"Worship" by Lizzo

Singer/rapper/songwriter Lizzo dropped this exhilarating funk jam in 2016. This was shortly before she became a global superstar and body-positive role model. It was clear on this track that Lizzo had talent and charisma to burn, and it was only a matter of time before the rest of the world would become aware of her gifts. The super-energized groove features a fearsome electronic beat and a truly divine chorus. Lizzo lights up the track with her megawatt personality, bringing tons of soul and attitude to her vocals. She also delivers a killer rap on the bridge. 

Lizzo’s confidence level is through the roof on this cut as she demands respect and to be treated like the badass queen she is: “Worship me/On your Knees/Patiently, quietly, faithfully, worship me.” In an interview for the TV show “Articulate,” she said that the song is not about her telling a man to worship her. In fact, she said it’s not about a guy at all, but rather it's a call to society to respect and appreciate plus-size black women like herself. In that same interview, she said that the song was an ode to Aretha Franklin’s classic “Respect.”

Prince’s influence is heavy on this track—from the high-octane electro beat to the funkified horn lines, which were sampled from his song “Housequake.” And speaking of His Royal Badness, Lizzo had the opportunity to work with him in 2014. She was a member of the Minneapolis-based R&B/rap trio the Chalice at the time. The Chalice was featured on the irresistible funk track “Boytrouble” from Prince & 3rdEyeGirl’s album Plectrumelectrum (2014). In an interview with Fuse, Lizzo said that working with Prince was “one of those very surreal things that I will actually never get over...It’s almost like a fairytale.”

“Worship” is a track from Lizzo’s debut solo EP Coconut Oil, released on October 7, 2016. The writers credited on the song are Lizzo, Eric Frederick, Joe Spargur and the late Cuban singer/composer José Fernández Díaz. A part of Diaz’s classic song “Guajira Guantanamera” was sampled in “Worship.” “Worship” was produced by Ricky Reed, who also mixed the track  as well as played all the instruments. 

“Worship” was featured in the first episode of the television series “Step Up: High Water,” which premiered on Youtube Red on January 31, 2018. And it’s included on the soundtrack for the comedy Like a Boss (2020). The song was also featured on the season-seven finale of Showtime’s critically acclaimed comedy-drama series “Shameless.” The finale originally aired on December 18, 2016.

Lizzo was born Melissa Viviane Jefferson on April 27, 1988 in Detroit, Michigan. The multitalented artist is also a classically trained flute player. She often breaks out her flute during live performances and dazzles audiences with her playing abilities. And sometimes she even plays the flute while twerking. Now that’s some serious multitasking. 

Lizzo performing "Worship" at Glastonbury Festival 2019 in England

Worship at Amazon

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