Lizzo shakes up the scene with a surprise mixtape featuring SZA and Doja Cat
In “My Face Hurts From Smiling”, Lizzo fuses sharp lyricism, infectious humour and hard-earned independence to create a sound that is both fresh and unmistakably her own.
Image: B.K. Barone
Grammy Award-winning artist Lizzo has unveiled a new rap mixtape titled “My Face Hurts From Smiling”.
The 13-track project, which follows the viral success of her freestyle “Yitty on Yo Tittys”, marks a return to her Houston rap roots and features collaborations with industry heavyweights, including the talented Doja Cat and her long-time friend SZA.
This latest collection of songs signals a bold new chapter for Lizzo, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and performer.
She fuses sharp lyricism, infectious humour and hard-earned independence to create a sound that is both fresh and unmistakably her own.
The mixtape has been hyped on social media, particularly TikTok, where Lizzo teased several tracks before the release.
Throughout the mixtape, consistent themes of summer vibes and the empowerment of letting go of toxic people and situations are displayed strongly.
In the opener "Crashout", Lizzo delivers a biting line: “She doin’ interviews about me, I don’t even know her / While all these bitches sittin’ mad, I’m out here bending over.”
Many have speculated that this track echoes the ongoing lawsuit surrounding her treatment of background dancers on her recent “The Special Tour”.
In “My Face Hurts From Smiling”, Lizzo fuses sharp lyricism, infectious humour and hard-earned independence to create a sound that is both fresh and unmistakably her own.
Image: B.K. Barone
While the mixtape radiates a confident and playful energy, there are critiques to be made.
The project lacks the depth and versatility typical of standout mixtapes, with a number of the beats sounding similar and the lyrical themes becoming boring.
Nevertheless, this mixtape is hard to overlook in Lizzo's discography, representing a notable shift in her public persona.
Known for her charismatic dancing and flute performances, Lizzo is now venturing boldly into the arena of rap with punchy flows.
Despite our criticisms, the mixtape boasts potential standouts that are likely to be loved by fans. Tracks like “IRL” featuring SZA, “Summa Sh#t” and “Just 4 Fun” could easily evolve into regular favourites among listeners.
Notably, Lizzo revealed that the entire mixtape was produced in just three days, adding an intriguing layer to the project.
The rapper has undeniably left an indelible mark on popular culture, garnering multiple accolades.
As she continues to break records, her historic win in 2023 as the first black woman to receive the ‘Record of the Year’ at the Grammy Awards since 1994 for her 2x-Platinum single “About Damn Time” stands as a testament to her influence in the music industry.