Born in Detroit in the late 80’s, Lizzo spent much of her formative years in the church, where she was raised on the gospel sounds of The Winans, The Clark Sisters, and Fred Hammond, along with mainstay secular artists such as Stevie Wonder and Elton John. At the age of 10 her family moved to Houston, TX, and Lizzo was exposed to a wide array of emerging Southern musical styles, from the trademark chopped and screwed rap tracks of the underground, to the progressive and polished R&B sounds of groups like Destiny’s Child that were raising the city’s national profile to new heights. In fact, it was after she stumbled across a Destiny’s Child performance at Wal-Mart that Lizzo—then a 5th grader-- was inspired to start writing music on her own. Over the next decade that decision would take her through the trenches of some of the most varied musical genres: R&B girl groups (I.N.I.T.I.A.L.S., Cornrow Clique), progressive rock bands (Elypseas), solo rap ventures, and electro-pop duos (Lizzo & The Larva Ink).
In 2011 she made the move to Minneapolis with Larva Ink in order to be a part of that city’s blossoming and collaborative musical community. Lizzo & The Larva Ink was well received there, and the group earned a few encouraging nods from the press. Lizzo was soon introduced to Sophia Eris and Claire de Lune, with whom she would form The Chalice, the three-piece all-female rap/R&B group that would elevate Lizzo’s profile and reputation. In 2012 The Chalice released We Are The Chalice, an album that would gain them instant local success amongst fans and critics alike, garnering City Pages’ prestigious Best New Band and Picked To Click accolades in the same year.
The success brought setbacks, though, and a falling out soon led to the demise of Lizzo & The Larva Ink. Feeling discontent with the loss of one group and the hurried blur of success of another, Lizzo was creatively drained from writing We Are The Chalice in two short months. She found herself in the throes of her first full-blown case of writer’s block. Unable to create music for herself, she began listening to several different local albums in hopes of finding inspiration. It was LAVA BANGERS, a 20-track instrumental mixtape from Doomtree producer and Minneapolis music vet Lazerbeak, that ultimately caught her ear. Beaks’ beats proved the fix for Lizzo’s problem. “I sat at home and listened to LAVA BANGERS, and when “Lift Every Voice” came on, my writer’s block was cured,” says Lizzo. “I think it revived my gospel roots. I wrote pages and pages of songs, and finally reached out to Lazerbeak, not thinking anything would come of it.”
Her timing could not have been better. Beak, impressed with Lizzo’s output with The Chalice, as well as her guest appearances on several other local releases, was looking for a change of pace from his daily Doomtree production and business responsibilities. He immediately signed on to work on some demos. Beat tapes were exchanged, songs were written, and mutual friend and musical collaborator Ryan Olson (Totally Gross National Product founder, Gayngs/Marijuana Deathsquads mastermind) was brought on board to creatively oversee the project. Olson recorded and edited all 15 tracks in his bedroom studio, bringing in laid back hype-man Cliff Rhymes along the way to add even more layers to Lizzo’s dynamic vocals.
LIZZOBANGERS is the culmination of that four-way collaboration, an album that manages to capture all of the varied musical influences of Lizzo’s upbringing and combine them with the forward-thinking experimental production style of Beak and Olson. The end result is a brave new project that encapsulates the best parts of both the familiar and the future.
Ain't I
Lizzo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in the business of making music, that music business
The fitness, no one can witness cause I
I make that crack music (nigga!), uh
That real Black music (nigga!)
The only singles that I'm dropping are the ones
Flapping at the band of your white briefs
White boys please! Can barely believe
C.R.E.A.M. get the money, and run it to the hills y'all
Straight into my pocket, tired of the deals dog
Start my own label, keep the leaking sealed off
If you got a big mouth, then you might get peeled off
I'm the only fat-lipped bass, my flipper--vroom!--peel off
Eating flounder, Sebastian's like some bath salts
Munching on his bones, looking at him like "It's yo' fault!"
"Look at what you made me do! Yo, pass the hot sauce"
Looking at the back of Sophia Eris's head
Eating a sammich (but we don't got bread!)
Got a spider ass bite on my head, hangry
Feeling soupy, I brought my fuck in, yo I'm duckin'
Donald, Daffy, Howards, them cowards
Could never throw shots at a super with power
What was Russia without the czars?
What was Henry Ford without the cars?
My grandparents worked at Ford factory
So Henry is nothing without my family tree
And his slave-owning family needed Black blood still
So I think we need a spot up on Henry's will
That would never be the case, in case you ain't keeping up
I'm dishing out cases of that heavy bass
And them bassheads straight from the oppressor's loins
Are giving us our "Free us!" in hella coin
So bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories in stadiums and laboratories
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories--
(Big GRRRL, Small World!)
