759/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/sza-says-new-album-is-finished-describes-it-as-her-most-unisex-project-yet |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |access-date=November 17, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> During a '']'' cover story published in November, SZA revealed the album title and release date, which was scheduled sometime next month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serrano |first=Athena |date=November 16, 2022 |title=SZA Is 'Currently Stressed' About Releasing New Album ''S.O.S.'' |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/8znfna/sza-sos-album-announcement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229005159/https://www.mtv.com/news/8znfna/sza-sos-album-announcement |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> On December 5, 2022, she posted the album's track list on ], and ''SOS'' was released four days later. Out of 23 songs, "Kill Bill" appears as the second track;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |date=December 5, 2022 |title=SZA Puts Fans on Alert, Announces New Album ''S.O.S'' |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-album-sos-release-date-details.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219211034/https://www.vulture.com/2022/12/sza-album-sos-release-date-details.html |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=] |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=December 5, 2022 |title=SZA Taps Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott for ''S.O.S'' Album |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-phoebe-bridgers-travis-scott-sos-tracklist-1234641720/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215144257/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-phoebe-bridgers-travis-scott-sos-tracklist-1234641720/ |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=December 15, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> following its success on streaming platforms, ] chose it as the next radio ] from the album.<ref name="UKDebut" /> | |||
=== Reviews === | |||
RCA and ] sent the song to US pop,<ref>{{Cite web |last=A |first=Aron |date=January 4, 2023 |title=SZA Chooses 'Kill Bill' & 'Nobody Gets Me' as First ''S.O.S'' Singles for Radio |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/617535-sza-chooses-kill-bill-nobody-gets-me-as-first-s-o-s-singles-for-radio |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104224113/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/617535-sza-chooses-kill-bill-nobody-gets-me-as-first-s-o-s-singles-for-radio |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CHRSingle">{{cite web |title=Top 40/Mainstream Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105020424/https://allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |publisher=All Access Music Group}}</ref> rhythmic,<ref name="Top40/R-Single">{{Cite web |title=Top 40/Rhythmic-Crossover Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105020753/https://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |publisher=All Access Music Group}}</ref> and urban radio<ref name="UrbanSingle">{{Cite web |title=Urban/R&B Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108230037/https://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |access-date=January 9, 2023 |publisher=All Access Music Group}}</ref> on January 10, 2023, as the fifth single from ''SOS''.<ref name="Video-NME">{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Ellie |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Watch SZA Channel Her Inner Uma Thurman in Bloody New Video for 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-sza-channel-her-inner-uma-thurman-in-bloody-new-video-for-kill-bill-3378444 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111073212/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-sza-channel-her-inner-uma-thurman-in-bloody-new-video-for-kill-bill-3378444 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref>{{NoteTag|The first four singles from ''SOS'' before "Kill Bill" were "]", "]", "]", and "Nobody Gets Me".<ref name="VideoTease-Billboard" />}} Originally, only "Nobody Gets Me" was scheduled to impact pop radio on January 10. However, RCA and various radio programmers eventually decided to promote the two songs simultaneously despite the intricacies of planning dual singles, citing the large streaming numbers that "Kill Bill" gained in December and the radio-friendly appeal of the lyrics and production.<ref name="PopRadioDissection" /> "Kill Bill" became one of the week's most-added songs on pop and rhythmic formats,<ref name="Single-Vibe">{{Cite web |last=Abraham |first=Mya |date=January 13, 2023 |title=SZA Releases 'Kill Bill' Bundle Featuring Sped Up Version for TikTok |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-tiktok-bundle-1234727496/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114071236/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-tiktok-bundle-1234727496/ |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> with 2,257 plays from 129 pop radio stations.<ref name="PopRadioDissection" /> Top Dawg and RCA pushed it to ] stations three weeks later.<ref name="Urban/R&B" /> | |||
Many critics called "Kill Bill" a highlight of ''SOS'',{{NoteTag|Cited to multiple reviews<ref name="AlbumReview-NME" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fekadu |first=Mesfin |date=December 21, 2022 |title=''Hollywood Reporter'' Music Editor Picks the 10 Best Albums of 2022 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/best-albums-2022-beyonce-harry-styles-sza-kendrick-lamar-1235285596/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222215216/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/best-albums-2022-beyonce-harry-styles-sza-kendrick-lamar-1235285596/ |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Uitti |first=Jacob |date=December 24, 2023 |title=The Top 10 No. 1 Songs of 2023 |url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-10-best-no-1-songs-of-2023/ |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126082339/https://americansongwriter.com/the-10-best-no-1-songs-of-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} and Sophie Williams of '']'' attributed the choice to its vivid, detail-heavy storytelling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Sophie |date=February 23, 2023 |title=How SZA Inspired a Generation of R&B Storytellers: 'She's a Radical Light' |url=https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/sza-sos-tour-setlist-flo-baby-rose-radar-3403286 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=] |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217110325/https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/sza-sos-tour-setlist-flo-baby-rose-radar-3403286 |url-status=live }}</ref> Compliments toward the lyrics revolved around its cinematic narrative,<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2022 |first=Precious |last=Fondren |title=SZA ''SOS'' Reveals Everything We've Wanted To Know For 5 Years |url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/sza-sos-album-review |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124020521/https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/sza-sos-album-review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2023 |title=20 Contenders for 2023's Song of the Summer |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/20-contenders-for-2023s-song-of-the-summer/ |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216172305/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/20-contenders-for-2023s-song-of-the-summer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> poetic quality, and raw honesty.<ref name="AlbumReview-Slant" /><ref name=":5" /> Some praised it for demonstrating SZA's lyrical versatility, capable of not only relishing in sadness but also expressing anger.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ampil |first=Izzy |date=February 3, 2023 |title=How SZA Rose from Indie Favorite to National No. 1 |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/izzyampil/sza-sos-career-albums |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=September 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924030349/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/izzyampil/sza-sos-career-albums |url-status=live }}</ref> Meanwhile, '']''{{'s}} Zoe Guy, ''Pitchfork''{{'s}} Jill Mapes, and ''Rolling Stone''{{'s}} Mankaprr Conteh lauded "Kill Bill" as an exemplar of how to blend pop-culture references with internal struggles and candid self-reflection to create a lyrically memorable song.<ref name="AlbumReferences-Vulture" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2023 |title=20 Contenders for 2023's Song of the Summer |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/20-contenders-for-2023s-song-of-the-summer/ |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216172305/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/20-contenders-for-2023s-song-of-the-summer/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine |date=December 1, 2023 |title=The 100 Best Songs of 2023 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-2023-1234879541/ |url-access=limited |access-date=December 6, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201194010/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-2023-1234879541/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Other critics pointed towards the lyrics' melodrama and relatability despite the extreme violence,<ref name="BestFitReview" /><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mckinney |first1=Jessica |last2=Caraballo |first2=Ecleen Luzmila |last3=Skelton |first3=Eric |last4=Rose |first4=Jordan |last5=High |first5=Kemet |last6=Eccleston |first6=Katelina 'Gata' |last7=Hay |first7=Kameron |last8=De Jesus |first8=Alejandro |last9=Berry |first9=Peter A. |display-authors=2 |date=December 15, 2023 |title=The Best Albums of 2023 |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/j-mckinney/best-albums-2023 |access-date=January 2, 2024 |website=] |language=en-us |archive-date=January 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101035221/https://www.complex.com/music/a/j-mckinney/best-albums-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''Billboard'' writers cited these qualities as the reason for the song's critical and commercial success: "people just love violence, and seem to have a weird fascination with 'crazy in love' relationship dynamics."<ref name="Billboard-FiveBurningQ" /> | |||
Some critics praised "Kill Bill" for its novel approach to revenge songs,<ref name=":5" /> such as Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen of '']'', who wrote that SZA provided a refreshing and "intoxicating" take to very common tropes associated with murder ballads.<ref name="SMH-AlbumReview">{{Cite web |last1=Moran |first1=Robert |last2=Shand |first2=John |last3=Nguyen |first3=Giselle Au-Nhien |date=November 29, 2022 |title=SZA's Addictive Album Is the Summer Soundtrack You've Been Waiting For |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/a-searing-sign-off-from-one-of-the-best-bands-of-all-20221125-p5c1d2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229163554/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/a-searing-sign-off-from-one-of-the-best-bands-of-all-20221125-p5c1d2.html |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> Referencing the break-up songs that blocked the song from number one, "Flowers" and "Last Night", D'Souza argued that "Kill Bill" was a standout among its commercially successful contemporaries that, in his view, had more boilerplate and "easily digestible" lyrics about heartbreak. He continued that "SZA's success feels like a win for a kind of pop music that's in short supply right now."<ref name=":0" /> | |||
On January 13, 2023, Top Dawg and RCA released a four-track bundle of the song to digital download and streaming platforms.<ref name="Single-Amazon">{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2023 |title='Kill Bill' |url=https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0BS4CS8DV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230113151633/https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0BS4CS8DV |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |publisher=] and ] |via=]}}</ref> Apart from the original version of "Kill Bill", the release contains a sped-up version, an instrumental version, and an ] version.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=January 13, 2023 |title=SZA Drops Four-Track 'Kill Bill' Bundle |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-four-track-kill-bill-bundle-1235198747/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114180228/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-four-track-kill-bill-bundle-1235198747/ |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> An acoustic version of the song, with a different cover art, was released on January 24.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jon |date=January 26, 2023 |title=SZA Unveils Acoustic Version of 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-01-26/269044/sza-kill-bill-acoustic-single/ |access-date=January 30, 2023 |website=] |archive-date=January 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130053525/https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-01-26/269044/sza-kill-bill-acoustic-single/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The sped-up version capitalizes and is based on a ] trend on ] where users would increase the pitch and tempo of certain songs and post them on the application. One user shared a sped-up audio of "Kill Bill" upon the release of ''SOS'', and it was viewed over 21.7{{nbsp}}million times, liked over 1.9{{nbsp}}million times, and reposted in over 1.1{{nbsp}}million videos,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=January 13, 2023 |title=SZA Strips Down and Speeds Up 'Kill Bill' with Four-Track Bundle Package |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-four-track-bundle-package-1234660751/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114073441/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-four-track-bundle-package-1234660751/ |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="Single-Vibe" /> boosting streams for the song.<ref name="Billboard-FiveBurningQ" /> A remix featuring American rapper ] was released on April 14, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brodsky |first=Rachel |date=April 14, 2023 |title=SZA Reunites With Doja Cat For "Kill Bill" Remix |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2220322/sza-reunites-with-doja-cat-for-kill-bill-remix/music/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Zhan |first1=Jennifer |title=Doja Cat Was Down to 'Kill Bill' with SZA |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/04/doja-cat-sza-kill-bill-remix.html |access-date=April 14, 2023 |work=] |date=April 14, 2023}}</ref> | |||
