Jason Renaud
It has been nearly a decade since Lizzo unleashed her cultural juggernaut “Truth Hurts,” yet she remains every bit “that girl.” Now, the multifaceted artist is leaning into that iconic bravado for her upcoming studio album.
To celebrate her 38th birthday on Monday (April 27), the powerhouse vocalist announced her highly anticipated new record, titled Bitch, arriving June 5. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!” she shared on Instagram alongside the project’s provocative cover art. “Wanna get me a gift? Pre-order my album, baby!”
The album art features a bold, cheeky composition: Lizzo’s hand flashes a middle-finger gesture, but in place of the finger, a miniature version of the Grammy winner stands defiant. Fans won’t have to wait long for a taste of the record, as the title track, “Bitch,” is scheduled for release this Friday (May 1).
Bitch serves as the follow-up to her 2022 acclaimed album Special and her 2025 mixtape, My Face Hurts From Smiling. Reflecting on the thematic direction of the project, Lizzo explained, “Reclaiming the word ‘bitch’ is a source of immense power. It’s about taking a label historically used to belittle women and transforming it into a badge of unshakeable confidence and radical self-love.”
“So many legendary women in music—like Missy Elliott and Meredith Brooks—have reclaimed this term as a symbol of strength,” she added. “Naming the album Bitch felt essential because it’s become my favorite way to describe myself on my own terms.”
While only the lead single, “Don’t Make Me Love U,” has been unveiled, the tracklist promises a deep dive into her artistry. According to the album’s pre-save page, the 12-track collection includes songs such as “A Toast,” “Happy 2 Be,” “She Stole My Man,” “Whose Hair Is This,” and “Goodmorning!”
This project represents a significant creative shift for the Yitty founder. Although she had previously developed an album titled Love in Real Life, she ultimately decided to scrap the record. “It just didn’t align with where I am right now,” she remarked to Vulture last September. “I realized I needed to pivot, trust my gut, and start moving in a new direction.”
