15/05/2018
When the name Lizzo comes up, a flurry of vibrant images and sounds often spring to mind: powerful vocals, infectious beats, and an undeniable stage presence. But is Lizzo simply a singer, or is there more to this multifaceted artist than meets the eye (or ear)? The answer, unequivocally, is a resounding yes, she is a singer – and so much more. From her humble beginnings in Minneapolis to becoming a global icon, Lizzo has carved out a unique space in the music industry, not just with her incredible vocal range and rapping prowess, but also with her profound messages of self-love and body positivity. Her journey is a testament to artistic versatility and unwavering dedication, showcasing a career built on diverse musical explorations and a powerful connection with her audience.
From Minneapolis Roots to Global Stardom
Melissa Viviane Jefferson, known professionally as Lizzo, embarked on her musical odyssey in Minneapolis, where her early career was marked by a vibrant exploration of various genres and collaborations. Before her solo fame, Lizzo was deeply embedded in the local music scene, showcasing her diverse talents through different group formations. One notable early endeavour was her involvement with the electro soul-pop duo, Lizzo & the Larva Ink. This period allowed her to experiment with sound and performance, laying foundational groundwork for her future success.
A significant stepping stone in her journey was co-forming The Chalice, a three-piece all-female rap/R&B group. Their 2012 album, We Are the Chalice, garnered local success, proving Lizzo's ability to contribute meaningfully within a collaborative setting. This experience honed her skills not only as a vocalist and rapper but also as a performer capable of captivating an audience. Following The Chalice, Lizzo continued her group work, becoming one of five artists in the hip-hop collective Grrrl Prty. This group released two EPs, further cementing her reputation within the hip-hop community before disbanding in 2016.
Her individual breakthrough began to materialise with her hip-hop-focused debut album, Lizzobangers, released on October 15, 2013. Produced by Lazerbeak and Ryan Olson, this album was a critical success, with Killian Fox of The Guardian awarding it four out of five stars, praising her "joyfully nonsensical" yet "lethally pointed" stream-of-consciousness rhymes. The album topped the Star Tribune's "Twin Cities Critics Tally 2013" and led to her winning City Pages' "Picked to Click" award for best new Twin Cities artist. This early recognition, coupled with Time magazine naming her one of 14 music artists to watch in 2014, signalled the burgeoning career of a formidable talent. Lizzobangers was later re-released by Virgin Records, broadening its reach and introducing Lizzo to a wider audience, including a memorable performance of "A Change Is Gonna Come" with St. Paul and the Broken Bones.
The Evolution of Her Sound: Hip-Hop to Pop Anthems
Following the critical acclaim of Lizzobangers, Lizzo wasted no time in crafting new material, demonstrating her relentless creative drive. Her second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World, released on December 11, 2015, continued to showcase her growing artistry. Spin magazine recognised its merit, placing it at number 17 on their "50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2015" list. Critics like Hilary Saunders of Paste lauded Lizzo's remarkable "ability to rap and sing with equal tenacity," a testament to her expanding vocal range and genre fluidity. Her collaboration with Your Smith, "Let 'Em Say," further highlighted her versatility, gaining exposure through its feature in the third season premiere of Broad City.
A pivotal moment in Lizzo's career came with her signing to Atlantic Records in 2016, leading to the release of her major-label extended play, Coconut Oil, on October 7, 2016. This EP marked a noticeable departure from her earlier alternative hip-hop sound, leaning more into pop and R&B. The lead single, "Good as Hell," released as part of the soundtrack for the 2016 film Barbershop: The Next Cut, quickly became an anthem. Lizzo co-wrote every track on Coconut Oil, working with producers such as Ricky Reed and Jesse Shatkin to craft a sound that was both fresh and deeply personal. Lyrically, the EP delved into themes of self-love, body positivity, and the journey towards embracing these ideals, setting the stage for the powerful messages that would define her career.
Coconut Oil was met with positive reviews, with Nylon's Syra Aburto describing it as "essential for healthy living," much like the product it was named after. Rolling Stone included it in their "20 Best Pop Albums of 2016." Commercially, it was Lizzo's first release to chart, peaking at number 44 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The EP's success led to the "Good as Hell Tour" in 2017, further solidifying her growing fanbase. This period also saw Lizzo appearing as a guest judge on the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and touring with acclaimed artists like Haim and Florence and the Machine, showcasing her expanding reach and appeal.
