Lizzo has unveiled her rap alter ego, Lizzo Wayne, through her new mixtape titled MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING, which was released recently. This vibrant 34-minute project was created in just four days and serves as a raw, unedited insight into her creative psyche ahead of her upcoming album, Love in Real Life.
The mixtape features collaborations with notable artists including Doja Cat and SZA, showcasing Lizzo’s ability to navigate different lyrical personas. Fans will experience a diverse range of emotions and styles, from one persona yearning to make new mistakes to another embracing her more playful side, as she joyfully asserts, “It’s a Lizzo summer, b**ch.”
In a reflection on her process, Lizzo mentioned that her hit song “About D**n Time” initially emerged from a freestyle, which highlights her natural inclination towards rap. With this mixtape, she embraced her instinct to create without restraint, declaring, “The first thing that comes out [of] my mouth, I’m gonna say it. I’m not gonna edit myself.”
Before rising to pop stardom, Lizzo honed her craft within rap groups such as Cornrow Clique and Chalice, drawing inspiration from influences like Lil Wayne and Missy Elliott. She expressed a desire to channel this foundation in her latest work, blending hip-hop influences with her unique style.
MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING acts as a precursor to Love in Real Life, with Lizzo emphasizing the importance of trusting her vision and instincts in the creative process. She plans to incorporate the lessons learned from this mixtape into her forthcoming album, revealing plans to revisit and possibly re-record certain tracks.
Overall, this mixtape is an affirmation of Lizzo’s multifaceted artistry, showing that her creativity knows no bounds. As she navigates different genres, she continues to deliver powerful messages, reminding listeners that art is about expression beyond categorization. With her bold and unapologetic approach, there is much to look forward to in her upcoming album.