Gracing the car radios and party speakers on repeat, Lizzo’s vocal masterpiece, “Truth Hurts,” was undoubtedly one of the most groundbreaking songs to hit the charts last year, eventually climbing to the #1 placeholder for consecutive weeks. An anthem for self love, “Truth Hurts” encourages listeners to live according to no one else’s standards or limitations and to genuinely love themselves without validation. Time’s 2019 Entertainer of the Year is just getting started, and is about to dive, flute first, into the music scene. Lizzo doesn’t need a DNA test to prove that she’s 100% that bitch- she’s gone above and beyond in doing so already!
Melissa Vivianne Jefferson, better known by her iconic stage name, was born on April 27, 1988 in Detroit, Michigan. Soon after, she moved to Houston and took up rapping as a hobby during her teenage years, endearingly gaining the nickname of Lizzo from her friends, inspired by Jay Z’s song, “Izzo.” Upon high school graduation, she studied classical music with a focus on flute performance at the University of Houston, and her passion for music only deepened. Struggling with her own body image from a young age, Lizzo adopted a bigger-than-life vision of normalizing and embracing body diversity and positivity in the music industry and beyond.
Since 2013, Lizzo has released four albums titled Lizzobangers, Big Grrrl Small World, Coconut Oil, and Cuz I Love You, which many credit as her major claim to fame. Following its 2017 release, “Truth Hurts” made its Billboard debut after being featured in Cuz I Love You. With hit songs such as “Tempo” and “Soulmate,” Lizzo’s mesmerizing vocals are translating messages of confidence and the importance of loving yourself in a judgmental world to her listeners. Whether it be through her plus size background dancers, The Big Grrrls, her empowering lyrics, or famed twerking, Lizzo is redefining society’s definition of beauty and her resilience is sparking a worldwide movement of embracing all bodies and their worth. Tackling vulnerable, powerful issues ranging from sex, heartbreak, self love, body positivity, and feminism, Lizzo’s ability to closely relate to and connect with fans around the world has gained her a star-studded status at award shows and sold out tours. It’s Lizzo’s world, and we’re all just living in it.
Even one quick scroll through Lizzo’s Instagram account, @lizzobeeating, is clear evidence of her level of confidence and unapologetic self love. She dances, sings, shares Tik Toks, twerks, jams out on her Insta-famous flute, Sasha, flaunts her figure (and looks beautiful while doing it!), and most of all, provides a refreshingly authentic and candid social media presence. From openly sharing difficulties with her own mental health to celebrating Black culture, she’s making her fans feel good as hell in showing that no one is alone in their experiences or struggles. Lizzo is not only normalizing the beauty of body diversity, but also having confidence and loving the skin you’re in.
Nominated for eight Grammy Awards and taking home three of them, including Best Pop Solo Performance for “Truth Hurts” and Best Urban Contemporary Album for Cuz I Love You, the 31-year old is continuing to conquer the world with her contagious spirit and confidence. Paying a powerful tribute to Kobe Bryant and his family, she dominated the stage with her soulful, powerhouse voice yet again alongside orchestras, ballerinas, and dancers. Her performances, especially this one, create an atmosphere of love, support, togetherness, and positivity. Women like Lizzo are changing the way people view their bodies and embrace their uniqueness both inside and out. Lizzo’s music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and most other music streaming services. So don’t forget to do your hair toss, check your nails, and stream Cuz I Love You today!