Chart-Topping Success and Cultural Impact
The period from 2019 onwards marked Lizzo's explosive breakthrough into mainstream consciousness, transforming her into a global chart-topping phenomenon. Beyond her musical projects, she ventured into acting, lending her voice to the animated film UglyDolls and appearing in the crime comedy-drama Hustlers. However, it was her music that truly captivated the world.
Her third studio album, Cuz I Love You, released on April 19, 2019, was a commercial and critical triumph. Preceded by the vibrant lead single "Juice," the album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and eventually peaked at number four, demonstrating a powerful surge in popularity. This newfound attention was significantly amplified by the unexpected resurgence of her 2017 single "Truth Hurts." After gaining traction through a TikTok internet meme and its feature in the 2019 Netflix film Someone Great, "Truth Hurts" became a viral sleeper hit, driving immense interest in Cuz I Love You, which remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for months.
"Truth Hurts" became Lizzo's first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, a monumental achievement that saw her become only the third female rapper to top the Hot 100 without a featured artist. She also made history as the first black solo female R&B singer to claim the top spot since Rihanna's "Diamonds" in 2012. The song spent an impressive seven weeks atop the Hot 100, tying for the most weeks at number one for a rap song by a female artist. The accompanying music video, famously depicting Lizzo marrying herself, garnered over 220 million views on YouTube, becoming a visual emblem of her message of self-acceptance. It's noteworthy that the initial lack of success for "Truth Hurts" had previously led Lizzo to consider quitting music altogether, making its eventual triumph all the more poignant.
The success of "Truth Hurts" also propelled her 2016 single "Good as Hell" back into the charts, where it reached the top three of the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the top ten of the UK Singles Chart, further cementing her status as a hitmaker. Her live performances during this period were legendary, including a critically acclaimed medley of "Truth Hurts" and "Good as Hell" at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, and a memorable debut as musical guest on Saturday Night Live. At the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in January 2020, Lizzo opened the ceremony with a medley of "Cuz I Love You" and "Truth Hurts" and went on to win three awards, including Record of the Year for "Truth Hurts" at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, solidifying her place among music's elite.
Beyond her musical prowess, Lizzo has become a powerful advocate for body positivity and self-love. Having personally struggled with body image from an early age, she has used her platform to promote diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance across body types, sexuality, and race. Her group of back-up dancers, the Big Grrrls, consists exclusively of plus-size dancers, embodying her commitment to celebrating all bodies. She has featured in campaigns like ModCloth's "Say It Louder" and sported the first plus-size outfit made for FIT's Future of Fashion runway show, consistently challenging conventional beauty standards and inspiring millions to embrace their authentic selves. Her impact extends far beyond the charts, making her a true cultural groundbreaking figure.
Beyond Vocals: The Flute Phenomenon
While Lizzo is celebrated for her dynamic vocals and sharp rapping, she possesses another remarkable talent that often surprises and delights her audience: her exceptional skill as a flautist. She began playing the flute as a child and has diligently honed her abilities into adulthood, transforming it into an integral part of her artistic identity and live performances.
Her flute, affectionately named Sasha Flute, has become a recognisable character in its own right, frequently making appearances during Lizzo's most iconic performances. A standout moment was her performance of "Truth Hurts" at the 2019 BET Awards, where her impromptu flute solo earned a standing ovation from the audience, including none other than Rihanna. This incorporation of classical instrumentation into her contemporary hip-hop and pop sound adds a unique layer of sophistication and playfulness to her artistry, distinguishing her from many of her peers.
Sasha Flute has been a consistent presence, from her early days performing at the Sydney Opera House as a young flute player to her headlining slots at major festivals like Glastonbury. This unexpected talent not only showcases her musical depth but also serves as a charming and memorable signature, reinforcing the idea that Lizzo is an artist who consistently defies expectations and embraces all facets of her creative expression.
A New Era: 'Special' and Future Horizons
Lizzo's artistic journey continues to evolve, marked by new music and expanding creative ventures. In August 2021, she heralded the beginning of a "new era" with the release of the single "Rumors," featuring Cardi B, teasing a fresh chapter in her discography. This was followed by the announcement of her highly anticipated fourth studio album, Special.
