Discover the career path of Lizzo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is an American rapper and singer. She began her music career in Minneapolis after moving from Detroit and Houston. Before signing with a major label, she independently released two albums, Lizzobangers and Big Grrrl Small World. Her first EP with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records, Coconut Oil, was released in 2016.
2006: Graduation and Rapping
In 2006, Lizzo graduated from Alief Elsik High School, where she had started rapping.
Share
2009: Ellypseas
In 2009, Lizzo performed lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.
Share
2010: Ellypseas
In 2010, Lizzo performed lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.
Share
2012: The Chalice released its first album
In 2012, the Chalice, a group which Lizzo helped form, released its first album, We Are the Chalice.
Share
October 15, 2013: Release of Lizzobangers
On October 15, 2013, Lizzo's hip-hop-focused debut album, Lizzobangers, was released.
Share
2013: Release of Lizzobangers
In 2013, Lizzo released her first studio album, Lizzobangers.
Share
2013: Formation of Grrrl Prty
In 2013, Lizzo was one of five artists to form the hip-hop group Grrrl Prty.
Share
September 2014: Featured on Prince's Album
In September 2014, Lizzo was featured on the song "BoyTrouble" on Prince's and 3rdeyegirl's album Plectrumelectrum.
Share
December 11, 2015: Release of Big Grrrl Small World
On December 11, 2015, Lizzo's second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World, was released.
Share
2015: Release of Big Grrrl Small World
In 2015, Lizzo released her second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World.
Share
March 8, 2016: Release of Good as Hell
On March 8, 2016, "Good as Hell" was released as the lead single from the Coconut Oil.
Share
October 7, 2016: Release of Coconut Oil
On October 7, 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play, Coconut Oil.
Share
2016: "Good as Hell" Climbs the Charts
Around July 2019, her 2016 single "Good as Hell" also climbed the charts around the world.
Share
2016: Disbanding of Grrrl Prty
In 2016, Grrrl Prty disbanded after playing its final show at Rock the Garden.
Share
2016: Coconut Oil's Critical Acclaim
In 2016, Lizzo released Coconut Oil, which received positive reviews from music critics.
Share
2016: Release of Coconut Oil EP
In 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play (EP), Coconut Oil.
Share
2016: Good as Hell Climbs Charts
In 2016, Lizzo's single "Good as Hell" climbed the charts.
Share
2017: Good as Hell Tour
In 2017, Lizzo embarked on the Good as Hell Tour to promote her EP Coconut Oil. She also appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race.
Share
2017: Release of Truth Hurts
In 2017, Lizzo released the single "Truth Hurts".
Share
2017: Release of Truth Hurts
In 2017, Lizzo released the single "Truth Hurts."
Share
2018: Tours with Haim and Florence and the Machine
In early 2018, Lizzo toured with both Haim and Florence and the Machine.
Share
January 4, 2019: Release of Juice
On January 4, 2019, Lizzo released "Juice", the lead single from her third studio album.
Share
April 19, 2019: Release of Cuz I Love You
On April 19, 2019, Lizzo released her album, Cuz I Love You.
Share
2019: Mainstream Success with 'Cuz I Love You'
In 2019, Lizzo achieved mainstream success with the release of her third studio album, Cuz I Love You, which peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200.
Share
2019: Acting roles and Entertainer of the Year
In 2019, Lizzo performed in UglyDolls and Hustlers. Time named Lizzo "Entertainer of the Year" for her meteoric rise and contributions to music.
Share
2019: Acting Ventures
In 2019, Lizzo ventured into acting, with a voice performance in the animated film UglyDolls, and a supporting part in the crime comedy-drama film Hustlers.
Share
2019: Credited for "Woodwind Renaissance"
In 2019, Lizzo was credited by Leonie Cooper of The Guardian for sparking a "woodwind renaissance" and becoming "the flute's brightest champion".
Share
2019: Truth Hurts Gains Popularity
In 2019, Lizzo's 2017 single "Truth Hurts" began to gain popularity.
Share
2019: Summer Performances
Throughout the summer of 2019, Lizzo frequently performed, including on the West Holts stage at the Glastonbury Festival, and as a headliner at the Indianapolis and Sacramento pride festivals.
Share
January 2020: FOMO Festival and Sydney Opera House
In January 2020, Lizzo headlined FOMO Festival and performed a sold-out show at the Sydney Opera House.
Share
August 2020: Production Deal with Amazon Studios
In August 2020, Lizzo signed a production deal with Amazon Studios to develop new projects with them.
Share
August 2, 2021: Announcement of a "new era" with the song "Rumors"
On August 2, 2021, Lizzo announced the start of a "new era" in her music with the upcoming song "Rumors."
Share
2021: Release of Rumors (featuring Cardi B)
In 2021, Lizzo released the single "Rumors" (featuring Cardi B), which debuted in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.
Share
March 23, 2022: Announcement of new single "About Damn Time"
On March 23, 2022, Lizzo announced that her new single "About Damn Time" would be released on April 14.
Share
March 24, 2022: Premiere of Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls
Lizzo's unscripted reality competition series called Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls premiered on March 24, 2022.
Share
April 16, 2022: Saturday Night Live Appearance
On April 16, 2022, Lizzo returned to Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest.
Share
June 10, 2022: Release of "Grrrls" and Subsequent Controversy
On June 10, 2022, Lizzo released "Grrrls", a promotional single from her album Special, which sparked controversy over the use of the word "spaz" in the lyrics. The lyrics were later changed.
Share
July 15, 2022: Release of Album 'Special' and 'Lizzoverse' Experience
On July 15, 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, "Special", to critical acclaim. The release was accompanied by an immersive cosmic light show called "Lizzoverse" in New York City.
Share
December 17, 2022: Saturday Night Live Appearance
On December 17, 2022, Lizzo made her third appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, with Austin Butler as host.
Share
2022: Donation to Planned Parenthood
In 2022, Lizzo donated $500,000 to Planned Parenthood after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Share
2022: Release of Special and About Damn Time
In 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, Special, preceded by its lead single "About Damn Time", which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Share
2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris for U.S. President
In 2024, Lizzo endorsed Kamala Harris for the U.S. presidential election.
Share
February 15, 2025: Teasing New Project "LIRL"
On February 15, 2025, Lizzo started teasing a new project titled "LIRL" on social media, announcing a release date for February 28.
Share