Music journalists commended the song for its ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2023 |title=Best R&B Songs of 2023 |url=https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/hip-hop-awards-2023-best-r-and-b-songs |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126082212/https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/hip-hop-awards-2023-best-r-and-b-songs |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2024 |first=Karl |last=Puschmann |title=Top of the Charts: Magic Mike Has a Small Problem While Miley Blooms |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/top-of-the-charts-magic-mike-has-a-small-problem-while-miley-blooms/HCNGHV63J5H7VPY5BYVSSBIS7Q/ |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=] |language=en-NZ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126082212/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/top-of-the-charts-magic-mike-has-a-small-problem-while-miley-blooms/HCNGHV63J5H7VPY5BYVSSBIS7Q/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hopper |first=Alex |date=January 24, 2023 |title=Top 10 SZA Songs |url=https://americansongwriter.com/top-10-sza-songs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201191852/https://americansongwriter.com/top-10-sza-songs/ |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> Lyndsey Havens for ''Billboard'' said that "Kill Bill" was good for singalongs,<ref name=":8" /> and in '']'', Spencer Kornhaber wrote: "As if her evil genius was in doubt, will have millions of people doing their holiday shopping with a serial-killer confession stuck in their head."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=December 13, 2023 |title=The 10 Best Albums of 2023 |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2023/12/best-albums-2023-amaraae-wednesday-caroline-polachek-sza/676301/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231140859/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2023/12/best-albums-2023-amaraae-wednesday-caroline-polachek-sza/676301/ |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |access-date=January 2, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> Other critics praised her vocals, writing that its softness elevated the song's vulnerability and intimacy,<ref name="KB-NPR" /><ref name="AlbumReview-Pitchfork" /> and its production, with two describing its melody as smooth as water.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Beaumont |first1=Mark |last2=Brown |first2=Helen |last3=Nugent |first3=Annabel |last4=O'Connor |first4=Roisin |date=December 14, 2023 |title=The 30 Best Albums of 2023, from Olivia Rodrigo to Lana Del Rey |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/best-albums-2023-ranked-b2462716.html |access-date=December 14, 2023 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214100936/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/best-albums-2023-ranked-b2462716.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2022 |title=The 22 Best Albums of 2022 |url=https://www.spin.com/2022/12/22-best-albums-of-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102225800/https://www.spin.com/2022/12/22-best-albums-of-2022/ |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
=== Rankings === | |||
The original version appeared in best-of-2023 song listicles published on '']'' (unranked)<ref name=":3" /> and ''Pitchfork'' (6),<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2023 |title=The 100 Best Songs of 2023 |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-songs-2023/ |access-date=December 5, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204160943/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-songs-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and it was placed at number one by Heran Mamo on ''Billboard''{{'s}}.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 7, 2023 |title=The 100 Best Songs of 2023: Staff Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-songs-2023/ |access-date=December 8, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212163207/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-songs-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Year-end rankings that featured the remix included ones published by ''Rolling Stone'' (16)<ref name=":6" /> and ] (6).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=December 30, 2023 |title=Billie Eilish, Blur and SZA: The Best Songs of 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-67617420 |access-date=December 31, 2023 |work=] |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230080906/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-67617420 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
"Kill Bill" placed at number 267 at the February 2024 iteration of ] list, which wrote that it was "the epitome of what makes one of this generation's greatest songwriters".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=February 2024 |title=The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/ |url-access=limited |access-date=February 16, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915131509/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Billboard'' ranked the song as the 222nd best pop song of all time in October 2023,<ref name=":10">{{Cite magazine |last1=Aniftos |first1=Rania |last2=Atkinson |first2=Katie |last3=Bain |first3=Katie |last4=Chan |first4=Anna |last5=Christman |first5=Ed |last6=Dailey |first6=Hannah |last7=Daw |first7=Stephen |last8=Denis |first8=Kyle |last9=DiGiacomo |first9=Frank |display-authors=2 |date=October 19, 2023 |title=The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-pop-songs-all-time-hits/222-sza-kill-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106045132/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-pop-songs-all-time-hits/222-sza-kill-bill/ |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> as well as the 4th best breakup song of all time in February 2024.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=February 8, 2024 |title=75 Best Breakup Songs of All Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/top-breakup-songs-all-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425013118/https://www.billboard.com/lists/top-breakup-songs-all-time/whitney-houston-i-have-nothing/ |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |access-date=May 14, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> On their 2023 listicle, the magazine wrote that "Kill Bill" marked SZA's "official crossover from subversive R&B tastemaker to bona fide pop star".<ref name=":10" /> | |||
== Accolades == | |||
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" | |||
|+List of awards and nominations received by "Kill Bill" | |||
|- align=center | |||
! scope="col"| Year | |||
! scope="col"| Award | |||
! scope="col"| Category | |||
! scope="col"| Result | |||
! scope="col"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} | |||
|- | |||
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | ] | |||
| rowspan="2" |] | |||
|] | |||
| {{won}} | |||
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-bet-awards-winners-1235361054/|title=Here Are the 2023 BET Awards Winners: Full List|magazine=]|first=Katie|last=Atkinson|accessdate=June 26, 2023|archive-date=June 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626062838/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-bet-awards-winners-1235361054/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nominated}} | |||
|- | |||
! rowspan="5" scope="row" | ] | |||
| rowspan="5" |] | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corcoran |first=Nina |date=August 8, 2023 |title=MTV VMAs 2023 Nominees Announced: See the Full List Here |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/mtv-vmas-2023-nominees-announced-see-the-full-list-here/ |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913104014/https://pitchfork.com/news/mtv-vmas-2023-nominees-announced-see-the-full-list-here/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brathwaite |first=Lester Fabian |date=September 1, 2023 |title=Renaissance vs. Eras: Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to Duke It Out over Show of the Summer at MTV VMAs |url=https://ew.com/mtv-video-music-awards/2023-mtv-vmas-song-of-the-summer-nominees/ |access-date=September 1, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901130727/https://ew.com/mtv-video-music-awards/2023-mtv-vmas-song-of-the-summer-nominees/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | ] | |||
| rowspan="2" | ] | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rizzo |first=Carita |date=November 6, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift Tops 'Canceled' 2023 MTV EMA Awards |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/2023-mtv-ema-awards-taylor-swift-full-winners-list-1234870678/ |url-access=limited |access-date=November 7, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107014201/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/2023-mtv-ema-awards-taylor-swift-full-winners-list-1234870678/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" |] | |||
|] | |||
|Best R&B/Soul Video – International | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web |last=Peacock |first=Tim |date=September 28, 2023 |title=Stormzy, James Blake Among Nominees for 2023 U.K. Music Video Awards |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/stormzy-james-blake-2023-u-k-music-video-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122032515/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/stormzy-james-blake-2023-u-k-music-video-awards/ |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |accessdate=May 7, 2024 |website=uDiscoverMusic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=October 27, 2023 |title=UK Music Video Awards 2023: All the Winners Announced at Ceremony Tonight |url=https://www.promonews.tv/news/2023/10/26/uk-music-video-awards-2023-all-winners-announced-ceremony-tonight/83903 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203175240/https://www.promonews.tv/news/2023/10/26/uk-music-video-awards-2023-all-winners-announced-ceremony-tonight/83903 |archive-date=December 3, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=Promonews |language=en}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! rowspan="4" scope="row" |] | |||
| rowspan="4" |] | |||
|] | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4" |<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=October 26, 2023 |title=Taylor Swift Leads Finalists for 2023 ''Billboard'' Music Awards: Full List |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-billboard-music-awards-nominees-list-1235454697/ |access-date=October 28, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118173418/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-billboard-music-awards-nominees-list-1235454697/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|Top ''Billboard'' Global 200 Song | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|{{won}} | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" rowspan="3" |] | |||
| rowspan="3" |] | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=November 26, 2023 |title=SZA, Usher & Victoria Monét Are Top Winners at 2023 Soul Train Awards: Full List |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-soul-train-awards-winners-list-sza-usher-1235509200/ |access-date=November 26, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127020842/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-soul-train-awards-winners-list-sza-usher-1235509200/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" rowspan="3" |] | |||
| rowspan="3" |] | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2023 |title=Grammy Nominations 2024: See the Full List Here |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/grammy-nominations-2024-see-the-full-list-here/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110161249/https://pitchfork.com/news/grammy-nominations-2024-see-the-full-list-here/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | ] | |||
|] | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="BritNoms">{{Cite web |last=Heching |first=Dan |date=March 2, 2024 |title=Brit Awards 2024: See who won |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/01/entertainment/brit-awards-see-who-won/ |access-date=March 3, 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" rowspan="3" |] | |||
| rowspan="3" |] | |||
|Song of the Year | |||
| {{won}} | |||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Atkinson |first=Katie |date=April 1, 2024 |title=Here Are the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Winners |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2024-iheartradio-music-awards-winners-list-1235646726/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|Pop Song of the Year | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|} | |||
== Music video == | == Music video == | ||
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], one of the starring actresses in the ''Kill Bill'' films, makes a cameo in the music video.]] | ], one of the starring actresses in the ''Kill Bill'' films, makes a cameo in the music video.]] | ||
SZA expressed her gratitude for fans' warm reception of "Kill Bill" by posting a 20-second teaser of the music video to |
SZA expressed her gratitude for fans' warm reception of "Kill Bill" by posting a 20-second teaser of the music video to Twitter on December 29, 2022,<ref name="VideoTease-Billboard">{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=December 30, 2022 |title=SZA Teases Vengeful 'Kill Bill' Music Video: 'It's What Y'all Deserve' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-kill-bill-music-video-teaser-1235192352/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230003940/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/sza-kill-bill-music-video-teaser-1235192352/ |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ojii |first=Jada |date=December 30, 2022 |title=TDE Drops Music Video Teaser for SZA's 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/615742-tde-drops-music-video-teaser-for-szas-kill-bill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230080323/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/615742-tde-drops-music-video-teaser-for-szas-kill-bill |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> having alluded to its creation around a week prior during an interview with '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Lexi |date=December 30, 2022 |title=SZA Returns with a Vengeance in Her New Teaser for the 'Kill Bill' Music Video |url=https://uproxx.com/music/sza-kill-bill-teaser-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230031151/https://uproxx.com/music/sza-kill-bill-teaser-video/ |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> The video was directed by ] and produced by Luga Podesta through his production company London Alley Entertainment.<ref name="VideoBTS-Variety">{{Cite web |last=MacCary |first=Julia |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Behind the Scenes of SZA's 'Kill Bill' Music Video: The 'Perfect Storm' That Brought Tarantino's Films Back to Life |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/directors/sza-kill-bill-music-video-tarantino-references-explained-1235488465/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113212915/https://variety.com/2023/music/directors/sza-kill-bill-music-video-tarantino-references-explained-1235488465/ |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> It premiered on YouTube the same day as the song's release, briefly going private after its first 10 minutes of availability before being made public again.<ref name="Video-Variety">{{Cite web |last1=Shanfeld |first1=Ethan |last2=Garcia |first2=Thania |date=January 10, 2023 |title=SZA Recruits Vivica A. Fox for Tarantino-Inspired 'Kill Bill' Music Video |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-kill-bill-music-video-vivica-a-fox-1235480805/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111033008/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-kill-bill-music-video-vivica-a-fox-1235480805/ |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
