Career Timeline of Lizzo: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Lizzo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is a multifaceted American entertainer known for her singing, rapping, songwriting, and acting. Her musical journey began in Minneapolis after relocating from Houston, where she had moved from her birthplace of Detroit at age 10. She independently released two albums, Lizzobangers and Big Grrrl Small World, before signing with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records. Her initial major-label release was the extended play Coconut Oil.
2009: Performance in Ellypseas
In 2009, Lizzo performed lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.
2010: Continued Performance in Ellypseas
In 2010, Lizzo continued performing lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.
2011: Move to Minneapolis
In 2011, Lizzo dropped out of college and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, marking a significant step in her music career.
2012: Chalice Album Release
In 2012, the Chalice, a three-piece all-female rap/R&B group that Lizzo helped form, released its first album, We Are the Chalice, achieving local success.
October 15, 2013: Lizzo's Debut Album Release
On October 15, 2013, Lizzo's hip-hop-focused debut album, Lizzobangers, produced by Lazerbeak and Ryan Olson, was released, marking a critical moment in her solo career.
2013: Release of Lizzobangers
In 2013, Lizzo released her debut studio album, Lizzobangers, marking an early milestone in her recording career within the hip-hop scene.
September 2014: Featured on Prince's Album
In September 2014, Lizzo, along with her Chalice bandmates Sophia Eris and Claire de Lune, was featured on the song "BoyTrouble" on Prince's and 3rdeyegirl's album Plectrumelectrum.
October 7, 2014: Appearance on Late Show with David Letterman
On October 7, 2014, Lizzo appeared as the musical guest on the Late Show with David Letterman, marking a significant television appearance.
2014: StyleLikeU's What's Underneath Project
In 2014, Lizzo participated in StyleLikeU's What's Underneath project, speaking about her relationships with her body, which inspired her song "My Skin".
December 11, 2015: Release of Big Grrrl Small World
On December 11, 2015, Lizzo's second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World, was released.
2015: Release of Big Grrrl Small World
In 2015, Lizzo released her second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World, continuing her recording career in hip-hop before signing with a major label.
March 8, 2016: "Good as Hell" Release
On March 8, 2016, "Good as Hell" was released as the lead single from Coconut Oil, and was also part of the soundtrack for the film Barbershop: The Next Cut.
October 7, 2016: Coconut Oil EP Release
On October 7, 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play, Coconut Oil, after signing with Atlantic Records.
2016: "Good as Hell" Climbs Charts Internationally
Around 2016, Lizzo's single "Good as Hell" climbed the charts around the world, reaching the top three of the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten of the UK Singles Chart.
2016: Release of Coconut Oil
In 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play (EP), Coconut Oil, after signing with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records.
2016: Coconut Oil Success
In 2016, Lizzo's album "Coconut Oil" peaked at number 44 on US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, becoming her first release to chart.
2016: "Good as Hell" Climbs Charts
In 2016, Lizzo's single "Good as Hell" began to climb the charts, eventually reaching the top ten of both the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.
2016: Disbanding of Grrrl Prty
In 2016, the hip-hop group Grrrl Prty, which Lizzo was a part of, disbanded after playing its final show at Rock the Garden.
2017: Good as Hell Tour
In 2017, Lizzo embarked on the Good as Hell Tour to promote her extended play, Coconut Oil.
2017: "Truth Hurts" Initial Release
In 2017, Lizzo initially released the single "Truth Hurts".
June 11, 2018: ModCloth's "Say It Louder" Campaign
On June 11, 2018, Lizzo appeared in ModCloth's "Say It Louder" campaign, highlighting body inclusivity and celebrating individuality.
June 2018: NYC Pride's Pride Island Performance
In June 2018, Lizzo sported the first plus-size outfit made for FIT's Future of Fashion runway show by Grace Insogna for her performance at NYC Pride's Pride Island event.
2018: Tours with Haim and Florence and the Machine
In early 2018, Lizzo toured with both Haim and Florence and the Machine.
January 4, 2019: "Juice" Release
On January 4, 2019, "Juice", the lead single from her third studio album, was released by Atlantic Records.
April 19, 2019: "Cuz I Love You" Album Release
On April 19, 2019, Lizzo's album Cuz I Love You was released, marking a turning point in her career and leading to mainstream success.
September 9, 2019: "Cuz I Love You" Certified Gold
On September 9, 2019, Cuz I Love You was certified gold by the RIAA with over 500,000 equivalent units sold.
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 and included the singles "Juice" and "Tempo".
2019: Acting Roles and "Entertainer of the Year"
In 2019, Lizzo expanded her career into acting with roles in UglyDolls and Hustlers, while also being named Time's "Entertainer of the Year" for her impact on music.
2019: Flute Performance at BET Awards
In 2019, Lizzo performed "Truth Hurts" at the BET Awards, showcasing her flute skills and receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
2019: "Truth Hurts" Viral Popularity
In 2019, Lizzo's 2017 single "Truth Hurts" gained viral popularity after inspiring an internet meme on TikTok and being featured in the Netflix film Someone Great.
2021: Release of "Rumors"
In 2021, Lizzo released the single "Rumors" featuring Cardi B, which debuted in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.
2022: Release of "Special" Album
In 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, Special, preceded by the hit single "About Damn Time," which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
2025: Mixtape release: My Face Hurts from Smiling
In 2025, Lizzo is slated to release her mixtape My Face Hurts from Smiling, signalling her return to her hip-hop roots.
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