Minnesota-based hip hop artist Lizzo releases Christmas song

Making it in the music business isn't easy, but one woman who lives in the Twin Cities is getting there, taking the hip hop world by storm.

She's been compared to Missy Elliot, and has collaborated with everyone from Prince to Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.  Even though Lizzo has only lived in Minnesota for four years, she credits her adopted hometown with expanding her musical horizons.

"What moving to Minneapolis did was give me this big push,” she said. “I had no clue they would embrace me like they did."

Spend any time with Lizzo, and it’s easy to see she has a larger than life personality. But nothing is quite as big as the year she just had.

“I've gotten so much love. Working so crazily. It’s been the best year of my life."

Lizzo was born in Detroit but spent her formative years in Houston where she put together her first rap crew the Cornrow Clique, and even played the flute in a progressive rock band. But it wasn't until she moved to Minnesota with a friend that she really found her voice.

"I give everything to Minneapolis for creating the diverse kind of music I enjoy. Before it would have been one thing. Now it’s everything."

Her first solo album “Lizzobangers” spawned her breakthrough which led to her national television debut on the David Letterman show. Now her just released second album “Big Girl, Small World” which includes the anthem "My Skin" is getting noticed too -- both for the music and its message about positive body image.

“We're taught to hate everything about ourselves so when I realized the thing I love about myself is my skin, it inspired me to spread that message."

Even though Lizzo appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert a couple of weeks ago, she says Minnesota is home at least for now -- "I love the lakes and hotdish."

But Lizzo's small world is about to get much bigger. She will kick off her first headlining tour with a show at First Avenue on Feb. 6. 

"I can't wait for people to hear my evolution. Hear the growth of my work."

Lizzo also just released a Christmas song on Tuesday. To listen to it, click here.