After 2 years, Lizzo has returned, collaborating with Cardi B on ‘Rumors’. Highly anticipated and teased via Tiktok, the track is going to be an instant hit for the two Grammy winners.
‘Rumors’ merges Lizzo’s funky pop with Cardi’s rap to create a perfectly groovy track that empowers the listener. Known for their lyricism on sexual liberation and female empowerment, this song is no different – the successful duo regains power throughout the song, declaring ‘all the rumors are true’ and establishing their narrative, rather than the media’s. The collaboration takes shots at their online criticism, particularly as women who vocalize their sexuality.
Directed by Tanu Muino, the music video depicts Lizzo and Cardi as mythological goddesses. Dripping in gold, the video blends Olypianium aesthetics with Greco-Roman vases and ornate jewelry. The successful duo is rewriting an aesthetic often filled with narratives of male dominance and female passivity into a music video starring only women with self-empowering lyricism.
Lizzo opens the music video dawned in glinting layered beads – her multiple arm cuffs drip gold beads, matching the sets encompassing her elaborate, laurel headdress. Her shiny gold, draped gown is the first of many gold looks to be seen in the ‘Rumors’ music video, and could possibly become a staple of Lizzo’s new era. Lizzo and Cardi both have elaborate manicures for the video of gold, jewel-encrusted nails catching light and movement. Cardi shines in a custom gold breastplate from Misha Japanwala, a Laurel DeWitt belly chain across her pregnant stomach, Schiaparelli earrings, with a toga skirt and gladiator sandals. Lizzo closes the video with a sheer, jewel-encrusted bodysuit, draped with white fabric and spiraling patterns.
‘Rumors’ by Lizzo and Cardi B is sure to be a song of summer, watch it below:
Words by Caitlin Sahin