Released on July 15, 2022, Special garnered critical acclaim and further cemented Lizzo's position as a leading voice in contemporary music. The album's lead single, "About Damn Time," became another massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and holding the position for two weeks. Its success was crowned with the coveted "Record of the Year" award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2023, marking a significant milestone in her career. To celebrate the album's release, Lizzo launched "Lizzoverse," an immersive cosmic light show experience, demonstrating her innovative approach to engaging with her fanbase.
Lizzo's recent activities also include significant collaborations and high-profile appearances. She served as a contributing writer and producer on SZA's critically acclaimed second album, SOS, co-writing the song "F2F" and collaborating on a remix of SZA's title track "Special." Her musical contributions extended to the big screen with an original single titled "Pink" for the 2023 film Barbie, released on Barbie the Album, with a second version, "Pink (Bad Day)," following shortly after. She has continued to grace the stage of Saturday Night Live, both as a host and musical guest, showcasing her dynamic presence. Her extensive "The Special Tour" has taken her across North America, Europe, and Oceania, connecting with fans worldwide.
Looking ahead, Lizzo is already teasing her next musical chapter. February 2025 saw the release of "Love in Real Life," the lead single from her upcoming fifth studio album, also titled Love in Real Life, which is expected later in 2025. Additionally, she shared details for her third mixtape, My Face Hurts from Smiling, released in June 2025. Beyond music, Lizzo has also ventured into production, signing a deal with Amazon Studios in August 2020, leading to the unscripted reality competition series Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, which premiered in March 2022. This expansion into production further underscores her multifaceted talent and ambition, confirming that Lizzo is far more than just a singer; she is a powerful force of nature in the entertainment industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lizzo
Navigating the impressive career of an artist like Lizzo can lead to many questions. Here are some of the most common:
Is Lizzo just a singer?
No, Lizzo is far more than just a singer. While her powerful vocals are a core component of her artistry, she is also an accomplished rapper, a skilled flautist, a songwriter, and an advocate for body positivity and self-love. Her early career involved various hip-hop and R&B groups, showcasing her versatility across genres. She has also ventured into acting and television production, further demonstrating her broad range of talents.
What instruments does Lizzo play?
Lizzo is famously known for playing the flute. She began playing as a child and has incorporated her flute, affectionately named Sasha Flute, into many of her live performances and music videos, adding a unique and memorable element to her stage presence.
When did Lizzo become famous?
While Lizzo had a significant underground and critical following for years with albums like Lizzobangers (2013) and Big Grrrl Small World (2015), her mainstream breakthrough occurred in 2019. This was largely due to the viral success of her 2017 single "Truth Hurts," which became a number-one hit after gaining traction on TikTok and being featured in a Netflix film. The release of her third studio album, Cuz I Love You, in April 2019, also played a crucial role in her ascent to global stardom.
What are Lizzo's most popular songs?
Among Lizzo's most popular and recognisable songs are "Truth Hurts," which became her first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Good as Hell," an empowering anthem that has also achieved significant chart success. Other notable tracks include "Juice," "About Damn Time" (a Grammy-winning hit), and "Cuz I Love You."
What is Lizzo known for besides music?
Beyond her music, Lizzo is widely recognised for her passionate advocacy for body positivity, self-acceptance, and inclusivity. She actively promotes these messages through her lyrics, public appearances, and her choice of back-up dancers (the Big Grrrls), who are all plus-size. She is also known for her vibrant, confident personality and her engaging social media presence. Additionally, she has ventured into acting with roles in films like Hustlers and voice work in UglyDolls, and has a production deal with Amazon Studios for projects like Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.
In conclusion, Lizzo is undeniably a powerful singer, but her artistry extends far beyond just vocal performance. She is a dynamic rapper, a talented flautist, a celebrated songwriter, and a leading voice in the movement for self-love and body positivity. Her career is a vibrant tapestry woven with musical innovation, unapologetic self-expression, and a profound connection to her audience. Lizzo is not just an artist; she is a cultural phenomenon, continuously pushing boundaries and inspiring millions worldwide to embrace their authentic selves.
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