With the video, SZA aimed to create something more narrative-centric compared to her past music videos which, while containing a few story beats, did not have full, coherent plotlines. In Breslauer's words, she wanted "less performance and acting"; the result was a short ] heavily inspired by the ''Kill Bill'' duology.<ref name="VideoBTS-Variety" /> The music video recreates several scenes and plot points from the |
With the video, SZA aimed to create something more narrative-centric compared to her past music videos which, while containing a few story beats, did not have full, coherent plotlines. In Breslauer's words, she wanted "less performance and acting"; the result was a short ] heavily inspired by the ''Kill Bill'' duology.<ref name="VideoBTS-Variety" /> The music video recreates several scenes and plot points from the films, with SZA appearing as a recreation of the Bride. She appears in a red and black jumpsuit similar to the Bride's yellow and black one, and she uses a katana as her fighting weapon.<ref name="VideoTease-Billboard" /><ref name="VideoTease-RS">{{Cite magazine |last=Madarang |first=Charisma |date=December 30, 2022 |title=SZA Teases 'Kill Bill' Video: 'It's What Y'all Deserve' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-music-video-teaser-1234654327/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230060243/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-music-video-teaser-1234654327/ |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> ], the actress who starred in ''Kill Bill'' as a Deadly Viper and the Bride's enemy Vernita Green, makes a cameo in the video.<ref name="Video-Vulture">{{Cite web |last=Gularte |first=Alejandra |date=January 10, 2023 |title=SZA Tarantinos It Up in 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/01/sza-kill-bill-music-video.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111033005/https://www.vulture.com/2023/01/sza-kill-bill-music-video.html |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Echebiri |first=Makuochi |date=January 11, 2023 |title='Kill Bill': Vivica A. Fox Reprises Her Role for SZA Music Video |url=https://collider.com/kill-bill-vivica-a-fox-sza-music-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116183302/https://collider.com/kill-bill-vivica-a-fox-sza-music-video/ |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> Her scenes were the last ones filmed during production;<ref name="VideoBTS-Variety" /> prior to Fox, the casting crew considered ], the actress for the Bride, for the cameo role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pointer |first=Flisadam |date=July 3, 2023 |title=SZA's 'Kill Bill' Video Almost Featured a Special Cameo from Uma Thurman, According to Vivica A. Fox |url=https://uproxx.com/music/sza-kill-bill-video-uma-thurman-vivica-fox/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704003526/https://uproxx.com/music/sza-kill-bill-video-uma-thurman-vivica-fox/ |archive-date=July 4, 2023 |access-date=March 3, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
] began in the middle of December 2022, when Top Dawg approached London Alley to produce the video, and ] took place six days later. The scheduled period for filming was one day before the company's Christmas break, so all scenes had to be completed within 19 or 20 hours, in contrast to the usual two or three days allocated for similar music videos. |
] began in the middle of December 2022, when Top Dawg approached London Alley to produce the video, and ] took place six days later. The scheduled period for filming was one day before the company's Christmas break, so all scenes had to be completed within 19 or 20 hours, in contrast to the usual two or three days allocated for similar music videos.<ref name="VideoBTS-Variety" /> The video is a blend of visual techniques from several film genres.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Wang |first=Steffanee |date=January 11, 2023 |title=SZA Learned the 'Kill Bill' Sword Fight in Four Hours |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/sza-kill-bill-swordfight-cameo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115055113/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/sza-kill-bill-swordfight-cameo |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> For example, it contains an ]-style interlude that was added in post-production, and it incorporates many ], a choice inspired by the cinematography of several 1970s films.<ref name="VideoBTS-Variety" /> Regarding this, Breslauer said: "Tarantino is the ultimate chop and screw hybrid filmmaker in how he grabs from so many films and genres, so wanted to do a little of that here as well."<ref name=":9" /> | ||
SZA had prominent authority in the creative direction; for example, she performed most of her stunts despite little time to choreograph.<ref name=" |
SZA had prominent authority in the creative direction;<ref name="VideoBTS-Variety" /> for example, she performed most of her stunts despite little time to choreograph, learning them in less than four hours.<ref name=":9" /> She had been promoting specific tracks from ''SOS'' by using the outros of her music videos to tease an upcoming song,<ref name="Billboard-FiveBurningQ" />{{NoteTag|It began with the inclusion of a snippet of "]" (2020), ''SOS''{{'s}} lead single, at the end of the video for standalone single "]" (2020). "]" (2022), the album's third single, was teased at the outro for the "Good Days" music video; the "Shirt" video itself features a teaser of the album track "]" (2022).<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=March 6, 2021 |title=Watch SZA's Psychedelic New Video for 'Good Days' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-good-days-video-1137897/ |magazine=] |language=en-US |access-date=January 4, 2023 |url-access=limited |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104141856/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-good-days-video-1137897/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kenneally |first=Cerys |date=December 5, 2022 |title=SZA Reveals ''S.O.S.'' Album Release Date and Debuts New Song 'Blind' on ''SNL'' |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/sza-reveals-s-o-s-album-release-date-and-debuts-new-song-blind-on-snl |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205235733/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/sza-reveals-s-o-s-album-release-date-and-debuts-new-song-blind-on-snl |url-status=live }}</ref>}} and she wanted to continue the trend with the "Kill Bill" video. Her choice for the outro song was the album track "Seek & Destroy". It contains the line "I had to do it to you", which she deemed fitting because when applied in the context of "Kill Bill", the lyrics captured SZA's celebration of revenge and the glory it brought her. For the video's outro, she asked someone with expertise in ] to tie her upside down.<ref name="VideoBTS-Variety" /> | ||
=== Plot === | === Plot === | ||
The opening scene contains the first out of many ''Kill Bill'' references, set in a trailer reminiscent of the one in which Budd, another of Thurman's sworn enemies, resided. During this, the boyfriend breaks up with SZA and leaves her in the trailer before he tells his gunmen, who act as the video's Deadly Vipers, to shoot her dead while she is inside.<ref name="Video-Variety" /><ref name="Video-Consequence">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Abby |date=January 11, 2023 |title=SZA Channels Uma Thurman in Tarantino-Inspired 'Kill Bill' Video: Watch |url=https://consequence.net/2023/01/sza-kill-bill-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111015805/https://consequence.net/2023/01/sza-kill-bill-video/ |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> She survives the assault and gets in a car driven by Fox's character, who takes her to a warehouse where she prepares to enact vengeance on the hitmen.<ref name="Video-NME" /><ref name="Video-Vulture" /> SZA dresses up in the jumpsuit, gets a katana which she uses to decapitate a dummy, and drives on a motorcycle |
The opening scene, set to "Nobody Gets Me", contains the first out of many ''Kill Bill'' references, set in a trailer reminiscent of the one in which Budd, another of Thurman's sworn enemies, resided. During this, the boyfriend breaks up with SZA and leaves her in the trailer before he tells his gunmen, who act as the video's Deadly Vipers, to shoot her dead while she is inside.<ref name="Video-Variety" /><ref name="Video-Consequence">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Abby |date=January 11, 2023 |title=SZA Channels Uma Thurman in Tarantino-Inspired 'Kill Bill' Video: Watch |url=https://consequence.net/2023/01/sza-kill-bill-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111015805/https://consequence.net/2023/01/sza-kill-bill-video/ |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> She survives the assault and gets in a car driven by Fox's character, who takes her to a warehouse where she prepares to enact vengeance on the hitmen.<ref name="Video-NME" /><ref name="Video-Vulture" /> SZA dresses up in the jumpsuit, gets a katana which she uses to decapitate a dummy, and drives on a motorcycle to find her ex-boyfriend.<ref name="VideoTease-RS" /><ref name="Video-Consequence" /> | ||
SZA arrives at a location analogous to the films' House of Blue Leaves, a Japanese bar that served as the headquarters for O-Ren Ishii, a high-ranking assassin of the Deadly Vipers. In there, she confronts several ] bodyguards who represent Ishii's Crazy 88, kill them one by one, and enter a room to face her ex-boyfriend.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shifferaw |first=Abel |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Vivica A. Fox Joins SZA in Video for ''SOS'' Track 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/sza-kill-bill-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111022201/https://www.complex.com/music/sza-kill-bill-video |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Video-Variety" /><ref name="Video-RS">{{Cite magazine |last=Madarang |first=Charisma |date=January 11, 2023 |title=SZA Kills Her Ex, Licks His Heart in 'Kill Bill' Music Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-music-video-release-1234659031/ |url-access=limited |access-date=January 11, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111073949/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-music-video-release-1234659031/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
SZA arrives at a location analogous to the films' House of Blue Leaves, a Japanese bar that served as the headquarters for O-Ren Ishii, a high-ranking assassin of the Deadly Vipers. In there, she confronts several ] bodyguards who represent Ishii's Crazy 88, kill them one by one, and enter a room to face her ex-boyfriend.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shifferaw |first=Abel |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Vivica A. Fox Joins SZA in Video for ''SOS'' Track 'Kill Bill' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/sza-kill-bill-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111022201/https://www.complex.com/music/sza-kill-bill-video |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Video-Variety" /><ref name="Video-RS">{{Cite magazine |last=Madarang |first=Charisma |date=January 11, 2023 |title=SZA Kills Her Ex, Licks His Heart in 'Kill Bill' Music Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-music-video-release-1234659031/ |url-access=limited |access-date=January 11, 2023 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111073949/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-kill-bill-music-video-release-1234659031/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The confrontation scene, the anime-style interlude, alludes to the animated sequence that introduced Ishii's backstory in '']''.<ref name="Video-NME" /><ref name="VideoBTS-Variety" /> The video ends as SZA approaches the man, rips his heart out, and licks it, fulfilling her revenge. A naked and tied-up SZA, hung upside down from the warehouse ceiling, appears in the outro while a snippet of "Seek & Destroy" plays.<ref name="Video-RS" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Corcoran |first1=Nina |last2=Ruiz |first2=Matthew Ismael |date=January 11, 2023 |title=SZA Releases New Video for 'Kill Bill': Watch |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-releases-new-video-for-kill-bill-watch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111033004/https://pitchfork.com/news/sza-releases-new-video-for-kill-bill-watch/ |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
== Live performances == | == Live performances == | ||
] | ]]] | ||
SZA first performed "Kill Bill" live on ] |
