Melissa Viviane Jefferson, known professionally as Lizzo, was born on April 27, 1988, in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Houston, Texas. She began playing flute in elementary school, formed the rap group Cornrow Clique at age 14, and studied classical music at the University of Houston before dropping out. After her father's death in 2009, she moved to Minneapolis in 2011, where she performed with groups like Chalice and released her debut solo album Lizzobangers (2013), followed by Big Grrrl Small World (2015). Lizzo signed with Atlantic Records and issued the EP Coconut Oil (2016). Her 2019 album Cuz I Love You reached the Billboard Top 10, with singles 'Truth Hurts' topping the Hot 100, the first for a Black solo female R&B artist since 2012, and 'Good as Hell' hitting the top ten. She won three Grammy Awards in 2020, including Best Urban Contemporary Album. Her music blends R&B, rap, pop, and hip-hop, often addressing self-love and body positivity. Lizzo performs flute onstage and is recognized for high-energy live shows, including sold-out tours for Cuz I Love You.