5 Questions
with Lizzo

Minneapolis-based rapper Lizzo has stomped through the jungles of plenty of genres — R&B, electro-pop, gospel, and indie rock are all a part of her musical arsenal. Her latest album, LIZZOBANGERS, is an addicting hip-hop confection that has vaulted her to fame in the past few months, and it’s hard not to take notice. Fresh off the album’s release, Lizzo has moved on to performing live in select cities in the Midwest and the U.K. Lucky for us, the only U.S. show outside of Minneapolis will take place at Madison’s own High Noon Saloon tomorrow evening as a part of FRZN Fest. Lizzo took the time to answer some questions for us before her highly anticipated performance. 

Considering your rapid success with We are the Chalice, being launched into the limelight is nothing new to you. How do you feel about the attention you’ve been getting from LIZZOBANGERS?
“I’m excited that people enjoy the record! It came from a labor of love and it’s my first solo endeavor so I feel deeply connected to it.”

What drew you to the Minneapolis music scene, and what’s keeping you there?
“I moved here with a friend; he lived here and wanted to start a band with me. That band no longer exist, but our friendship does. And that’s what I love about the city — the bonds that people create over creation. Art hails here.” 

If you could collaborate with anyone on a record (or even just a song), who would it be?
“Missy Elliott. She produces, writes, sings, raps, and has the most creative mind.”

We know you’ve been in a lot of different groups and worked with a ton of different styles — how do you sift between such varied projects? What’s your attitude on hopping between genres?
“I see voice as an instrument, and as a instrumentalist you should be well-versed in other styles. Doing only hip-hop would be boring to me.”

You’ve mentioned before that you grew up surrounded by gospel. How does that influence the music you’re making now and what you put out on LIZZOBANGERS?
“It deeply influences me; it’ll come out in melismas or I’ll use an old scripture in my lyrics. I still listen to Fred Hammond on Sundays.”