Juice

“Juice” is a single off of American rapper and singer Lizzo’s (real name Melissa Jefferson) upcoming third studio album: “Cuz I Love You”. The song musically has a very funk and soul inspired beat, with upbeat vocals and bass.

The track is a “self-love” anthem, discussing self-esteem and self-worth. With lines such as “I’m like chardonnay, get better over time (So you know)”, and “No, I’m not a snack at all / Look, baby, I’m the whole damn meal (Ooh, baby) / David, you ain’t bein’ slick / Don’t dare try to cop a feel (Ooh, baby)”. There is a lot of modern slang in the track, with the term “snack” being used as a compliment for someone’s appearance; if someone looks like a “snack” they look attractive. In this case, Lizzo says she is not just a snack, but a “whole damn meal”, and how no one should try and touch her if they’re not worth her time. The term “juice” is also slang for respect or power, and was popularised by the Tupac-led film in 1992 with the same title. So, juice in this context, does not refer to the literal object, but Lizzo’s level of power and self-respect for herself. Lollie King from Bustle magazine stated that the track “is sure to give you that much-needed confidence boost when you’re feeling low”.

The music video was released on the 4th January 2019, directed by Quinn Wilson. It has heavy 80’s-style workout program influences, showing Lizzo in work-out gear form the time and following media very similar to the 80’s, such as late night talk shows an infomercials. The track as almost 4 million views, and has over 139k likes on YouTube.

Release Date: 4th January 2019

Songwriter/s: Melissa Jefferson, Eric Frederic & Theron Thomas

Producer/s: Ricky Reed

Label/s: Atlantic

Music Video Release Date: 4th January 2019

Music Video Director: Quinn Wilson

Chart Rankings: “Juice” reached the top charts in many countries upon its release. It went to #23 on the US Billboard R&B Songs charts, #17 on the US Billboard Digital R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, #27 on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs, #66 on the UK Singles chart, #18 in Scotland, #25 in the Netherlands on the Tipparade charts and #35 in the Dutch Top 40, #6 in Mexico, #4 in Israel, and #29 on the Belgium Ultratip Wallonia charts and #34 on the Ultratip Flanders chart.