pop · contemporary r&b · pop rap · pop soul

Lizzo

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Houston-raised, Minneapolis-schooled singer and rapper with conservatory flute training, deploying it mid-set between 'Truth Hurts' and 'Juice.'

Melissa Jefferson grew up in Houston and moved to Minneapolis in her twenties, working through gospel, rap groups and the city's indie scene before the solo records landed. She studied classical flute at the University of Houston, and the instrument stayed in the act.

The songs lean on gospel-sized backing vocals and horn-driven soul as much as on rap, and Lizzo sings and raps across both. "Truth Hurts" was released in 2017 and became a hit two years later, pulled back into the charts after appearing in a film. She performs with a full band and a dance troupe, and her live shows put the flute front and centre rather than treating it as a novelty.

popcontemporary r&bpop rappop soul