MasterCard pulled some major strings for its latest global ad campaign, which features global R&B sensation SZA singing a cover of the 1962 Bo Diddley song "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover." The soulful queen appears in the ad alongside a group of other rising artists who each give their own rendition of the classic.
SZA's cameo depicts her lounging in a shabby hotel room crooning out the lyrics to the song, and her appearance is followed by on-the-rise acts like The Tracks, Radkey, Victoria Canal, William Prince, Noe Socha, and Ruby Ibarra. Each artist or group gives their own spin on the tune, ranging from sultry R&B to traditional folk to rap. The clever commercial is a part of the credit card company's "Start Something Priceless" movement, which is intended to portray "the importance of pushing past stereotypes to pursue your passion and showcases the artists’ stories of overcoming challenges."
SZA's recent run includes being nominated for five Grammys, to making it onto Obama's 2017 playlist, and storming the charts. She also recently spoke to GQ about the inspiration and importance of "Supermodel," which got a Grammy nod for Best R&B Song. After hearing some chords being played by a friend who had recently taught himself guitar, she just "responded to the information in a natural way" and the impromptu melody became her Grammy-nominated opening song on her debut LP.
SZA is also preparing to go on the road this summer with her Top Dawg labelmates. Catch the tour dates here.
