Lizzo Shines On Her Latest Album "Special"

BY Erika Marie 3.9K Views
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She recently told Zane Lowe that the heart of this album is "love."

Right on time, Lizzo has gifted fans with new music. The rollout for her fourth studio album Special has been a journey, especially considering this record marks her first LP since 2019's Cuz I Love You. The singer-rapper's career has exploded within the last few years and her award room is overflowing with accolades, including plaques that speak to her chart-topping releases.

Not everyone is a Lizzo fan, and the "About Damn Time" hitmaker spoke about using the pain from the hateful messages she receives as inspiration in the studio.

After ‘Rumors,’ I received a lot of backlash. I think it was because people hadn't heard from me since Cuz I Love You and this was their opportunity to attack me because I was visible, you know?" she told Apple Music about her title track. "But I turn my pain into music. I turn my pain into profit. I make it work for me. So, I went into the studio to write a song for myself that would remind me how special I am."

"In the second verse, I say, ‘Could you imagine a world where everybody's the same? And you could cancel a girl ’cause she just wanted to change? How could you throw f*cking stones if you ain't been through her pain? That's why we feel so alone, that's why we feel so much shame.’ I was trying to flip the mirror on people, that same mirror that I check myself with. It’s me saying, ‘You attack people like they're the monster, but you've become the monster.’ No one's giving anyone the space to be themselves, to show their specialness, and to grow.”

Special doesn't host any features. Stream Lizzo's latest and share your thoughts.

Tracklist

  1. The Sign
  2. About Damn Time
  3. Grrrls
  4. 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)
  5. I Love You B*tch
  6. Special
  7. Break Up Twice
  8. Everybody's Gay
  9. Naked
  10. Birthday Girl
  11. If You Love Me
  12. Coldplay

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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