Lizzo, assisted by the iconic Missy Elliott, delivers an utterly infectious anthem for the ‘big-boned,’ ‘thick women’ everywhere, “Tempo.”

“Slow songs, they for skinny hoes / Can’t move all of this here to one of those / I’m a thick bitch, I need tempo / Fuck it up to the tempo.” Unapologetic and unafraid are two ways you can characterize Lizzo, who releases her debut album, Cuz I Love You, April 19, 2019.  On the short, but hella sweet and feisty “Tempo,”the Minneapolis pop/hip-hop singer (she’s a bit hard to pin down stylistically) enlists a legend for the assist – Missy Elliott.

“Tempo” shines from the tip. The production is awesome, incorporating a hard-hitting hip-hop beat, slinky-sounding synths, as well as some cool, unexpected musical interjections.  As great as the production is, it is the performance by Lizzo herself that sells “Tempo.” She’s on autopilot as she flaunts and touts her big, beautiful body, throwing ample swagger and sex game at the boys.  Key vocabulary to remember – ass, kitty cat, wet, jack, cake, icing.  Beyond her own stellar, hypersexual performance, the legendary Missy Elliott ‘brings the heat’ on the third verse, sounding as if she’d never been on an extended hiatus (14 years as of publication).  As usual, we get some terrific sound effects from Elliott to go alongside being the hype woman for the plus-sized crowd – “I’m big-boned with nice curves.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Lizzo kills it – absolutely slaughters it – on “Tempo.”  This is a ultra-fabulous, infectious banger that is equal parts shallow and equal parts deep.  Sure, singing about the size of your booty may not come off as transcendent, but the bigger picture with “Tempo” is positive body image and not being able to be comfortable in your own skin as well as flaunt it.  Furthermore, did we mention that an icon appears in tip-top form?

Lizzo • Cuz I Love You • Nice Life / Atlantic • Release: 4.19.19

Photo Credit: Nice Life / Atlantic