Lil Uzi Vert is a 25 year old rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that became a household name in the trap scene with his 2015 mixtape LUV is Rage & then Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World the following year. Since the release of his 2017 debut album LUV is Rage 2, Uzi has been entangled with a nasty legal battle with his label. But with the help of Roc Nation, he’s finally putting out his long-awaited sophomore album.
Things kick off with “Baby Pluto”, where Uzi energetically introduces a new alter ego over a trap beat from Brandon Finessin’ of Working on Dying & Bugz Ronin with some twinkling keyboards. The next song “Lo Mein” flexes referencing Tesla CEO, SpaceX founder & Neuralink founder Elon Musk over a spacious beat while the track “Silly Watch” continues to brag over a rubbery Supah Mario beat. The song “POP” awkwardly gets raunchy over a bassy Oogie Mane beat with a strange synth lead as well as a part during the final verse where the word “balenci” gets repeated to the point of annoyance, while the track “You Better Move” tells his naysayers to back up over a flawless sample of the Microsoft pinball game.
The song “Homecoming” talks about how much of a boss he is over a bouncy beat while the track “I’m Sorry” sends a message to Brittany Byrd over an atmospheric instrumental. The song “Celebration Station” triumphantly talks about where he is now over a dystopian Outtatown instrumental while the track “Bigger Than Life” talks about his success over a trap beat with a harmonious vocal sample throughout.
The song “Chrome Heart Tags” continues to talk about Brittany over a hypnotic Chief Keef instrumental while the track “Bust Me” is a catchy sex anthem. The song “Prices” shows off Uzi’s wealth over an amazing sample of Travis Scott’s “way back” while the track “Urgency” is an moody lovey dovey duet with Syd that goes better than I had anticipated.
The song “Venetia” is another wealth anthem that’s just as energetic as “Prices” while the track “Secure the Bag” asks his opponents what they really about over a psychedelic beat. The song “P2” is a pointless sequel to “XO TOUR Llif3” down to the TM88 instrumental while the penultimate track “Futsal Shuffle” showcases a new dance move over an electro-trap beat. Then there’s the closer “That Way”, which is a modern take on the classic Backstreet Boys song “I Want It That Way”.
“New Patek” was a fun trap, pop rap, cloud rap & plugg single that was left off the final version for whatever reason there may be referencing former 2-time WWE world champion, 2-time WWE United States Champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 8-time WWE tag team champion, 8 time WWE Cruiserweight Champion & アイアンマンヘビーメタル級王座 Rey Mysterio.
Despite not being on par with LUV is Rage or Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, I think it delivers after the long wait. Could’ve used a couple more features & the concept kinda gets lost after a while, but Uzi sounds completely refreshed & the production is really colorful. Really glad to see him come back & rise above all the label drama the way he does on here.
Score: 3.5/5
Legends Will Never Die 