Lizzo to release “My Face Hurts From Smiling” mixtape on June 27; Features include SZA and Doja Cat

Lizzo announces “My Face Hurts From Smiling” mixtape

Lizzo is known for her versatility—singing, rapping, playing the flute, and sparking viral trends. Now, she’s making her biggest creative pivot in years. On June 27, 2025, Lizzo will release her new mixtape, My Face Hurts From Smiling, a project that promises to spotlight her rap roots more than ever.

Unlike her previous album Special, which leaned heavily into pop and disco-funk, this mixtape marks a return to her edgier hip-hop beginnings. Fans can expect 13 new tracks and, based on the teasers and cover art, a more playful yet lyrically sharp version of Lizzo.

A Closer Look at the Cover and Theme

The cover art features Lizzo flashing an oversized, expressive smile. Both her hands are marked with yellow smiley faces—a literal visual of the mixtape title. It’s bold, cheeky, and bright, but there’s nuance beneath the surface.

In her earlier social media snippets, Lizzo mentioned working through emotions with music. This title, My Face Hurts From Smiling, could be interpreted as either joyful excess—or a mask for something deeper. That duality might set the tone for tracks that balance humor with honesty.

Tracklist Breakdown: 13 New Songs, No Filler

The mixtape will contain 13 songs. Moreover, huge features from SZA and Doja Cat will also be included. This comes after Lizzo recently previewed the song with SZA, while in the studio together.

Mixtapes, by nature, are looser in structure than albums. They’re often used by artists to test out ideas, drop content without label pressure, or reconnect with their core fan base. That means this project may include more experimental flows, surprise features, or genre-fusion moments.

Expect the following based on Lizzo’s past work and current trajectory:

• Confessional verses
• Fast-paced rap flows
• High-tempo, bass-heavy beats
• Possible 90s/00s hip-hop influence
• Themes of self-worth, resilience, and joy

Lizzo’s Musical Evolution

To fully appreciate this new mixtape, let’s take a quick look at Lizzo’s artistic journey:

Early Rap Roots (2013–2016)

Before she was a household name, Lizzo was known in indie hip-hop scenes with projects like Lizzobangers and Big Grrrl Small World. These works spotlighted her clever lyrics, fast bars, and no-fear attitude.

Crossover Fame (2016–2019)

Her Coconut Oil EP (2016) started leaning more into pop and soul. Then came Cuz I Love You (2019), which exploded thanks to viral hits like Truth Hurts and Juice. She won a Grammy, and her flute solos became as iconic as her lyrics.

Pop Stardom (2022)

Special, her last full-length album, dropped in July 2022 and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It was a highly polished pop record filled with empowering anthems, including the Grammy-winning About Damn Time.

Now, in 2025, she’s circling back to where it all began—with sharp rhymes and bold confidence.

Why the Mixtape Format Matters

Mixtapes are culturally significant, especially in hip-hop. They aren’t just collections of songs—they’re statements. Artists use them to:

• Speak directly to core fans
• Experiment without label constraints
• Showcase lyricism over commercial polish
• Reintroduce themselves or shift gears

For Lizzo, this mixtape signals that she’s done playing safe. It’s an artist reclaiming her space—and her sound.

Anticipated Style: Rap With a Purpose

Bolder Beats

From her own teasers, Lizzo seems to be embracing heavier beats, snappy drums, and quick-tempo backdrops. Think less polished pop, more Atlanta trap, Minneapolis bounce, and New York grit.

Unfiltered Lyrics

Mixtapes often pull from real life, and Lizzo’s been public about both her highs and lows in recent years. She’s tackled everything from internet backlash to mental health. These themes are likely to appear in her lyrics, delivered with her signature humor and heart.

Still Fun

Despite a sharper sound, don’t expect this project to lose Lizzo’s signature playfulness. The title alone—My Face Hurts From Smiling—promises wit, charm, and plenty of quotable one-liners.

How This Fits Into 2025’s Music Landscape

In 2025, rap and hip-hop are seeing a genre-blending renaissance. Pop stars like Doja Cat and artists like Megan Thee Stallion are mixing bars with melody. Lizzo’s mixtape fits perfectly into this trend—but she’s doing it her way.

Rather than follow the TikTok formula or pump out auto-tuned hooks, she’s doubling down on classic flows, punchlines, and energy.

Why Fans Are Hyped

Here’s what fans are saying online (no direct quotes, just observations):

• They’re excited to hear Lizzo rap more—some even saying this is what they’ve waited years for.
• They’re praising her for making music on her own terms.
• Many are sharing older rap clips of Lizzo to compare her evolution.

If the project lives up to the hype, it could set a new precedent for mixtape-style releases in mainstream pop.

Why This Mixtape Matters Beyond 2025

Even after the initial release buzz fades, My Face Hurts From Smiling will likely have staying power for several reasons:

1. It Shows Artistic Growth

Fans love seeing artists evolve. This project captures a moment of creative transformation.

2. It Embraces Realness

Authenticity is evergreen. The more raw, emotional, and direct Lizzo gets, the more this mixtape will resonate with future listeners.

3. It Celebrates Rap as an Art Form

In an era where rap can be diluted by pop radio formulas, Lizzo’s return to bars is a celebration of the genre’s roots.

How to Get Ready for the Drop

Want to be one of the first to hear it? Here’s how:

• Follow Lizzo on Spotify/Apple Music and turn on notifications.
• Check her TikTok/Instagram for previews and visuals.
• Join fan discussions on Reddit (r/popheads) or Twitter.
• Revisit her older mixtapes to hear where it all started.

No Tour Announced—Yet

As of now, there’s no tour tied to the mixtape. But don’t be surprised if Lizzo hits select festivals or small venues to test this material live. Mixtape performances often feel more intimate and energetic than album tours.

My Face Hurts From Smiling isn’t just another Lizzo release—it’s a moment. It’s a celebration of joy, truth, and Black womanhood through rhythm and rhyme. It’s also a statement that she’s more than a pop artist—she’s a full-spectrum performer with bars, soul, and something to say.

If you’re a longtime fan, this mixtape is the version of Lizzo you’ve been waiting for. And if you’re new to her work, this is the perfect time to discover why she’s more than a trend—she’s a force.