SZA first performed "Kill Bill" live on the ], during a concert in ]. It took place at the ] on February 21, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=February 23, 2023 |title=SZA Covers Erykah Badu and Debuts ''SOS'' Songs at Arena Tour Opener |url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/sza-covers-erykah-badu-and-debuts-sos-songs-at-arena-tour-opener-photos-footage-setlist-tickers-3403251 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225075934/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/sza-covers-erykah-badu-and-debuts-sos-songs-at-arena-tour-opener-photos-footage-setlist-tickers-3403251 |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> A live performance at one of the New York City shows was released as part of a video series on ] covering the tour.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=January 31, 2024 |title=Watch SZA Perform 'Kill Bill' in Brooklyn for Apple Music Live |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-performs-kill-bill-brooklyn-apple-music-live-1234956478/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202004941/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sza-performs-kill-bill-brooklyn-apple-music-live-1234956478/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When the tour's concerts neared their end, she would change her outfit to wear red biker pants and a motor suit, similar to her look for the music video. Recreating the Crazy 88 sequence, SZA had a spiked ball and chain in one of her hands that she swung across the stage. Her prop was a callback to the fight scene in ''Volume 1'' between Thurman and one of Ishii's fighters<ref name="RSTour">{{Cite magazine |last=Turner-Williams |first=Jaelani |date=February 22, 2023 |title=SZA Lives Up to All the Anticipation as She Launches Her ''SOS'' Tour |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/sza-sos-tour-launch-1234684064/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223065154/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/sza-sos-tour-launch-1234684064/ |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Braboy |first=Mark |date=February 23, 2023 |title=SZA Brings Her Fans on an Emotional Voyage on ''SOS'' Tour |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/z3yan8/sza-sos-tour-recap-chicago |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224062532/https://www.mtv.com/news/z3yan8/sza-sos-tour-recap-chicago |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>—the fighter in question was Gogo Yubari, who armed herself with a ], a weapon consisting of a chain and a weight attached to both ends.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conterio |first=Martyn |date=August 9, 2021 |title=''Battle Royale'' at 20: Revisiting the Ultra-Violent Japanese Classic with Screenwriter Kenta Fukasaku |url=https://www.nme.com/features/film-features/battle-royale-at-20-screenwriter-kenta-fukasaku-3014753 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121185112/https://www.nme.com/features/film-features/battle-royale-at-20-screenwriter-kenta-fukasaku-3014753 |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |access-date=April 3, 2023 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref> | ||
At the 2023 ], held in early December, SZA included "Kill Bill" as part of her headlining set. She, along with a group of backup dancers, brandished machetes on stage to complement the lyrics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tate |first=Sarah |date=December 9, 2023 |title=SZA Dances with Knives for Surprisingly Sharp Performance |url=https://1061kissfm.iheart.com/content/2023-12-08-sza-dances-with-knives-for-surprisingly-sharp-performance/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230052605/https://1061kissfm.iheart.com/content/2023-12-08-sza-dances-with-knives-for-surprisingly-sharp-performance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Before she performed the song at the ] in February 2024, the broadcast showed a woman in the audience who was standing on a table and swinging a sword. The woman joined SZA and other dancers with swords for the performance,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Brew |first1=Caroline |last2=Horowitz |first2=Steven J. |date=February 4, 2024 |title=SZA Stages a Quentin Tarantino Samurai-Sword Bloodbath in Rousing 'Kill Bill' Grammys Performance |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/sza-kill-bill-grammy-performance-1235890911/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216085527/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/sza-kill-bill-grammy-performance-1235890911/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Flam |first1=Charna |last2=Blanchet |first2=Brenton |date=February 4, 2024 |title=SZA Brings Her Hit 'Kill Bill' to Life in Murderous Medley Performance at 2024 Grammys |url=https://people.com/grammys-2024-sza-performs-kill-bill-8558311 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en}}</ref> which featured a fight sequence involving one man whom SZA threw across the stage<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Corcoran |first1=Nina |last2=Monroe |first2=Jazz |date=February 4, 2024 |title=Watch SZA Perform 'Snooze' and 'Kill Bill' at the 2024 Grammys |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-sza-perform-snooze-and-kill-bill-at-the-2024-grammys/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206101026/https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-sza-perform-snooze-and-kill-bill-at-the-2024-grammys/ |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> and another man whom she pushed to the floor as red fabric fell towards her.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=February 4, 2024 |title=SZA Slices Her Way Through Triumphant 'Kill Bill' & 'Snooze' at 2024 Grammys |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/sza-kill-bill-snooze-2024-grammys-1235598215/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214102817/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/sza-kill-bill-snooze-2024-grammys-1235598215/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> Her headlining set on ], where she performed on June 30, also featured "Kill Bill", and she specifically played it during the set's "Robot World" section.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=July 1, 2024 |title=SZA's Striking Set Failed to Set Glastonbury Alight |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck5g74jr59eo |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
== Credits == | |||
Adapted from '']''<ref name="BehindtheScenes-SOS" /> and the liner notes of ''SOS''<ref name="LinerNotes">{{cite AV media notes|title=]|publisher=] and ]|year=2023|type=vinyl liner notes|author=]|id=19658-77921-1}}</ref> | |||
'''Recording and management''' | |||
* Instruments recorded at Ponzu Studios (Los Angeles) and ]'s home studio | |||
* Engineered at ] Barn and Studios A and D (Los Angeles, California) | |||
* Mixed at Ponzu | |||
* Mastered at Becker Mastering (Pasadena, California) | |||
'''Personnel''' | |||
{{div col}} | |||
* Solána Rowe (]){{spaced endash}} vocals, songwriting | |||
* ]{{spaced endash}} songwriting, production, guitars, ], ],{{efn|Mellotron's sounds came from Prophet-6 synthesizer}} choir, ], ] | |||
* ]{{spaced endash}} songwriting, production, guitars, bass, drums, choir | |||
* Syd Tagle{{spaced endash}} assistant engineering | |||
* Robert N. Johnson{{spaced endash}} assistant engineering | |||
* Trey Pearce{{spaced endash}} assistant engineering | |||
* Dale Becker{{spaced endash}} ] | |||
* Katie Harvey{{spaced endash}} assistant mastering | |||
* Noah McCorkle{{spaced endash}} assistant mastering | |||
{{div col end}} | |||
'''Note''' | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
==Charts== | ==Charts== | ||
{{col- |
{{col-begin}} | ||
{{col-2}} | {{col-2}} | ||
===Weekly charts=== | ===Weekly charts=== | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | ||
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|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Australia|1|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=January 13, 2023|refname=AustraliaChart}} | {{single chart|Australia|1|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=January 13, 2023|refname=AustraliaChart}} | ||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Australia Hip Hop/R&B (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/hip-hop-r-and-b-singles-chart/2022-12-19|title=ARIA Top 40 Hip Hop/R&B Singles|publisher=]|date=December 19, 2022|access-date=April 28, 2023|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216124027/https://www.aria.com.au/charts/hip-hop-r-and-b-singles-chart/2022-12-19|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 1 | |||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Austria|19|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=February 22, 2023}} | {{single chart|Austria|19|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=February 22, 2023}} | ||
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{{single chart|Canada|3|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=January 25, 2023|refname=CanadaChart}} | {{single chart|Canada|3|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=January 25, 2023|refname=CanadaChart}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Billboardcanadachrtop40| |
{{single chart|Billboardcanadachrtop40|3|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=November 6, 2023}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Billboardcanadahotac| |
{{single chart|Billboardcanadahotac|32|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=June 6, 2023}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] ('']'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sza/chart-history/i32/|title=SZA Chart History (Croatia Songs)|magazine=]|access-date=January 31, 2023|date=January 31, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131203739/https://www.billboard.com/artist/sza/chart-history/i32/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ! scope="row"| ] ('']'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sza/chart-history/i32/|title=SZA Chart History (Croatia Songs)|magazine=]|access-date=January 31, 2023|date=January 31, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131203739/https://www.billboard.com/artist/sza/chart-history/i32/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
| 22 | | 22 | ||
|- | |||
{{single chart|Czech Republic|49|year=2023|week=21|rowheader=true|access-date=May 29, 2023}} | |||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Czechdigital|23|year=2023|week=3|rowheader=true|access-date=January 23, 2023}} | {{single chart|Czechdigital|23|year=2023|week=3|rowheader=true|access-date=January 23, 2023}} | ||
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| 5 | | 5 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] ('']'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sza/chart-history/i45/|title= |
! scope="row"| ] ('']'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/sza/chart-history/i45/|title=SZA Chart History (Hong Kong Songs)|magazine=]|access-date=November 6, 2023|archive-date=November 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106081704/https://www.billboard.com/artist/sza/chart-history/i45/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
| |
| 22 | ||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart| |
{{single chart|Hungary|40|year=2023|week=25|rowheader=true|access-date=June 28, 2023}} | ||
|- | |||
{{single chart|Hungarysingle|22|year=2023|week=18|rowheader=true|access-date=May 11, 2023}} | |||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Hungarystream|15|year=2023|week=3|rowheader=true|access-date=January 26, 2023}} | {{single chart|Hungarystream|15|year=2023|week=3|rowheader=true|access-date=January 26, 2023}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| Iceland (])<ref name="IcelandChart">{{cite web|url=http://plotutidindi.is/tonlistinn/|title=Tónlistinn – Lög|trans-title=The Music – Songs|language=is|publisher= |
! scope="row"| Iceland (])<ref name="IcelandChart">{{cite web|url=http://plotutidindi.is/tonlistinn/|title=Tónlistinn – Lög|trans-title=The Music – Songs|language=is|publisher=Plötutíðindi|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111212941/http://plotutidindi.is/tonlistinn/|archive-date=January 11, 2023}}</ref> | ||
| 4 | | 4 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| |
! scope="row"| ] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://imicharts.com/|title=IMI International Top 20 Singles for week ending 6th January 2023 {{!}} Week 5 of 52|website=IMIcharts.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209012257/https://imicharts.com/|archive-date=February 9, 2023|url-status=dead|access-date=March 28, 2023}}</ref> | ||
| 12 | | 12 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| Japan Hot Overseas ('']'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2023&month=02&day=27|title=Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of February 22, 2023|website=]|language=ja|access-date=February 22, 2023|archive-date=February 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222051729/https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2023&month=02&day=27|url-status=live}}</ref> | ! scope="row"| Japan Hot Overseas ('']'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2023&month=02&day=27|title=Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of February 22, 2023|website=]|language=ja|access-date=February 22, 2023|archive-date=February 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222051729/https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=d_and_a_overseas&year=2023&month=02&day=27|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
| 4 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Latvia (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parmuziku.lv/chart?type=2&week=2023-W03&limit=100&id=5e472896c97ba|title=Mūzikas Patēriņa Tops/ 04. nedēļa|language=en, lv|publisher=]|access-date=June 18, 2023|date=January 29, 2023|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230418172909/https://www.parmuziku.lv/chart?type=2&week=2023-W03&limit=100&id=5e472896c97ba|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 4 | | 4 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| 1 | | 1 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row" | Malaysia International (])<ref name="Malaysia1stWeekNo1">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/RecordingIndustryMalaysia/posts/pfbid02qXdyjkN67zYW6Q7HmTZruJWSCvc15vZ6z9x2mtqaF6hCDDF9Ee7kZ4DK9dEog6ohl|title=Top 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 51 (16/12/ |
! scope="row" | Malaysia International (])<ref name="Malaysia1stWeekNo1">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/RecordingIndustryMalaysia/posts/pfbid02qXdyjkN67zYW6Q7HmTZruJWSCvc15vZ6z9x2mtqaF6hCDDF9Ee7kZ4DK9dEog6ohl|title=Top 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 51 (16/12/2022–22/12/2022)|publisher=]|date=January 2, 2023|access-date=January 2, 2023|via=]|archive-date=January 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102160158/https://www.facebook.com/RecordingIndustryMalaysia/posts/pfbid02qXdyjkN67zYW6Q7HmTZruJWSCvc15vZ6z9x2mtqaF6hCDDF9Ee7kZ4DK9dEog6ohl|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
| 1 | | 1 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| 5 | | 5 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| ] ('']'')<ref>{{ |
! scope="row"| ] ('']'')<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Philippines Songs - Week of January 7, 2023 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2023-01-07/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104104245/https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2023-01-07/ |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |access-date=July 8, 2024 |magazine=]}}</ref> | ||
| 1 | | 1 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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{{single chart|Portugal|5|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=March 4, 2023|refname=PortugalChart}} | {{single chart|Portugal|5|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=March 4, 2023|refname=PortugalChart}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| Singapore (])<ref name="SGChartWeek1">{{cite web|url=https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/|title=RIAS Top Charts Week 50 (9 |
