in living colour: lizzo

Louis down to my draws, LV all on my shoes.

Lizzo changed the game for herself when she announced to the world that by confirmation of genetic testing, she was in fact 100% THAT BITCH and that she was going to prove it willingly or by force. Whether it’s through Netflix movies like Someone Great, Absolut commercials, or passing by windowsills of brownstones in yuppy Brooklyn neighborhoods, Lizzo is everywhere. She snatched a Billboard #1 with ‘Truth Hurts’ two whole years after it came out; watching it creep up the charts slowly, bit by bit, showing to all of us that as long as we invest in ourselves, anything is possible. She’s got an ELLE Cover, where she was crowned one of three Honorable Women in Music, and dominated every award stage she’s performed (from BET to VMA’s) complete with a giant ass as a set piece and background dancers of all sizes and shapes.

Where Lizzo lies among the pantheon of rappers (yes, rappers) is unknown yet, but she’s clearly paving a lane for herself separate from her peers. Her brand is positivity and unrelenting self-love and while some see that as edging corniness, I see it differently. I see Lizzo as a beacon for some women. A beacon for those who need that extra boost on their own journey toward self-acceptance. A built-in best friend in your playlist that won’t let you wallow in your own self-pity. She reps for the big girls, the Black girls, the big Black girls, flautists (seriously, watch a video of her twerking whilst playing the flute—it’s pretty cool), and any and everyone who needs a bit of encouragement in the form of one of her uptempo “Girl, you the shit! Fuck them niggas” style hits. She’s got bops. She’s got bawdy. She’s got face. She’s got it all.

And she knows it too.

Truth Hurts

2017

Standouts: Pastels & Lace

Emotion: luxury, decadence, femininity, elegance. reminiscent of sofia coppola’s marie antoinette with a bit less fan-fare.

Significance: Either be married to the money or married to yourself, because in this video — men just aren’t worth it. No matter how magical you are or how phenomenal of a woman you are, a man’s always going to be…well, a man. Lizzo’s having fun, putting herself first, having her cake and eating it too. That’s what Marie Antoinette would’ve wanted, right?

Juice

2019

Standouts: The Exquisite Eighties

Emotion: nostalgia, glamour, disco; a cross between Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda and Olivia Newton John’s Let’s Get Physical.

Significance: Lizzo’s name is on everyone’s lips and that means deals, endorsements, and dolla’ dolla’ bills. While today that might be a collab rolled out on IG, in the 80s it might’ve been an aerobics tape a la Richard Simmons. Also, Lizzo looks damn good in Spandex and I think she knew everyone needed to see it.

Good As Hell

2016

Standouts: Hairography

Emotion: sisterhood, black girl magic, self-love

Significance: The hair salon, much like the barbershop, is a place of community and sorority where women can unwind in many forms. You walk in not looking your best, sit in a chair for a few hours, and get your stress shampooed away. Lizzo’s salon is about letting your hair down, tossing it over your shoulder, and saying “boy, bye!” The only thing you should be letting press you is a flat iron, not these n****s!

Boys

2019

Standouts: Hometown Hero

Emotion: black boy joy, venusian vibes, pure drama

Significance: Lizzo started her music career in Minneapolis so her Prince tribute is only fitting, but those are not even the most striking parts of the video. There’s choreography in front of urinals, Lizzo posing like one of Jack’s “french girls” waiting to be painted, and of course - the boys. Lots of them. Just being themselves; dancing and having fun, and endorsing Lizzo for some political position. It’s Lizzo’s world, and the boys just live in it.