History of Lizzo in Timeline

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 27, 1988: Melissa Viviane Jefferson Born

On April 27, 1988, Melissa Viviane Jefferson, who is professionally known as Lizzo, was born in Detroit, Michigan.

1994: Whitney Houston's Grammy Win

In 1994, Whitney Houston won a Grammy Award, marking a milestone before Lizzo became the first black female singer since Houston to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in later years.

2006: High School Graduation

In 2006, Lizzo graduated from Alief Elsik High School, having begun her journey with rapping during her time there.

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: Rihanna's "Diamonds" Hit Top Spot

In 2012, Rihanna's song "Diamonds" reached number one on the Hot 100. This is relevant because Lizzo became the first black solo female R&B singer to claim the top spot on the Hot 100 since Rihanna's 2012 hit.

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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.

October 2013: Wins City Pages' "Picked to Click" Award

In October 2013, Lizzo was awarded City Pages' "Picked to Click" award for best new Twin Cities artist.

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.

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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".

2014: Named one of 14 music artists to watch

In 2014, Time named Lizzo as one of the 14 music artists to watch.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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.

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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.

July 23, 2019: MTV VMA Nominations

On July 23, 2019, Lizzo was nominated for Push Artist of the Year and Best New Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards.

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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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