! scope="row"| Singapore (])<ref name="SGChartWeek1">{{cite web|url=https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/|title=RIAS Top Charts Week 50 (9 – 15 Dec 2022)|publisher=]|access-date=December 20, 2022|archive-date=December 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220083058/https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/}}</ref> | ||
| 1 | | 1 | ||
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|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Spain|80|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=February 27, 2023}} | {{single chart|Spain|80|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=February 27, 2023}} | ||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Suriname (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationaletop40.sr/de-top-40-lijst-voor-9-16-feb-2023/|title=De Top 40 Lijst Voor 9 – 16 Feb 2023|trans-title=The Top 40 List For 9 – Feb 16, 2023|publisher=]|date=February 9, 2023|access-date=July 5, 2023|archive-date=March 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319224621/https://nationaletop40.sr/de-top-40-lijst-voor-9-16-feb-2023/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 19 | |||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| Sweden (])<ref name="SwedenChart">{{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/41?dspy=2023&dspp=4|title=Veckolista Singlar, vecka 4|publisher=]|access-date=January 28, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127120936/https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/41?dspy=2023&dspp=4|url-status=live}}</ref> | ! scope="row"| Sweden (])<ref name="SwedenChart">{{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/41?dspy=2023&dspp=4|title=Veckolista Singlar, vecka 4|publisher=]|access-date=January 28, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127120936/https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/41?dspy=2023&dspp=4|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
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{{single chart|Switzerland|12|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=January 22, 2023|refname=SwissChart}} | {{single chart|Switzerland|12|artist=SZA|song=Kill Bill|rowheader=true|access-date=January 22, 2023|refname=SwissChart}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| Turkey (])<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=RadiomonitorTR|number= |
! scope="row"| Turkey (])<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=RadiomonitorTR|number=1631581678886854658|date=March 3, 2023 |title= Radiomonitor Türkiye Uluslararası Listesi Dinlenme Adedi bazında – 8. Hafta Top10 |trans-title=Radiomonitor Turkey International Chart based on number of listens – Week 8 Top 10 |access-date=August 26, 2024 |link=https://x.com/RadiomonitorTR/status/1631581678886854658}}</ref> | ||
| |
| 2 | ||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|UK|3|date=20230113|rowheader=true|access-date=January 13, 2023}} | {{single chart|UK|3|date=20230113|rowheader=true|access-date=January 13, 2023}} | ||
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{{single chart|UKrandb|1|date=20230106|rowheader=true|access-date=January 6, 2023}} | {{single chart|UKrandb|1|date=20230106|rowheader=true|access-date=January 6, 2023}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|1|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=April |
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|1|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=April 25, 2023}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|30|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=March 25, 2023}} | {{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|30|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=March 25, 2023}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs| |
{{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|7|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=May 20, 2023}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
{{single chart|Billboarddanceairplay|14|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=April 11, 2023}} | {{single chart|Billboarddanceairplay|14|artist=SZA|rowheader=true|access-date=April 11, 2023}} | ||
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! scope="row"| South Korea (Circle)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=01&hitYear=2023&termGbn=month&yearTime=3|title=Digital Chart – January 2023|website=]|language=ko|access-date=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209025439/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=01&hitYear=2023&termGbn=month&yearTime=3|url-status=live}}</ref> | ! scope="row"| South Korea (Circle)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=01&hitYear=2023&termGbn=month&yearTime=3|title=Digital Chart – January 2023|website=]|language=ko|access-date=February 9, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209025439/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=01&hitYear=2023&termGbn=month&yearTime=3|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
| 129 | | 129 | ||
|} | |||
===Year-end charts=== | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" | |||
|+ 2023 year-end chart performance for "Kill Bill" | |||
! scope="col"| Chart (2023) | |||
! scope="col"| Position | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Australia (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2023/singles-chart|title=ARIA Top 100 Singles Chart for 2023|publisher=]|access-date=January 12, 2024|archive-date=January 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112021128/https://www.aria.com.au/charts/2023/singles-chart|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 3 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Ö3 Austria Top 40|title=Ö3 Austria Top40 Jahrescharts 2023: Singles|date=November 8, 2019 |url=https://oe3.orf.at/charts/stories/3020713/|access-date=December 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228090016/https://oe3.orf.at/charts/stories/3020713/|archive-date=December 28, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 73 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Belgium (Ultratop Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2023|title=Jaaroverzichten 2023|publisher=]|language=nl|access-date=January 7, 2024|archive-date=January 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107151100/https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 97 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Brazil Streaming (Pro-Música Brasil)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 200 Músicas Mais Acessadas em Plataformas de Streaming em 2023 |trans-title=Top 200 Most Accessed Songs on Streaming Platforms in 2023 |url=https://pro-musicabr.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/TOP-200-Chart-de-Streaming-Janeiro-a-Dezembro-de-2023-com-marcacao-nas-linhas.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324152534/https://pro-musicabr.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/TOP-200-Chart-de-Streaming-Janeiro-a-Dezembro-de-2023-com-marcacao-nas-linhas.pdf |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |access-date=March 24, 2024 |publisher=] |language=pt-br}}</ref> | |||
| 156 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/canadian-hot-100/|title=Year-End Charts – Canadian Hot 100 2023|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121194905/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/canadian-hot-100/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 6 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Denmark (Tracklisten)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hitlisten.nu/aarslister.asp?list=Track%20100&year=2023|title=Track Top-100 2023|publisher=]|access-date=January 13, 2024|archive-date=January 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111233029/https://www.hitlisten.nu/aarslister.asp?list=Track%20100&year=2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 35 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row" | France (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web |publisher=] (SNEP) |title=Top de l'année{{spaced ndash}}Top Singles{{spaced ndash}}2023 |url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-singles-annee/?annee=2023 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |language=fr |archive-date=January 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115175356/https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-singles-annee/?annee=2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| 105 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Germany (Official German Charts)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.de/info/hew0y8/jahrescharts-2023|title=Jahrescharts 2023|publisher=]|language=de|access-date=December 10, 2023|archive-date=December 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210143216/https://www.mtv.de/info/hew0y8/jahrescharts-2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 82 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Global 200 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/billboard-global-200/|title=Year-End Charts – ''Billboard'' Global 200 2023|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121204357/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/billboard-global-200/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 3 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Global Singles (IFPI)<ref name="IFPI">{{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.org/miley-cyrus-flowers-confirmed-by-ifpi-as-biggest-selling-global-single-of-the-year/|title=Miley Cyrus' Flowers Confirmed by IFPI as Biggest-Selling Global Single of the Year|date=February 26, 2024 |publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226154905/https://www.ifpi.org/miley-cyrus-flowers-confirmed-by-ifpi-as-biggest-selling-global-single-of-the-year/|archive-date=26 February 2024|access-date=26 February 2024}}</ref> | |||
| 3 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2023&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten – Single 2023|website=dutchcharts.nl|language=nl|access-date=January 3, 2024|archive-date=January 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104130016/https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2023&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 33 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/index_chart?chart=5732|title=Top Selling Singles of 2023|publisher=]|access-date=December 22, 2023|archive-date=December 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220081641/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/index_chart?chart=5732}}</ref> | |||
| 2 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Philippines (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=Philippines Songs |author-link=Philippines Songs |user=PhilippinesSongs |number=1728368015279030617 |date=November 25, 2023 |title=The #YearEndPHSongs Top 10 of 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2024}}</ref> | |||
| 2 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Poland (Polish Streaming Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.olis.pl/assets/OLIS_23_single_w_streamie.pdf|title=Top 100 {{!}} OLiS – single w streamie {{!}} 2023|publisher=]. ]|language=pl|access-date=February 16, 2024}}</ref> | |||
| 86 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/43?dspy=2023&dspp=1|title=Årslista Singlar, 2023|publisher=]|access-date=January 18, 2024|archive-date=January 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118054642/https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/43?dspy=2023&dspp=1|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 34 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hitparade.ch/charts/jahreshitparade/2023|title=Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2023|website=hitparade.ch|access-date=December 31, 2023|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102135810/https://hitparade.ch/charts/jahreshitparade/2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 43 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-songs-of-2023/|title=The Official Top 40 Biggest Songs of 2023|publisher=]|last=Griffiths|first=George|date=December 29, 2023|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-date=December 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230141912/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-40-biggest-songs-of-2023/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 7 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/hot-100-songs/|title=Year-End Charts – Hot 100 Songs 2023|magazine=]|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=December 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231173147/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/hot-100-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 3 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/adult-pop-songs/|title=Year-End Charts – Adult Pop Airplay Songs 2023|magazine=]|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122121415/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/adult-pop-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 30 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| US Dance/Mix Show Airplay (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Year-End Charts – Dance/Mix Show Airplay Songs 2023|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/dance-mix-show-airplay-songs/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121212033/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/dance-mix-show-airplay-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 43 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs/|title=Year-End Charts – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 2023|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122081906/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 1 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| US Mainstream Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Year-End Charts – Pop Airplay Songs 2023|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/pop-songs/|magazine=]|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121192219/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/pop-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 6 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| US Rhythmic (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Year-End Charts – Rhythmic Songs 2023|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/rhythmic-songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121220706/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/rhythmic-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 3 | |||
|- | |||
