In a February interview on British radio channel Capital FM, the singer said of her recent fame spurt: "Everything has just been building up to this. I'm a slow burn; I'm a gradual build. I'm not like an overnight sensation type of girl, 'cause I want to have a long career." It's true—Lizzo has been training for years, focused, building muscle. Having the stamina and thirst to make an impact in the music industry needs marathon-level training, which she's earned by constant touring. She makes even the smallest venues feel like arena shows.

Her major-label debut and third album, Cuz I Love You, dropped April 19 and has been making waves across the nation. She even got the revered Missy Elliott to hop on a song, the thick bitch anthem "Tempo." Seems like 2019 is the year of Lizzo taking over the mainstream. And God, am I ready for it. by Jas Keimig