It don't matter how deep yo' pockets go
They still get they fill, fingers scrape the bottom
It don't matter how deep yo' soul is
They sho' is blinded by the light
It don't matter how deep yo' pockets go
They still get they fill, fingers scrape the bottom
It don't matter how deep yo' soul is
They sho' is blinded by the light!
(Crazy!)
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories in stadiums and laboratories
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories in stadiums and laboratories
And ain't I a woman? Ain't I a woman? Ain't I a woman?!
Lizzo's song "Ain't I" is a powerful anthem that celebrates Black music and hip hop while alluding to the history of race and oppression in America. In the first verse, Lizzo notes her business of making music and the power she holds as an artist in the industry. She claims to create "crack music" and "real Black music," rejecting the idea that her music should conform to white audiences. Lizzo makes references to Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." and uses it to express her desire to create music that will earn her money and success without being subjected to the deals of major labels.
The second verse calls attention to Lizzo's family history and ties it back to the legacy of slavery and oppression in America. She mentions Henry Ford, whose family owned slaves and needed Black blood to continue their business, connecting the automotive industry to the history of racial exploitation. Lizzo also references the era of crack babies and the damaging impact it had on the Black community, particularly on Black women. The final line, "Ain't I a woman?" is a nod to Sojourner Truth's famous "Ain't I a woman?" speech, in which she challenged gender and race norms.
Overall, "Ain't I" is a powerful and empowering song that celebrates Black music and heritage while also shedding light on the ongoing effects of systemic racism in America.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, uh, uh, I'm in the, I'm in the, I'm in the
I'm in the industry of making Black music.
I'm in the business of making music, that music business
I'm in the music industry, making real Black music.
The fitness, no one can witness cause I
I have a unique skill that no one can copy.
I make that crack music (nigga!), uh
I create music that is addictive and popular.
That real Black music (nigga!)
My music is authentic Black music.
The only singles that I'm dropping are the ones
I'm only releasing music that appeals to Black people.
Flapping at the band of your white briefs
I'm not making White music for White people.
White boys please! Can barely believe
White people don't understand my music.
I walk by as they hold they skeets by the seams of they jeans
White people are uncomfortable around me.
C.R.E.A.M. get the money, and run it to the hills y'all
I'm taking control of my own music career.
Straight into my pocket, tired of the deals dog
I'm done with unfair deals in the music industry.
Start my own label, keep the leaking sealed off
I'm starting my own music label and keeping it exclusive.
If you got a big mouth, then you might get peeled off
Don't mess with me or I'll expose you.
I'm the only fat-lipped bass, my flipper--vroom!--peel off
I'm one of a kind, there's nobody like me.
Eating flounder, Sebastian's like some bath salts
I'm eating seafood and enjoying myself.
Munching on his bones, looking at him like "It's yo' fault!"
I'm blaming my food for my own enjoyment.
"Look at what you made me do! Yo, pass the hot sauce"
I'm taking pleasure in eating and blaming the food.
Looking at the back of Sophia Eris's head
I'm hanging out with my friends, Sophia Eris.
Eating a sammich (but we don't got bread!)
We're eating a sandwich, but we forgot the bread.
Got a spider ass bite on my head, hangry
I'm hungry and I got a spider bite on my head.
Feeling soupy, I brought my fuck in, yo I'm duckin'
I'm feeling drunk and avoiding trouble.
Donald, Daffy, Howards, them cowards
I don't respect people who are afraid.
Could never throw shots at a super with power
Nobody can compete with me.
What was Russia without the czars?
What was Russia without its rulers?
What was Henry Ford without the cars?
What was Henry Ford without his inventions?
My grandparents worked at Ford factory
My family worked for the Ford company.
So Henry is nothing without my family tree
My family's work contributed to Henry Ford's success.
And his slave-owning family needed Black blood still
Henry Ford's family owned slaves and took advantage of Black people.
So I think we need a spot up on Henry's will
My family deserves recognition for their contributions to his success.
That would never be the case, in case you ain't keeping up
Nobody cares about my family's contributions.
I'm dishing out cases of that heavy bass
I'm producing and releasing a lot of music.
And them bassheads straight from the oppressor's loins
My music is popular with people who are oppressed.
Are giving us our "Free us!" in hella coin
My music is making us money and giving us power.
It don't matter how deep yo' pockets go
Money doesn't mean you have power.
They still get they fill, fingers scrape the bottom
You can still be poor and satisfied.
It don't matter how deep yo' soul is
Your inner self can be unfulfilled.
They sho' is blinded by the light
They're distracted by superficial things.
And ain't I a woman? Ain't I a woman? Ain't I a woman?!
I'm a strong Black woman and I demand respect.
('Big GRRRL, Small World!')
I'm proud of my identity and my music.
Contributed by Nathaniel W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
alcala r
Uh, uh, uh, I'm in the, I'm in the, I'm in the
I'm in the business of making music, that music business
The fitness, no one can witness cause I
I make that crack music (nigga!), uh
That real Black music (nigga!)