! scope="row"| US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (''Billboard'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Year-End Charts – R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Songs 2023|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/r-and-b-hip-hop-airplay-songs/|magazine=]|access-date=November 21, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122074354/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/r-and-b-hip-hop-airplay-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| 15 | |||
|} | |} | ||
{{col-end}} | {{col-end}} | ||
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==Certifications== | ==Certifications== | ||
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Kill Bill"}} | {{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Kill Bill"}} | ||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|number=6|relyear=2022|certyear= |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|number=6|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|refname=AustraliaCert}} | ||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=November 25, 2023}} | {{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=November 25, 2023}} | ||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=October 27, 2023}} | {{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=October 27, 2023}} | ||
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=September 6, 2023}} | {{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=September 6, 2023}} | ||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|id=file_2023-11-07-09-33-26.pdf|access-date=December 11, 2023}} | {{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|id=file_2023-11-07-09-33-26.pdf|access-date=December 11, 2023}} | ||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|id=sza-kill-bill|access-date=January 14, 2024}} | {{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|id=sza-kill-bill|access-date=January 14, 2024|certref=<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elportaldemusica.es/awards/index?AwardsSearch%5Bartist%5D=SZA&AwardsSearch%5Btitle%5D=KILL+BILL&AwardsSearch%5Bgroup%5D=CANCIONES|title=Spanish single certifications – SZA – Kill Bill|website=El portal de Música|publisher=]|access-date=January 14, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114015350/https://www.elportaldemusica.es/awards/index?AwardsSearch%5Bartist%5D=SZA&AwardsSearch%5Btitle%5D=KILL+BILL&AwardsSearch%5Bgroup%5D=CANCIONES|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | ||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=June 2, 2023}} | {{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=June 2, 2023}} | ||
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|id=18689-4680-1|access-date=February 16, 2024}} | {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|artist=SZA|title=Kill Bill|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|id=18689-4680-1|access-date=February 16, 2024}} | ||
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| ] | | ] | ||
| ] | | ] | ||
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref>{{cite press release|last=Sisti|first=Sara|url=https://www.earone.it/news/sza_kill_bill_radio_date_03_02_2023_69682824/|title=SZA |
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref>{{cite press release|last=Sisti|first=Sara|url=https://www.earone.it/news/sza_kill_bill_radio_date_03_02_2023_69682824/|title=SZA – "Kill Bill" (Radio Date: 03-02-2023)|publisher=]|via=EarOne|date=January 31, 2023|access-date=February 3, 2023|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203174710/https://www.earone.it/news/sza_kill_bill_radio_date_03_02_2023_69682824/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| Various | ! scope="row"| Various | ||
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| rowspan="2"| ] remix | | rowspan="2"| ] remix | ||
| {{hlist|Top Dawg|RCA}} | | {{hlist|Top Dawg|RCA}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/kill-bill-feat-doja-cat-single/1682342493|title=Kill Bill (feat. Doja Cat) |
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/kill-bill-feat-doja-cat-single/1682342493|title=Kill Bill (feat. Doja Cat) – Single by SZA|publisher=] (US)|access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415134413/https://music.apple.com/us/album/kill-bill-feat-doja-cat-single/1682342493|archive-date=April 15, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row"| Italy | ! scope="row"| Italy | ||
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* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | |||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
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{{Doja Cat}} | {{Doja Cat}} | ||
{{Kill Bill}} | {{Kill Bill}} | ||
{{BET Award for Video of the Year}} | |||
{{authority control}} | {{authority control}} | ||
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] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] |
Revision as of 06:55, 8 September 2024
2023 single by SZA
"Kill Bill" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by SZA | ||||
from the album SOS | ||||
Written | May 2022 (2022-05)–July 13, 2022 (2022-07-13) | |||
Released | January 10, 2023 (2023-01-10) | |||
Recorded | July 13, 2022 (2022-07-13) | |||
Studio |
| |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 2:35 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) |
| |||
SZA singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Kill Bill" on YouTube | ||||
Remix cover | ||||
Doja Cat singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Kill Bill" (remix) on YouTube | ||||
"Kill Bill" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fifth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a pop and R&B murder ballad, built around a midtempo, groovy rhythm and a detuned melody. Guitars, a bassline, and a flute that was sampled from a Prophet-6 synthesizer constitute the song's production, which is influenced by the boom bap subgenre of hip hop. Mirroring the plot of the Kill Bill film duology (2003–2004) after which the song is named, the lyrics discuss a fantasy to kill an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend out of jealousy, and they employ humorous irony alongside violent imagery that contrasts with SZA's soft vocals. "Kill Bill" was sent to US radio on January 10, 2023, after achieving success on streaming services.
A chart-topper in several territories, "Kill Bill" was SZA's first number-one on the Billboard Global 200 and US Hot 100 charts. The song spent eight weeks at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 before an April 2023 remix featuring American rapper Doja Cat propelled the solo version to the top, tying for the second-longest time at number two before reaching number one. On US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, it broke the record set by Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" (2019) for the chart's longest-running number one, with 21 weeks. "Kill Bill" was one of the top 10 best-performing songs of 2023 in several countries, and according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, it was the third best-selling single of 2023.
"Kill Bill" was praised primarily for its songwriting; critics liked its poetic quality, diaristic honesty, and relatability despite the violent content. The original version and the remix were placed in many year-end listicles for 2023, and in February 2024, Rolling Stone placed "Kill Bill" at number 267 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. The song received many industry award nominations, including three nods for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. "Kill Bill" won Song of the Year at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, as well as Top R&B Song at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards and Video of the Year at BET Awards 2023.
A music video for the song premiered the same day as its single release. Directed by Christian Breslauer, it reimagines several scenes from the Kill Bill films, with SZA as her version of the films' protagonist and Vivica A. Fox, one of the actresses who starred in the duology, in a supporting role. SZA confronts her ex-boyfriend at the end and tears his heart out, and the outro features her suspended by a rope using the shibari technique. On the SOS Tour, where she first performed "Kill Bill" live, she recreated various visual elements from the film duology and the music video, such as the costume. Other live performances also involved choreography inspired by the Kill Bill films, featuring background dancers who brandished swords and participated in fight scenes onstage.
Background
SZA released her debut studio album, Ctrl, in 2017. Primarily an R&B album that deals with themes like heartbreak, Ctrl received widespread acclaim for SZA's vocals and the eclectic musical style, as well as the relatability, emotional impact, and confessional nature of the songwriting. The album brought SZA to mainstream fame, and critics credit it with establishing her status as a major figure in contemporary pop and R&B music and pushing the boundaries of the R&B genre.
SZA alluded to possibly releasing her second album as early as August 2019, during an interview with DJ Kerwin Frost. It, she said, retained the candid and personal qualities of Ctrl. In her words, the album was "even more of me being less afraid of who am I when I have no choice when I'm not out trying to curate myself and contain." When SZA collaborated with Cosmopolitan for their February 2021 issue, she spoke about her creative process as such: "this album is going to be the shit that made me feel something in my... and in ".
One of the tracks from the album, named SOS, is titled "Kill Bill". It gets its name from the Kill Bill films (2003–2004), a martial arts film duology directed by Quentin Tarantino. The plot centers on Beatrix "the Bride" Kiddo and her plans to murder Bill, head of the enemy Deadly Viper assassins of which she was a past member. Bill was a former love interest who failed to have Kiddo killed on the day of her wedding. While watching the films, Bill caught SZA's attention, who found him a complex and nuanced character that "doesn't understand why he did what he did".
She further spoke of Bill: "he's void of emotion, but he loved the Bride so much that he couldn't stand her to be with anyone else." In Volume 2, Bill confessed jealousy was his motive for trying to assassinate Kiddo. He felt enraged at her for two reasons—her marriage to someone else and her unborn baby with the groom. Bill said: "Not only are you not dead, you're getting married to some fucking jerk and you're pregnant. I overreacted. There are consequences to breaking the heart of a murdering bastard."
Music and recording
"Kill Bill" "Kill Bill" is polyrhythmic, with a midtempo, groovy production that employs boom bap–influenced drum machines, guitars, and a bassline from an electric guitar tuned down an octave. Flute-like sounds from a Prophet-6 synthesizer give it its detuned melody.Problems playing this file? See media help.
"Kill Bill" incorporates prominent, basic eighth notes and is built around a midtempo, groovy rhythm and a detuned melody. The song has a retro, late 1990s–early 2000s sound, influenced by a subgenre of hip hop music called boom bap. Music journalists have described the song as a blend of pop, R&B, and hip hop; some observed elements of associated genres like psychedelic pop, pop-soul, and doo-wop. Will Dukes of Rolling Stone wrote the "eerie chords modish late-Sixties cool".
"Kill Bill" was produced by Rob Bisel and Carter Lang, who wrote the song with SZA. Its creation, by SZA's account, was "super easy", and she deemed it a "one take, one night" type of song. While work on SOS had begun by 2019, "Kill Bill" was recorded in 2022 alongside a significant number of other tracks due to bursts of productivity from time pressure. Lang commented, "that's when started feeling like, hey, 'We gotta do this shit like, it's been some years.' We bottled up that energy and everything was just sort of a preparation for that moment."
Production began around May 2022 when Bisel, in his Los Angeles home's Ponzu Studios, played some chords on his Prophet-6 synthesizer. With it, he used Ableton to sample the synthesizer's flute-like sound. After adding a bassline from an electric guitar tuned down an octave, Bisel was unsure where he wanted the song to go, so he sent the Ableton clip to Lang for assistance. Lang's first approach to the beat consisted of a singular rhythm, which was an electronic fusion of bouncy bass drums, Roland TR-808 snares, and 16th-note hi-hat beats. Settling on a polyrhythmic production with a swing style, he took more beats from a separate, vintage drum machine and made them twice as slow as the first approach, and he added more guitars and bass on top. The two also incorporated a choir and backing vocals into the song. Most of the final version's instruments were recorded at Lang's home studio in Chicago.
Bisel asked Punch, president of SZA's label Top Dawg Entertainment, if he could mix "Kill Bill" on his own, to which Punch agreed. To Bisel, if anyone else took the task, the sonic vision he conjured for the song would get diluted: "I really wanted to see it through all the way to the end." His mentality for the sessions, which consisted of 120 tracks, was mixing the song "as if had never heard the song before", a departure from his usual approach. Since reinforcing the song's boom bap influences was his primary goal, part of the task was making the drums from the rough recordings louder.
"Kill Bill", which was under the working title "Igloo", had five or six different demos from which Bisel and Lang had to pick for SZA. When she listened to the demos one night in July 2022, she immediately gravitated towards the boom bap beat, which Bisel and Lang happened to like the most. About a week later, on July 13, SZA was alone with Bisel in the studio for recording sessions, asking him to loop the beat in the background. He left her alone in a corner to give her space to ideate. It took five to ten minutes for SZA to come up with the hook's melody and lyrics, which she wrote on her phone. Humming the melodies, she turned to Bisel to say about the lyrics, "I have an idea. This might be a little too crazy, but let me know what you think." Within one day, the entire song was finished—SZA needed only one or two takes to record the vocals.
Lyrics
SZA told Glamour in 2022 that many tracks in SOS centered around themes of revenge, heartbreak, and "being pissed": "I've never raged the way that I should have. This is my villain era, and I'm very comfortable with that. It is in the way I say no It's in the fucked up things that I don't apologize for." The premise of "Kill Bill" is heavily based on the Kill Bill films, a reimagining of Thurman's tale of revenge. Shaad D'Souza of The Guardian wrote that unlike the films, however, the song "provides no real emotional payoff; its narrative is a cry of pure fatalism, with no return for its narrator other than a split-second of bloodlust".
