Lizzo’s DC Roots Shine in New Album Featuring UCB’s ‘Sexy Lady

Lizzo’s latest album, *Bitch*, has sparked conversation for its unexpected fusion of pop, R&B, and go-go music, particularly through its inclusion of a sample from a Washington, D.C.-based go-go group. The project, released on June 5, 2026, features a track titled “Sexy Ladies,” which samples the 1980s go-go classic “Sexy Lady” by UCB, a D.C.-area band. This collaboration has drawn attention from both music critics and local fans, with mixed reactions to the integration of the genre into Lizzo’s broader sound.

The Washington Post reported that the song’s inclusion of UCB’s “Sexy Lady” marks a pivotal moment in Lizzo’s career, blending her signature flair for genre experimentation with the roots of D.C. go-go. The original “Sexy Lady,” released in 1985, is a cornerstone of go-go music, a genre known for its syncopated rhythms and live instrumentation. UCB, a group that helped popularize go-go in the 1980s, has seen its work reimagined in modern contexts, including by artists like Lizzo. “It’s a tribute to the legacy of D.C. go-go and its influence on contemporary music,” said a spokesperson for UCB in a statement to *The Washington Post*.

What is *Bitch* and how does it reflect Lizzo’s evolution?

*Bitch*, Lizzo’s fifth studio album, follows her 2022 release *Special* and marks a return to the bold, unapologetic style that defined her early career. The album’s title, as Lizzo explained in a June 2026 interview with *USA Today*, is a deliberate choice to reclaim her voice after years of navigating public scrutiny. “This album is about taking back who I am,” she said. “It’s not about redefining myself, but about showing the Lizzo everybody knows and loves.”

The project features a diverse range of influences, including the go-go sample on “Sexy Ladies,” which Lizzo described as a nod to her “roots in Houston’s hip-hop scene and my love for D.C.’s musical history.” The track also incorporates elements of saucy synth-funk and jazz, showcasing Lizzo’s continued experimentation with sound. The album’s opening track, “Toast,” features a sweeping string arrangement and a candid reflection on past relationships, setting the tone for the project’s themes of resilience and self-empowerment.

Lizzo’s use of the flute, a signature instrument in her music, is highlighted on the track “Too Nice,” where it takes center stage in a jazz-flavored arrangement. This focus on the flute aligns with her upcoming children’s book, *Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin’*, set for release on September 8, 2026. The book, which features a “smart and brassy flute” as a central character, underscores Lizzo’s commitment to celebrating her artistic identity across mediums.

How has DC go-go influenced her work?

The inclusion of UCB’s “Sexy Lady” in “Sexy Ladies” has prompted discussions about the cultural significance of D.C. go-go and its role in shaping modern music. Go-go, a genre born in the 1970s, is deeply rooted in the D.C. community and has influenced artists across genres, from funk to hip-hop. UCB, one of the genre’s most influential acts, has seen its work rediscovered by younger audiences in recent years, partly due to its inclusion in streaming playlists and viral TikTok trends.

Local go-go fans have expressed mixed opinions about Lizzo’s use of the sample. Some praised the collaboration as a way to bring attention to the genre’s history, while others questioned whether the song’s placement in a mainstream pop album dilutes its cultural context. “It’s great that Lizzo is spotlighting D.C. music, but I hope the conversation doesn’t stop at the sample,” said a fan from D.C. who attended a recent go-go concert. “This genre has a rich legacy that deserves more than just a snippet in a pop song.”

Despite the debate, the track has been a commercial success, debuting at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200. The song’s success highlights the growing mainstream appeal of go-go music, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. UCB’s “Sexy Lady” has also experienced a revival, with the track climbing the charts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

What’s next for Lizzo?

Following the release of *Bitch*, Lizzo has announced a tour spanning North America and Europe, with dates set to begin in late 2026. The tour, titled “The Bitch Tour,” will feature a mix of new material and fan favorites, including hits like “Good As Hell” and “Truth Hurts.” Lizzo also plans to continue her advocacy for body positivity and mental health awareness, themes that have been central to her public persona since her rise to fame in the mid-2010s.

In addition to her music, Lizzo has been active in philanthropy, supporting organizations that focus on arts education and mental health resources. Her latest project, *Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin’*, is designed to inspire children to embrace creativity and self-expression, reflecting her broader mission to use her platform for positive impact.

The release of *Bitch* solidifies Lizzo’s position as a versatile and influential artist, capable of bridging genres and cultural histories. As she continues to evolve, her work remains a