The legacy of black music echoes in Lizzo’s powerful voice

In the wake of the recent criticism against artist Lizzo for using an ableist slur in one of her music video. Being an admirer of Lizzo my mind conflicted between observing  Lizzo being under constant scrutiny but at the same time, it is a  fact that the allegations held true. Lizzo’s understanding of the discrimination of various intersections is sharp that she republished the lyrics rectifying and apologizing to the disability community. Lizzo alongside Cardi B  debunks and blatantly calls out hate in the song,“ Rumours”.

Most times it’s learning through the lines that make me want to know the artist, further knowing the roots of the lyrics. “Who is singing and what are they singing” is important to me to comprehend what the music stands for. This is why I feel It's important to learn why Billie Holiday decided to sing the anti-lynching protest song," strange fruit".

The significance of addressing the history of segregated rock and roll when black artists weren’t allowed to perform. The realizations about celebrated artists like Elvis Presley’s appropriation of black icon Willie Mae’s song . To honour the icons in the black community who despite having to fight for existence did not conform to the beauty standards of the world that excludes them.  These are also among the few reasons why it’s great to witness Lizzo appearing in the Lizzo backdrop of Sister Rosetta who are amongst the founders of Rock and Roll.  

She goes,” Black people made rock and roll yeah”  When Lizzo and Cardi B appear in gold like greek goddesses ,   Lizzo recites “ don’t know I do it for the culture goddaaamn” and Cardi B flaunts her pregnant belly sitting on a throne and blatantly calling out hate comments spewed against them. 

Cardi B sings , “And lie in a language I can't even read “ stating the rumours against her ,they mockingly agrees to the rumours saying “all the rumours are true yeah”

From smoothie cleanse to relationships, Lizzo opens up about every controversy directed towards her. Cardi B sings about her curves and body changes  ,she claps back at her haters .

Lizzo states in the song that the haters have nothing else to do than try to break apart a woman. Cardi B and lizzo confirm that their success wont be swayed.

But haters do what they do

Haters do what they do

All the rumors are true

Yeah, sheeshlie

Using the most confident and unbothered verses; dancing with black women in gold, ending with assurance that consider all the rumours can be true and they aren’t bothered nor succumb to these .