"Kill Bill" was written during one of what SZA called "palate cleanser" moments, sessions where she would quickly write full songs in between ones she took more seriously and wanted to meticulously finish. With "Kill Bill", she wrote all of the lyrics on-the-spot in under an hour. What resulted was a song about a protagonist who goes on a quest to avenge her broken heart by murdering her ex-boyfriend for quickly moving on from their relationship. The violent lyrics are juxtaposed by SZA's soft, croon-like vocals, suggesting wholesomeness. Due to the violence, some radio stations played a censored version of "Kill Bill" with the word "kill" replaced by the sound of a slashing blade.
In the first verse, the protagonist acts analogously to Bill, resentful about the new girlfriend that her ex-boyfriend has met: "Hate to see you with some other broad, know you happy / Hate to see you happy if I'm not the one drivin'." Restraining her murderous urges, she tries to look at the situation from a rational perspective. In a Slant Magazine review, Paul Attard writes that SZA explores how intense love and intense anger towards somebody can often coexist with one another. In spite of her fury, her love for her ex-boyfriend persists. She tries to navigate her issues through consultations with a therapist, making her dryly say she is mature and mockingly congratulate herself for it.
Her therapist has advised her to seek other men, but she loves her ex-boyfriend to such a degree that she would rather still be with him than with anyone else. According to her, if she cannot have him back, then "no one should". What follows is the hook, in which she openly fantasizes about killing him and his new girlfriend. She acknowledges, self-aware, that her intrusive thoughts are unhealthy and wonders "how'd I get here?" Some critics argued that SZA amplifies the hook's unsettling nature and criminal themes using melodies evocative of lullabies. For Philippine Daily Inquirer journalist Carl Martin Agustin, the hook conjures the imagery of "the bride preparing her mark for his eternal slumber". Thurman's character manifests itself within SZA in the hook, moving the perspective away from Bill's. Despite hesitations, she begins her plans for revenge. SZA ends the hook with the line "Rather be in jail than alone."
The song's next lyrics narrate how she carefully peruses past messages with her ex-boyfriend that might implicate her in the murder. The final hook contains several line changes that mark the culmination of the violent ideations that manifested in the first hook. SZA enacts the double homicide, solidifying the song's nature as a murder ballad. Reasoning with herself, she claims what she did to her ex-boyfriend was an act of love and is not something that she regrets doing. Music journalists from Triple J and Pitchfork found this humorous; Pitchfork's Julianne Escobedo Shepherd wrote: "It's so funny to imagine killing someone and his new girl and then have a fleeting second thought about it. Like, 'Maybe I shouldn't have done that. Oh well!'"
The last lyric of the final hook, and the last lyric of the song, contrasts with the first hook. "I might kill my ex, not the best idea / His new girlfriend's next," becomes "I just killed my ex, not the best idea / Killed his girlfriend next." This final lyric shows her admission she would pick damnation in hell over his absence from her life. The "Rather be in jail than alone" from the previous hooks becomes "Rather be in hell than alone." Some critics wrote that the last line unveiled the song's underlying tones of loneliness and turned "Kill Bill" into a tragedy. In Nylon, Steffanee Wang thought it "will make you wonder how SZA can generate such devastation from such simplicity".
Release
Original
From April to May 2022, SZA told media outlets that she had recently finished the album in Hawaii and said it was coming soon. During a Billboard cover story published in November, SZA revealed the album title and release date, which was scheduled sometime next month. On December 5, 2022, she posted the album's track list on Twitter, and SOS was released four days later. Out of 23 songs, "Kill Bill" appears as the second track; following its success on streaming platforms, RCA Records chose it as the next radio single from the album.
RCA and Top Dawg sent the song to US pop, rhythmic, and urban radio on January 10, 2023, as the fifth single from SOS. Originally, only "Nobody Gets Me" (2023) was scheduled to impact pop radio on January 10. However, RCA and various radio programmers eventually decided to promote the two songs simultaneously despite the intricacies of planning dual singles, citing the large streaming numbers that "Kill Bill" gained in December and the radio-friendly appeal of the lyrics and production. "Kill Bill" became one of the week's most-added songs on pop and rhythmic formats, with 2,257 plays from 129 pop radio stations. Top Dawg and RCA pushed it to R&B radio stations three weeks later.
On January 13, 2023, Top Dawg and RCA released a four-track bundle of the song to digital download and streaming platforms. Apart from the original version of "Kill Bill", the release contains a sped-up version, an instrumental version, and an a cappella version. An acoustic version of the song, with a different cover art, was released on January 24. The sped-up version capitalizes and is based on a viral trend on TikTok where users would increase the pitch and tempo of certain songs and post them on the application. One user shared a sped-up audio of "Kill Bill" upon the release of SOS, and it was viewed over 21.7 million times, liked over 1.9 million times, and reposted in over 1.1 million videos, boosting streams for the song.
Remix
In 2021, SZA collaborated with American rapper Doja Cat for the song "Kiss Me More", serving as the lead single from the latter's third studio album, Planet Her (2021). Their next collaboration was set to be "Shirt", SOS's third single. Three months after SZA teased "Shirt" was a collaboration, Punch told Complex that Doja Cat was to feature not on the song's original version, but on a remix instead. Because of an emergency vocal surgery that Doja Cat underwent, the remix's release did not happen. SZA reacted in disappointment, and she hoped that she can work with her again on other projects.
On April 14, 2023, Doja Cat hinted at another collaboration with SZA on Instagram, tagging her on a post that read "9 pm." On Twitter, the two had a public, back-and-forth interaction. Doja Cat told SZA "sis... I did something bad", to which SZA responded "Jesus.. What is it." A remix of "Kill Bill", featuring Doja Cat, was surprise-released hours later at 9 pm, with a rap verse that opens the song and continues the storyline of the original version. With the release came an animated video posted to YouTube that shows a pixelated Doja Cat as she uses a ball and chain to fight enemies.
Commercial performance
"Kill Bill" saw massive commercial success, buoyed strongly by its streaming numbers. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, it was the third best-selling single of 2023, earning 1.84 billion units based on streams and digital sales, and it was Spotify's second most-streamed song of 2023. It spent two weeks atop the Billboard Global 200 chart, which tracks songs' performance on streaming and download platforms, and four weeks atop US Streaming Songs. It was SZA's first song to top the Billboard Global 200, and it did so in early January 2023, bolstered by around 64 million international streams. The week prior, it debuted atop Streaming Songs with 36.9 million US streams for the December 24, 2022, issue. It was her first number-one there and the first non-holiday song since 2018 to be the top entry on the chart for the week of Christmas.
With "Kill Bill" and "Nobody Gets Me", SZA acquired her sixth and seventh top 10 songs in the United States. Meanwhile, in Canada, "Kill Bill" debuted at number 5 and later peaked at number 3. SZA achieved her highest debut on the US Billboard Hot 100 when the song entered the chart as an album track in December 2022, at number three. Once it was sent to radio, "Kill Bill" became SZA's first top 10 entry on the Radio Songs chart, where it reached number two. It was her third and fastest song to top Rhythmic Airplay, the first radio chart "Kill Bill" topped, and her first in a lead credit to top Pop Airplay.
The song spent 17 of its first 18 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in the top 10. Of those 18 weeks, 8 were spent at number two. Three songs kept "Kill Bill" from the top spot: "Anti-Hero" (2022) by Taylor Swift, "Flowers" (2023) by Miley Cyrus, and "Last Night" (2023) by Morgan Wallen. After 8 weeks at number two, "Kill Bill" topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming SZA's first number-one in the United States, boosted by the remix. It tied with three other songs for the second-most weeks at number two before reaching the top, behind "Bad Guy" (2019) by Billie Eilish (9 weeks). On US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, "Kill Bill" was SZA's second number-one debut, after "I Hate U" in 2021, and was at number one for 21 weeks. It broke the record for the longest time a song spent atop the chart, surpassing Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" (2019). "Kill Bill" ended 2023 as the third best-performing song in the US, and it has been certified quintiple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for selling 5,000,000 units.
The song peaked within the top 5 of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and it had more several top 5 peaks in the Asia-Pacific. "Kill Bill" spent multiple weeks at number one in New Zealand and Singapore, and it was the highest-charting international song in Malaysia for over a week. It also went number one in Indonesia and the Philippines, and it reached number 4 and number 3 in Vietnam and the MENA's regional chart, respectively. "Kill Bill" was SZA's first chart-topping song in Australia, where it was certified six times platinum for selling over 420,000 units, and was the country's third-biggest song of 2023. It received a platinum certification in New Zealand for selling over 30,000 units.
On the UK Singles Chart, "Kill Bill" debuted within the top 15 in mid–December 2022. It rose to the top 10, SZA's first solo song to do so, in early 2023, once Christmas songs had left the chart. Peaking at number 3, "Kill Bill" tied "Kiss Me More" as her highest-charting song in the UK; ended the year with over 100 million streams and 1,069,727 total sales; and was the country's seventh best-performing song. Elsewhere in Europe, it reached the top 20 in Ireland, the Nordic countries, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovakia, Switzerland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria.
Critical reception
Reviews
Many critics called "Kill Bill" a highlight of SOS, and Sophie Williams of NME attributed the choice to its vivid, detail-heavy storytelling. Compliments toward the lyrics revolved around its cinematic narrative, poetic quality, and raw honesty. Some praised it for demonstrating SZA's lyrical versatility, capable of not only relishing in sadness but also expressing anger. Meanwhile, Vulture's Zoe Guy, Pitchfork's Jill Mapes, and Rolling Stone's Mankaprr Conteh lauded "Kill Bill" as an exemplar of how to blend pop-culture references with internal struggles and candid self-reflection to create a lyrically memorable song. Other critics pointed towards the lyrics' melodrama and relatability despite the extreme violence, and Billboard writers cited these qualities as the reason for the song's critical and commercial success: "people just love violence, and seem to have a weird fascination with 'crazy in love' relationship dynamics."
Some critics praised "Kill Bill" for its novel approach to revenge songs, such as Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen of The Sydney Morning Herald, who wrote that SZA provided a refreshing and "intoxicating" take to very common tropes associated with murder ballads. Referencing the break-up songs that blocked the song from number one, "Flowers" and "Last Night", D'Souza argued that "Kill Bill" was a standout among its commercially successful contemporaries that, in his view, had more boilerplate and "easily digestible" lyrics about heartbreak. He continued that "SZA's success feels like a win for a kind of pop music that's in short supply right now."
Music journalists commended the song for its catchiness. Lyndsey Havens for Billboard said that "Kill Bill" was good for singalongs, and in The Atlantic, Spencer Kornhaber wrote: "As if her evil genius was in doubt, will have millions of people doing their holiday shopping with a serial-killer confession stuck in their head." Other critics praised her vocals, writing that its softness elevated the song's vulnerability and intimacy, and its production, with two describing its melody as smooth as water.
Rankings
The original version appeared in best-of-2023 song listicles published on USA Today (unranked) and Pitchfork (6), and it was placed at number one by Heran Mamo on Billboard's. Year-end rankings that featured the remix included ones published by Rolling Stone (16) and BBC News (6).
