Girl crush: Lizzo
“I do my hair toss, check my nails. Baby how you feelin?
Good as hell! Baby how you feelin? Good as hell! ..................!”
It was 2019 when Lizzo, pronounced Liz-zo, two syllables, sang for Simon Cowell and opened one of the most popular shows on British TV, X Factor. All I could see was this larger than life confident, clearly sassy girl strutting the stage and belting out this catchy tune namely ‘Good as hell!’ “And if he doesn’t love you anymore, just walk your fine ass out the doooor!”
It was the first time I’d seen her perform and I thought, wow! What fun she is and what an inspiration to all. She was all about star quality and Simon said as much. That same year Lizzo played Glastonbury, featuring ‘Good as Hell!’
A big girl dressed like a star in none other than a glamorised white swimsuit with gold trimmings and looking great! And what simple but fun, independent woman, amazing lyrics, sung with such gusto and enthusiasm. “...Baby how you feelin, good as hell!” The vibrant tune stayed with me for days. Who was this full of life beautiful young woman?
Born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, Lizzo (her business name) is a talented singer, rapper, songwriter, flutist and actor. She was born in Detroit, Michigan but started her recording career in Prince’s land of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Coincidently the only place in the States I have visited, the so called ‘Smiling States.’ Not ‘so last year’ of course, with 2020’s scenes of injustice and killing by police. Lizzo collaborated with the late Prince Nelson in 2014 and described the experience as “surreal,” and “like a fairy tale.”
Only 32 now, Lizzo started her climb to fame in 2010, and hit mainstream recognition in 2019 with the release of ‘Cuz I Love You,’ ‘Truth Hurts’ being off that same album.
Lizzo was first signed to Nice Life and Atlantic records. ‘Coconut Oil’ was the debut solo EP (extended play) record, which includes the single ‘Good as Hell!’ Released in October 2016, the record received positive reviews from music critics. Body positivity and self love are the themes explored here and the singer’s journey to such ideals.
Who would have thought this star had body issues? From an early age apparently. Well I’d say she’s facing her fears wouldn’t you? She should be over them very soon.
Actually isn’t it often the way, that those who have certain insecurities are seen to be doing the very opposite of what would seem to fit their fears? Performing for instance, wearing extravagant outfits which show off the very body which haunts you? But in so doing I hope they get over issues quicker because after all, facing your fears is said to dismiss them!
Rolling Stone states Lizzo as saying: “There’s self-exploration, there’s self- love. Then there’s self realisation. ‘Coconut Oil’ is the ultimate goal to self care and to my process. I’m not there yet but I’m creating my music so I can get there.”
‘Coconut Oil’ initially reached 44 on the Billboard, Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart. Three years later it rose to 31. ‘Good as Hell!’ was the second single released off the album. Other catchy and well known hits are ‘Juice’ and ‘Truth Hurts.’
This classically trained flutist is a talent to be reckoned with. Awards all around including three Grammy Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards a Billboard Music Award and a BET Award. At the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, she got eight nominations, the most for any artist that year. She won Best Urban Contemporary Album, Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best Pop Solo Performance. Her first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 was ‘Truth Hurts’ in September 2019.
So do not be fooled by this artists flirty, flighty air, glamourous outfits, and feisty, catchy, casual rapping lyrics. Lizzo is a huge talent and star, a trained flutist for goodness sake, and she often plays it live. A highly acclaimed singer and songwriter with numerous awards to her name. Not forgetting her inspirational value to those with body insecurities and issues, and so many more. I would say an inspiration to us all with her unique and totally original style.
