Lizzo lets loose and embraces her rap side in “MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING.”
STREAM
TOP 5
5. BEND IT OVA
If you think Lizzo isn’t “really rapping” on this project, go ahead and press play on “BEND IT OVA.” Over a slick, club-ready beat that feels designed to shake venues and test subwoofers, Lizzo shows she can hold her own bar-for-bar—delivering impressive flows and a cadence that commands attention from even the most skeptical hip-hop heads.
What makes the track even more compelling is how Lizzo effortlessly channels Missy Elliott energy—from the eccentric vocal inflections to the animated delivery and unapologetic confidence. Whether it’s intentional or not, the influence is hard to miss.
4. IRL (Ft. SZA)
Lizzo and SZA may not be on the same wavelength in “IRL,” but their disconnect is exactly what makes the track click. Lizzo shows up with her carefree, unbothered rap energy—talking her talk about being a boss chick untouched by the chaos of fame—while SZA glides in with her signature hypnotic vocals, offering a more intimate, sultry take on riding the wave of desire.
Despite their contrasting vibes, both artists shine over the track’s smoky, uptempo Jersey Club-inspired beat. And that hook? It’s addictive, catchy, and custom-built to live rent-free in your head.
3. JUST 4 FUN
I never thought I’d hear Lizzo body a Zaytoven beat, but here we are—and it works way better than expected. In “JUST 4 FUN,” she’s handed a colorful, bouncy trap instrumental that gives serious old-school OJ Da Juiceman energy, and she meets the vibe with confidence and flair.
Lizzo alternates between a laid-back, smooth rap flow on the verses and a more animated, rowdy delivery on the hook. Her lyrics? Pure attitude—she’s stealing your girl, flexing her looks, and getting men to make worse trades than the Pelicans. The chorus has a breezy, infectious charm, and the nostalgic ATL trap feel makes this one a standout.
2. STILL CAN’T FUH (Ft. Doja Cat)
“STILL CAN’T FUH” might feature the simplest instrumental on Lizzo’s album, but it’s easily one of the most potent. Opening with a stripped-down arrangement—no bass, just airy choir vocals—the track eventually builds up with a knock that gives it some added weight (no pun intended). What never changes, though, is the attitude.
Lizzo uses the minimalist backdrop to go all in. She disses Candace Owens, tells men that no matter who they are, they’re not getting in her bed, and fully embraces the hate she receives from other women. As the track progresses, she gets even more aggressive, throwing lyrical haymakers with ease.
Then comes Doja Cat, gliding in with a flawless, fast-paced verse that echoes Lizzo’s defiance—she’s not here to entertain entitlement. The chemistry is fire, the delivery is sharp, and the energy is refreshingly brash.
1. NEW MISTAKES
Did anyone else sweat their ass off listening to “New Mistakes”? There’s just so much going on in this track. Lyrically, Lizzo’s in full IDGAF mode—cutting off dead-end relationships in favor of wild nights, endless drinks, and grinding like she’s auditioning for a baby-making music video.
But what really sets the track on fire is Lizzo’s rap delivery. She taps into a classic flow that feels perfectly at home on a bass-heavy, shifty beat that erupts in all the right moments. The production alone feels like a pregame shot of adrenaline—but pair it with Lizzo’s high-energy charisma, and you’ve got a track that’s built for clubs, parties, and anywhere you’re trying to blackout responsibly.
If DJs don’t have this in rotation by the weekend, they’re doing all of us a grave disservice.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. CRASHOUT (3.5/5)
2. YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE) (3.5/5)
3. JUST 4 FUN (4.5/5)
4. GOTCHO BITCH (4/5)
5. STILL CAN’T FUH (Ft. Doja Cat) (5/5)
6. NEW MISTAKES (5/5)
7. BEND IT OVA (4.5/5)
8. LEFTRIGHT (4/5)
9. DROPPIN ON IT (3.5/5)
10. SUMMA SHIT (4/5)
11. IRL (Ft. SZA) (4.5/5)
12. CUT EM OFF (3.5/5)
13. DITTO (3.5/5)
RGM RATING
(82%)
Lizzo has always been praised for her vibrant blend of pop and R&B—but don’t get it twisted: she can rap her ass off too. On her new project, MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING, she leans fully into her hip-hop bag, delivering an explosive, no-holds-barred album that’s brimming with confidence, chaos, and charisma.
Much of the album thrives on booming, club-ready production—the kind of beats that make you want to throw shots back and lose your voice by the third chorus. Lyrically, Lizzo is on full attack mode: calling out haters, flexing her body and personality unapologetically, and encouraging nights that spiral into stories. Her flow is gritty, animated, and delightfully unfiltered, often bouncing between bars that feel like freestyle rants and moments of pure melodic swagger.
The energy here is the MVP: loud, wild, rebellious, and relentlessly fun. There’s also a tasteful blend of trap grit, soulful interludes, and elegant production scattered throughout. If this is Lizzo unbothered and uncensored, we need more of it.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