"Kill Bill" placed at number 267 at the February 2024 iteration of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, which wrote that it was "the epitome of what makes one of this generation's greatest songwriters". Billboard ranked the song as the 222nd best pop song of all time in October 2023, as well as the 4th best breakup song of all time in February 2024. On their 2023 listicle, the magazine wrote that "Kill Bill" marked SZA's "official crossover from subversive R&B tastemaker to bona fide pop star".
Accolades
Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | BET Awards | Video of the Year | Won | |
Viewer's Choice Award | Nominated | |||
2023 | MTV Video Music Awards | Video of the Year | Nominated | |
Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
Best Direction | Nominated | |||
Best Editing | Nominated | |||
Song of Summer | Nominated | |||
2023 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Song | Nominated | |
Best Video | Nominated | |||
2023 | UK Music Video Awards | Best R&B/Soul Video – International | Nominated | |
2023 | Billboard Music Awards | Top Hot 100 Song | Nominated | |
Top Streaming Song | Nominated | |||
Top Billboard Global 200 Song | Nominated | |||
Top R&B Song | Won | |||
2023 | Soul Train Music Awards | Song of the Year | Nominated | |
Video of the Year | Nominated | |||
The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter's Award | Nominated | |||
2024 | Grammy Awards | Record of the Year | Nominated | |
Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
Best R&B Performance | Nominated | |||
2024 | Brit Awards | Best International Song | Nominated | |
2024 | iHeartRadio Music Awards | Song of the Year | Won | |
Pop Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
Best Music Video | Nominated |
Music video
Background
SZA expressed her gratitude for fans' warm reception of "Kill Bill" by posting a 20-second teaser of the music video to Twitter on December 29, 2022, having alluded to its creation around a week prior during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. The video was directed by Christian Breslauer and produced by Luga Podesta through his production company London Alley Entertainment. It premiered on YouTube the same day as the song's release, briefly going private after its first 10 minutes of availability before being made public again.
With the video, SZA aimed to create something more narrative-centric compared to her past music videos which, while containing a few story beats, did not have full, coherent plotlines. In Breslauer's words, she wanted "less performance and acting"; the result was a short action film heavily inspired by the Kill Bill duology. The music video recreates several scenes and plot points from the films, with SZA appearing as a recreation of the Bride. She appears in a red and black jumpsuit similar to the Bride's yellow and black one, and she uses a katana as her fighting weapon. Vivica A. Fox, the actress who starred in Kill Bill as a Deadly Viper and the Bride's enemy Vernita Green, makes a cameo in the video. Her scenes were the last ones filmed during production; prior to Fox, the casting crew considered Uma Thurman, the actress for the Bride, for the cameo role.
Pre-production began in the middle of December 2022, when Top Dawg approached London Alley to produce the video, and principal photography took place six days later. The scheduled period for filming was one day before the company's Christmas break, so all scenes had to be completed within 19 or 20 hours, in contrast to the usual two or three days allocated for similar music videos. The video is a blend of visual techniques from several film genres. For example, it contains an anime-style interlude that was added in post-production, and it incorporates many split-screen shots, a choice inspired by the cinematography of several 1970s films. Regarding this, Breslauer said: "Tarantino is the ultimate chop and screw hybrid filmmaker in how he grabs from so many films and genres, so wanted to do a little of that here as well."
SZA had prominent authority in the creative direction; for example, she performed most of her stunts despite little time to choreograph, learning them in less than four hours. She had been promoting specific tracks from SOS by using the outros of her music videos to tease an upcoming song, and she wanted to continue the trend with the "Kill Bill" video. Her choice for the outro song was the album track "Seek & Destroy". It contains the line "I had to do it to you", which she deemed fitting because when applied in the context of "Kill Bill", the lyrics captured SZA's celebration of revenge and the glory it brought her. For the video's outro, she asked someone with expertise in shibari to tie her upside down.
Plot
The opening scene, set to "Nobody Gets Me", contains the first out of many Kill Bill references, set in a trailer reminiscent of the one in which Budd, another of Thurman's sworn enemies, resided. During this, the boyfriend breaks up with SZA and leaves her in the trailer before he tells his gunmen, who act as the video's Deadly Vipers, to shoot her dead while she is inside. She survives the assault and gets in a car driven by Fox's character, who takes her to a warehouse where she prepares to enact vengeance on the hitmen. SZA dresses up in the jumpsuit, gets a katana which she uses to decapitate a dummy, and drives on a motorcycle to find her ex-boyfriend.
SZA arrives at a location analogous to the films' House of Blue Leaves, a Japanese bar that served as the headquarters for O-Ren Ishii, a high-ranking assassin of the Deadly Vipers. In there, she confronts several yakuza bodyguards who represent Ishii's Crazy 88, kill them one by one, and enter a room to face her ex-boyfriend. The confrontation scene, the anime-style interlude, alludes to the animated sequence that introduced Ishii's backstory in Volume 1. The video ends as SZA approaches the man, rips his heart out, and licks it, fulfilling her revenge. A naked and tied-up SZA, hung upside down from the warehouse ceiling, appears in the outro while a snippet of "Seek & Destroy" plays.
Live performances
SZA first performed "Kill Bill" live on the SOS Tour, during a concert in Columbus, Ohio. It took place at the Schottenstein Center on February 21, 2023. A live performance at one of the New York City shows was released as part of a video series on Apple TV+ covering the tour. When the tour's concerts neared their end, she would change her outfit to wear red biker pants and a motor suit, similar to her look for the music video. Recreating the Crazy 88 sequence, SZA had a spiked ball and chain in one of her hands that she swung across the stage. Her prop was a callback to the fight scene in Volume 1 between Thurman and one of Ishii's fighters—the fighter in question was Gogo Yubari, who armed herself with a meteor hammer, a weapon consisting of a chain and a weight attached to both ends.
At the 2023 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, held in early December, SZA included "Kill Bill" as part of her headlining set. She, along with a group of backup dancers, brandished machetes on stage to complement the lyrics. Before she performed the song at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024, the broadcast showed a woman in the audience who was standing on a table and swinging a sword. The woman joined SZA and other dancers with swords for the performance, which featured a fight sequence involving one man whom SZA threw across the stage and another man whom she pushed to the floor as red fabric fell towards her. Her headlining set on Glastonbury 2024, where she performed on June 30, also featured "Kill Bill", and she specifically played it during the set's "Robot World" section.
Credits
Adapted from Sound on Sound and the liner notes of SOS
Recording and management
- Instruments recorded at Ponzu Studios (Los Angeles) and Carter Lang's home studio
- Engineered at Westlake Barn and Studios A and D (Los Angeles, California)
- Mixed at Ponzu
- Mastered at Becker Mastering (Pasadena, California)
Personnel
- Solána Rowe (SZA) – vocals, songwriting
- Rob Bisel – songwriting, production, guitars, bass, Mellotron, choir, engineering, mixing
- Carter Lang – songwriting, production, guitars, bass, drums, choir
- Syd Tagle – assistant engineering
- Robert N. Johnson – assistant engineering
- Trey Pearce – assistant engineering
- Dale Becker – mastering
- Katie Harvey – assistant mastering
- Noah McCorkle – assistant mastering
Note
- Mellotron's sounds came from Prophet-6 synthesizer
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Monthly charts
Year-end charts
|
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) | 6× Platinum | 420,000 |
Austria (IFPI Austria) | Platinum | 30,000 |
Belgium (BEA) | Platinum | 40,000 |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) | 2× Diamond | 320,000 |
Canada (Music Canada) | 8× Platinum | 640,000 |
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) | Platinum | 90,000 |
France (SNEP) | Platinum | 200,000 |
Hungary (MAHASZ) | 2× Platinum | 8,000 |
Italy (FIMI) | Platinum | 100,000 |
Mexico (AMPROFON) | Platinum | 140,000 |
New Zealand (RMNZ) | 4× Platinum | 120,000 |
Poland (ZPAV) | Platinum | 50,000 |
Portugal (AFP) | 3× Platinum | 30,000 |
Spain (PROMUSICAE) | Platinum | 60,000 |
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) | Platinum | 20,000 |
United Kingdom (BPI) | 2× Platinum | 1,200,000 |
United States (RIAA) | 8× Platinum | 8,000,000 |
Streaming | ||
Greece (IFPI Greece) | 2× Platinum | 4,000,000 |
Sweden (GLF) | Platinum | 8,000,000 |
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
Region | Date | Format | Version | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | January 10, 2023 | Contemporary hit radio | Original | ||
Rhythmic contemporary radio | |||||
Urban contemporary radio | |||||
Various | January 13, 2023 | Four-track single | |||
January 24, 2023 | Acoustic | ||||
United States | January 31, 2023 | Urban adult contemporary radio | Original | ||
Italy | February 3, 2023 | Radio airplay | Sony Italy | ||
Various | April 14, 2023 |
|
Doja Cat remix |
|
|
Italy | Radio airplay | Sony Italy |
See also
- List of most-streamed songs on Spotify
- List of Billboard Hot 100 number ones of 2023
- List of Billboard Global 200 number ones of 2023
- List of Billboard Streaming Songs number ones of 2022
- List of Billboard Streaming Songs number ones of 2023
- List of Billboard Hot 100 top-ten singles in 2022
- List of Billboard Hot 100 top-ten singles in 2023
- Most weeks at number one on Hot R&B/Hip-hop songs chart
- List of number-one R&B/hip-hop songs of 2022 (U.S.)
- List of number-one R&B/hip-hop songs of 2023 (U.S.)
- List of number-one singles of 2023 (Australia)
- List of number-one singles from the 2020s (New Zealand)
- List of number-one songs of 2022 (Singapore)
- List of UK top-ten singles in 2023
Notes
- Cited to Vulture, The Recording Academy, The Line of Best Fit, NME, The Daily Telegraph, The New Yorker, and Consequence
- When "Kill Bill" broke her record for highest-charting song in the United States, she was furious that the song that achieved such success was not one that took much effort to make. She said in Billboard: "I knew it would be something that pissed me off. It's always a song that I don't give a fuck about that's just super easy, not the shit that I put so much heart and energy into."
- Following "Good Days", "I Hate U", "Shirt", and "Nobody Gets Me"
- See the charts section for the exact peaks.
- Cited to multiple reviews
- It began with the inclusion of a snippet of "Good Days" (2020), SOS's lead single, at the end of the video for standalone single "Hit Different" (2020). "Shirt" (2022), the album's third single, was teased at the outro for the "Good Days" music video; the "Shirt" video itself features a teaser of the album track "Blind" (2022).
References
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- 2022 songs
- 2023 singles
- 2020s ballads
- Billboard Global 200 number-one singles
- Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles
- Contemporary R&B ballads
- Kill Bill
- Number-one singles in Australia
- Number-one singles in New Zealand
- Number-one singles in the Philippines
- Number-one singles in Singapore
- American pop songs
- Pop ballads
- Murder ballads
- Songs about domestic violence
- Songs written by SZA
- SZA songs
- Doja Cat songs
- Top Dawg Entertainment singles
- RCA Records singles
- Breakup songs