TDE's Punch Addresses Complaints That He's Holding SZA's Next Album Hostage

BY Erika Marie 3.1K Views
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Punch, TDE
It has been 5 years since "Ctrl" took over the charts, and after SZA told fans to "ask Punch" about her sophomore album, he was blamed for delays.

It's no secret that SZA has run into a few hiccups related to releasing her sophomore album. We've seen much of her frustration played out on online, as her devoted fans often pelt her with questions and attack her label bosses who have been blamed for the delays. There was a brief moment when it seemed as if the project was well on its way, but once again, it is unclear when Ctrl's follow up will arrive.

Top Dawg Entertainment's president Terrence "Punch" Henderson Jr. has bore the brunt of complaints as both SZA and her fans have taken their grievances to social media. During his visit to Math Hoffa's My Expert Opinion Podcast, Punch touched on the controversy that regularly lands his name in headlines.

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“I respect fans that demand it because it was obvious something was said that touched their lives to where they wanted it this bad,” said the music exec. He added that things can "go overboard," but he understands that the pressure is birthed out of truly being a fan.

On social media, Punch previously explained that context is important when reacting to complaints from an artist, and he doubles down on that point in this interview. “You have to know how something was said, if it was light-hearted, if it was serious, like what it was. If [SZA's] responding to somebody and saying, 'You gotta ask Punch,' you can take that a gang of different ways based on your disposition.”

"You only get so many characters when you’re tweeting and people get a whole story and run with it. What I always like to ask is what do I gain from not putting the album out?” he asked.

Check it out below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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