Lizzo | |
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Lizzo performing at Boston Calling, May 2016
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Background information | |
Birth name | Melissa Jefferson |
Born |
Detroit, Michigan |
April 27, 1988
Origin | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
Genres | Alternative hip hop, indie pop |
Occupation(s) | Rapper, singer |
Years active | 2012-present |
Labels | Totally Gross National Product |
Associated acts | The Chalice, Grrrl Prty, The Clerb, Absynthe, Sophia Eris, La Manchita, Lazerbeak, Ryan Olson, Prince |
Website | lizzomusic |
Melissa Jefferson (born April 27, 1988), better known by her stage name Lizzo, is an American alternative hip hop artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a founding member of indie hip hop groups The Chalice, Grrrl Prty, The Clerb, and Absynthe. Her debut album, Lizzobangers, was released in 2013. Two years later, Lizzobangers was proceeded by Big Grrrl Small World, which, only 1 year later, was followed with the 2016 major-label EP Coconut Oil.
Lizzo grew up in Houston, Texas and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2011. In Minneapolis, she performed with indie groups including the electro soul-pop duo, Lizzo & the Larva Ink. During this time she helped form three-piece all female rap/R&B group, The Chalice. In 2012, The Chalice released their first album, We Are the Chalice, which was locally successful.
Lizzobangers, Lizzo's debut album produced by Lazerbeak and Ryan Olson, was released on October 15, 2013 to regional and national success. Lizzo toured the US and UK in the fall of 2013 opening for Har Mar Superstar and additionally sang with his band. In October 2013, Lizzo won City Pages "Picked to Click" award for best new Twin Cities artist. In November of the same year, Time named her one of 14 music artists to watch in 2014.
On June 1, 2014, Lizzo shared the stage with St. Paul and The Broken Bones, performing "A Change Is Gonna Come" together.