In the two years since Lizzo released her Grammy-winning debut, Cuz I Love You, she’s become an occasional target for irate social media mobs. The self-assured pop star often responds to heated criticisms in kind—regardless of whether the backlash seems uncalled-for (over a juice cleanse, for example) or warranted (such as for putting a Postmates courier on blast). Apparently fed up, Lizzo delivers her latest clapback to the never-ending noise in the form of “Rumors,” a collaboration with Cardi B and her first single since Cuz I Love You, choosing to revel in gossip rather than shut it down. But the song’s cool nonchalance is underwhelming at best.

At first, “Rumors” sounds like a re-up of “Truth Hurts,” with Lizzo talking her shit over a simple piano melody. It quickly warps into anonymous, stomping future funk, complete with rubbery synth, handclaps, and electric guitar. The production shapes an airless backdrop for Lizzo, who sing-talks lines that veer inexplicably from “I am body goals” to “Black people made rock’n’roll.” Despite some choice words from Cardi (“Last time I got freaky, the FCC sued me,” she boasts, though that definitely won’t be an issue here), Lizzo’s verses read as if they’ve been spat out of a self-empowerment phrase generator, leading to a weirdly resigned chorus: “Sick of rumors/But haters do what they do.” “Rumors” feels slapped together from different parts of Lizzo’s past hits: the bellowing horns, squealing guitar solos, and endless confidence are all here. This time, though, the formula feels strained.