Lizzo (1988-…) is an American rap artist, singer, and musician. She is notable for her freestyling rap skills and for playing the flute. Lizzo gained international fame for such hit songs as “Good as Hell” (2016), “Truth Hurts” (2017), and “Juice” (2019). She won Grammy Awards in 2020 for best pop solo performance, for “Truth Hurts”; best traditional rhythm and blues (R&B) performance, for her song “Jerome” (2019); and best urban contemporary album, for Cuz I Love You (Deluxe) (2019). In 2023, Lizzo won the Grammy Award for record of the year for “About Damn Time” (2022). Lizzo has also become known for promoting body positivity and self-acceptance. 
Melissa Jefferson was born on April 27, 1988, in Detroit, Michigan. Her family later moved to Houston, Texas. Her family was deeply religious and frequently listened to gospel music. Lizzo played flute in her high school marching band. She began rapping when she was 14 years old. After high school, Lizzo studied classical flute at the University of Houston. She moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2010, following the death of her father. 
Lizzo performed with a few music groups before releasing her first hip-hop album, Lizzobangers (2013). She worked with the American pop musician Prince on his album Plectrumelectrum (2014). Her self-released second album, Big GRRRL Small World (2015), incorporated gospel, hip-hop, and R&B influences. Lizzo signed a recording contract in 2016 and released the EP Coconut Oil that year. An EP, short for extended play, is a recording considered shorter than a full album. Coconut Oil included her hit singles “Good as Hell” and “Worship.”
Lizzo achieved widespread popularity with her album Cuz I Love You (2019). The album reached number four on the “Billboard 200” chart, a list of the top 200 albums compiled by Billboard magazine. The album’s hit song “Juice” reached number five on the Billboard “Hot R&B Songs” list. The success of Cuz I Love You helped bring new attention to Lizzo’s previous work. The catchy and fun “Truth Hurts” quickly regained attention and peaked at number one on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart, as did “Good as Hell.” Lizzo has collaborated with many artists, including the rapper Missy Elliot. Their song “Tempo” (2019) reached number 21 on the Billboard “U.S. Digital Song Sales” chart.
Lizzo briefly co-hosted the television music program “Wonderland” in 2016. She provided her voice for the animated musical film Ugly Dolls and acted in the movie Hustlers (both 2019). Lizzo also recorded the song “Pink” for the soundtrack of the motion-picture comedy fantasy Barbie (2023).
