Lizzo, the celebrated singer and performer, has recently expressed her feelings about the widespread popularity of her music among white audiences.
Despite her songs making waves across diverse groups, she emphasizes that her creations are primarily intended for a Black audience, something she finds a bit unsettling at times.
In a candid discussion, Lizzo addressed the complex issues faced by Black artists in the music industry. “One of the most significant criticisms I’ve encountered is navigating the conversation about audience demographics,” she remarked.
“When Black audiences see a predominantly white crowd, there’s often an assumption that the music isn’t meant for them, that it’s crafted for a different group. However, reaching a certain fame level often results in a broader, mostly white fanbase.”
Drawing from her experiences as both a talented musician and businesswoman, she stated, “I’m not creating music for white people. As a Black woman, my music is rooted in my personal experiences and the Black cultural landscape.”
Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, has always emphasized that her musical journey is deeply personal, tailored to resonate and heal her own life experiences.
Her roots in Detroit inspire her efforts to uplift young Black individuals. Her mission is to foster positivity and self-acceptance, noting, “There’s a profound need for self-love and anthems of self-empowerment, especially in our community.”
Reflecting on her motivations, Lizzo asked rhetorically, “Is my music for that young girl who looks like me, who has faced challenges, been underappreciated, and felt she wasn’t beautiful? Absolutely.”
Addressing accusations of harboring racial biases, Lizzo expressed her frustration, questioning, “How can anyone claim that my music lacks a Black perspective when I, as a Black artist, naturally channel my identity into it?”
Amidst these discussions, Kanye West’s comments on Lizzo’s body have stirred additional discourse. On a recent appearance on Fox News with Tucker Carlson, West commented on the societal perceptions of body weight using Lizzo as an example, saying, “When Lizzo sheds a few pounds and shares that journey, she faces backlash mostly from automated accounts, suggesting a manipulated portrayal of health that deems overweight as desirable, despite its health implications.”
West further remarked, “Regardless of what’s trending in fashion or personal attraction, being overweight is not healthy. Promoting it, especially as something aspirational, can have underlying harmful intentions.”
Tucker Carlson pressed West to elaborate on why he believes these narratives particularly target the Black community. West responded, suggesting, “It seems akin to a deliberate attempt to harm the Black race, a subtle but powerful form of genocide.”
Lizzo addressed these critiques during a performance at the Scotiabank Arena, indicating her weariness with the constant scrutiny, proclaiming, “I feel like my name’s on everyone’s lips for reasons unknown.”