The only singles that I'm dropping are the ones
Flapping at the band of your white briefs
White boys please! Can barely believe
I walk by as they hold they skeets by the seams of they jeans
C.R.E.A.M. get the money, and run it to the hills y'all
Straight into my pocket, tired of the deals dog
Start my own label, keep the leaking sealed off
If you got a big mouth, then you might get peeled off
I'm the only fat-lipped bass, my flipper, vroom, peel off
Eating flounder, Sebastian's like some bath salts
Munching on his bones, looking at him like "It's yo' fault!"
"Look at what you made me do! Yo, pass the hot sauce"
Looking at the back of Sophia Eris's head
Eating a sammich (but we don't got bread!)
Got a spider ass bite on my head, hangry
Feeling soupy, I brought my fuck in, yo I'm duckin'
Donald, Daffy, Howards, them cowards
Could never throw shots at a super with power
What was Russia without the czars?
What was Henry Ford without the cars?
My grandparents worked at Ford factory
So Henry is nothing without my family tree
And his slave-owning family needed Black blood still
So I think we need a spot up on Henry's will
That would never be the case, in case you ain't keeping up
I'm dishing out cases of that heavy bass
And them bassheads straight from the oppressor's loins
Are giving us our "Free us!" in hella coin
So bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories in stadiums and laboratories
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories--
(Big GRRRL, Small World!)
It don't matter how deep yo' pockets go
They still get they fill, fingers scrape the bottom
It don't matter how deep yo' soul is
They sho' is blinded by the light
It don't matter how deep yo' pockets go
They still get they fill, fingers scrape the bottom
It don't matter how deep yo' soul is
They sho' is blinded by the light!
(Crazy!)
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories in stadiums and laboratories
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories in stadiums and laboratories
And ain't I a woman? Ain't I a woman? Ain't I a woman?!
ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ
Uh, uh, uh, I'm in the, I'm in the, I'm in the
I'm in the business of making music, that music business
The fitness, no one can witness cause I
I make that crack music (nigga!), uh
That real Black music (nigga!)
The only singles that I'm dropping are the ones
Flapping at the band of your white briefs
White boys please! Can barely believe
I walk by as they hold they skeets by the seams of they jeans
C.R.E.A.M. get the money, and run it to the hills y'all
Straight into my pocket, tired of the deals dog
Start my own label, keep the leaking sealed off
If you got a big mouth, then you might get peeled off
I'm the only fat-lipped bass, my flipper, vroom, peel off
Eating flounder, Sebastian's like some bath salts
Munching on his bones, looking at him like "It's yo' fault!"
"Look at what you made me do! Yo, pass the hot sauce"
Looking at the back of Sophia Eris's head
Eating a sammich (but we don't got bread!)
Got a spider ass bite on my head, hangry
Feeling soupy, I brought my fuck in, yo I'm duckin'
Donald, Daffy, Howards, them cowards
Could never throw shots at a super with power
What was Russia without the czars?
What was Henry Ford without the cars?
My grandparents worked at Ford factory
So Henry is nothing without my family tree
And his slave-owning family needed Black blood still
So I think we need a spot up on Henry's will
That would never be the case, in case you ain't keeping up
I'm dishing out cases of that heavy bass
And them bassheads straight from the oppressor's loins
Are giving us our "Free us!" in hella coin
So bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories in stadiums and laboratories
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories--
(Big GRRRL, Small World!)
It don't matter how deep yo' pockets go
They still get they fill, fingers scrape the bottom
It don't matter how deep yo' soul is
They sho' is blinded by the light
It don't matter how deep yo' pockets go
They still get they fill, fingers scrape the bottom
It don't matter how deep yo' soul is
They sho' is blinded by the light!
(Crazy!)
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories in stadiums and laboratories
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, hip-hop turned crack from the era of crack babies
Bob your head crazy, bob your head crazy
Hip-hop, about to give oratories in stadiums and laboratories
And ain't I a woman? Ain't I a woman? Ain't I a woman?!
Tim Lorenz
Since it was taken off streaming first time this Canadian heard this was on vinyl it was seriously one of the best things I bought can't get the bass out of the head ❤💚❤
Sunilda Frias
This song grew on me. I didn't like it at first but I love it now. True music with all the frivolities of human emotion.
Craig Sagastume
This is bloody amazing! Cant believe I've only just heard of her!
Powell Pressburger
All the songs sound this good with so much variety within each single track. I want a CD though not just the digital download.
george harris
Sounds old school but its fresh.
Speak Yo Mind Radio
Krazy...I never listened to an artist songs all the way from start 2 finish! She is an excellent artist! I am happy I started listening to her💜💜💜💜💜💜🖤💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🧡❤
Ivanna Maguire
I can't find this song on Spotify anymore 😭
y Eva
???but I still have this song tho??
Acelin Marie
That's why I'm here lmao
Medic Crow
@mrlego611 Did she say why?