Lizzo, BITCH → Song Review

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Grammy-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter Lizzo delivers a bitchin’ pop single – a self-described WOMANIFESTO – with “BITCH.”

“She’s a bitch.” Noted, Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson). Bold and unapologetic, Lizzo continues to be true to herself on “BITCH”, the fourth track from her third studio album of the same name.  There are lots of cooks in the kitchen that make this bitchin’ track possible. It was written by Lizzo, Ricky Reed, Blake Slatkin, Zack Sekoff, Missy Elliott (!), Timbaland (!), Meredith Brooks (!), and Shelly Peiken.  Part of the reason for so many writers is that the song samples “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks and “She’s a Bitch” by Missy Elliott. Reed, Slatkin, and Sekoff produced it.

Despite a polarizing title, “BITCH” has a lot going for it.  It is incredibly groovy, featuring well-rounded production and a pleasant, rhythmic backdrop.  Lizzo has ample fuel for her fire, though she’s a force herself.  She ‘brings it’ when she sings; she delivers stellar rhymes, and a compelling cadence and flow when she raps. The elements of both songs sampled are prominent; “She’s a bitch” recurs throughout the verse, while Brooks’ lyrics fuel the fire in the chorus:

“I’m a bitch, I’m a lover

I’m a child, I’m a mother

I’m a sinner, I’m a saint

I do not feel ashamed

I’m a mess, I’m a queen

And everything between

You know you wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Probably not, Lizzo. Perhaps the big problem with “BITCH” is the fact that Lizzo uses bitch far too much in too many of her songs… It’s difficult to conjure up a pop hit with a swear word, even given the explicit musical landscape of the 2020s.  BUT, Lizzo makes her self-described WOMANIFESTO work, and I’m here for it!

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