Melissa Jefferson’s near three-year wait for a debut album on Atlantic proved worthwhile. Third LP Cuz I Love You collects anthems that makes its intent crisply clear from the onset with a naked Lizzo sat on its cover. The 31-year-old bares herself and parlays stereotypical insecurities into liberating strengths, hurling bombs of empowerment. Kick drums, piano loops, flutes; Lizzo moves rapidly and never sways on her quest to uplift. It’s poetic that newfound rallying cry “Truth Hurts,” added to the deluxe version of the album, took two years to top the Billboard Hot 100. (Sunday, 7pm, Miller Lite stage)

*****

This article appears in October 4 • 2019.

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As the Chronicle's Club Listings Editor, Derek compiles a weekly list of music events occurring across town. The University of Texas alum also writes about hip-hop as a contributor to the Music section.