They attracted mainstream attention following the release of their debut single "Money Longer" in 2016. The song would act as the lead single for the subsequent mixtape "Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World". After releasing two additional mixtapes in 2016 and 2017, including one in collaboration with Gucci Mane, Lil Uzi Vert was featured on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They later secured their first top 10 single with "XO Tour Llif3", which won the MTV Video Music Award for Song of the Summer.
"XO Tour Llif3" acted as the lead single to Lil Uzi Vert's debut studio album "Luv Is Rage 2" (2017), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). At the 2018 Grammy Awards, Lil Uzi Vert was nominated for Best New Artist. Their second studio album "Eternal Atake" (2020) was among the most anticipated albums in hip hop and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200.
2010β2015: Career beginnings
Woods began to rap in 2010 and began to associate with musical groups like Steaktown, in what they say was "just for money", under the name "Sealab Vertical". They later changed their name to Lil Uzi Vert from the way someone described their rap flow, saying their flow was "Fast, like a machine gun". Woods' first project, an EP titled "Purple Thoughtz Vol. 1", was released on January 19, 2014. The project, which was described as "phonk" and having cloud rap beats due to its psychedelic and "trippy" production, features a bigger focus on lyricism and was released with the single "White Shit". The track, produced by Spaceghostpurrp, went viral in 2017 within hip-hop circles following Woods' entry into the mainstream. Shortly after the release of their first project, Woods caught the attention of then industry-mainstays like Mob.
The EP and following features caught the attention of producer and cofounder of Atlantic Records Don Cannon after DJ Diamond Kuts played one of their songs on a local radio station. Cannon then produced and hosted their first mixtape, "The Real Uzi", which was released on August 5, 2014. After the release of "The Real Uzi", Woods signed a record deal with Atlantic Records through DJ Drama, Don Cannon's, and Leighton Morrison's imprint, Generation Now.
Following their signing to Atlantic Records, Woods was featured alongside Kid and Ferg on Carnage's single "WDYW". They also released several songs on SoundCloud including "No Wait", produced by Metro Booming, "Pressure", which is a collaboration with Durk, and ''Loaf". They were featured on Fall Out Boy and Khalifa's "Boys of Zummer" tour in August 2015.
Woods released their second mixtape, "Luv Is Rage" on October 30, 2015. The project was received positively and was featured on numerous music blogs such as Fader, XXL, and Vibe. They were further called a "breakout artist of 2015" by HotNewHipHop.
2016: Breakthrough
In February 2016, they released the single, "Money Longer" on their SoundCloud following a radio debut on Shade 45.
On April 15, 2016, Vert released their third mixtape and first commercial mixtape "Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World". The mixtape debuted at number 37 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it their first entry on said chart. The project spent 55 weeks on the Billboard 200, eventually being certified Gold. Lil Uzi Vert and Kapri embarked on a joint tour in May 2016, titled the "Parental Advisory" tour.
In June 2016, Uzi appeared in XXL magazine as part of their 2016 Freshmen Class. As part of this appearance, Uzi performed a βfreshman cypherβ alongside Denzel Curry, Lil Yachty, 21 Savage, and Kodak Black. Riding the wave of recognition the XXL Freshman list gave them, Woods released the video for the single "Money Longer" which debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 the following week, their first entry on the chart, at number 92 on July 2, 2016. The song later peaked at number 54 and is currently certified two times platinum in the United States. Woods' second entry on the chart, "You Was Right", debuted at 89 on July 30, 2016 and peaked at number 40.
On July 12, 2016, Woods announced their fourth mixtape, "The Perfect LUV Tape", which was released on July 31, their 22nd birthday. The mixtape featured the singles "Seven Million", featuring Future, and "Erase Your Social", both of which failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The mixtape debuted at number 55 on the Billboard 200 album chart and is certified Gold by the RIAA. In October 2016, Woods was announced to be an additional artist on The Weeknd's "Starboy: legend of the Fall" tour.
Lil Uzi Vert announced a collaboration mixtape with Gucci Mane titled "1017 vs. The World", which was released on November 23, 2016. On the 27th, Uzi announced "Luv Is Rage 2" which went through a series of delays.
2017: Luv Is Rage 2
Uzi was featured on Migos' single "Bad and Boujee". The single was released on August 31, 2016, and its from the trio's second studio album "Culture". In January 2017, around the time the album was released, the single reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Uzi's first number 1 single as a lead or featured artist, and their highest charting single as both. On February 27, 2017, Woods released the EP "Luv Is Rage 1.5" while on tour with The Weeknd. The EP was positively received for its "nerdy" nature, with Kingdom Hearts themed instrumentals and lyrics referring to anime, Steven Universe, and hentai. The EP was also credited as the start of Uzi's affiliation with the "emo-rapper" label due to the heartbreak-associated lyrics on the song "Luv Scars K.o 1600" and references to threats of suicide and depression on the stand-out track "XO Tour Llif3".
"XO Tour Llif3" got significant popularity on SoundCloud, resulting in Uzi playing it live on the European leg of The Weeknd's tour, and the following week the song was added to streaming services and released as an official single. On April 4, 2017, "Xo Tour Llif3" debuted on Billboard Hot 100 at number 49 and peaked at number 7, becoming the rapper's highest charting song and biggest song, being certified 6x platinum as of August 2018.
"Luv Is Rage 2" was delayed again on April 2, 2017, with Uzi blaming it on DJ Drama. On April 9, Don Cannon confirmed the project wasn't getting released "any time soon" and confirmed that "XO Tour Llif3" would be on the album. Uzi was featured on fellow rapper Playboi Carti's single "wokeuplikethis*", released on April 7. The single was performed by the pair at Coachella 2017.
"wokeuplikethis*" was eventually certified platinum and peaked at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100. Uzi was featured alongside ASAP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Quavo, and Frank Ocean on A$AP rappers collective Mob's single "RAF". The single was released by surprise on May 15, 2017. In early August, hip-hop media personality DJ Akademiks claimed that "Luv Is Rage 2" would be released within 30 days. On August 24, 2017, "Luv Is Rage 2" was announced for a surprise release at midnight, and on August 25, 2017, Lil Uzi Vert released their heavily delayed debut studio album, which included "XO TOUR Llif3" as the lead single.
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart, with 135,000 album-equivalent units, and has since been certified platinum. The album also created ten Billboard Hot 100 charting singles, with two of them, "The Way Life Goes" and "Sauce It Up", becoming singles. During british singer Ed Sheeran's set at the Video Music Awards, Uzi Vert and Sheeran performed a medley of "XO Tour Llif3" and Sheeran's chart-topping single, "Shape Of You".
In September 2017, Woods teased a possible sequel project to "Lil Uzi Vert vs The World", possibly titled "Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World 2", and a collaboration project with Playboi Carti titled "16*29". In October, a joint tour with Playboi Carti called the "16*29 tour" was announced, further promoting the possibility of a collaboration project. The tour was canceled shortly thereafter due to Uzi claiming they needed to "focus". In October 2017, Uzi headlined Power 105.1's annual Powerhouse music celebration alongside The Weeknd, Migos, and Cardi B, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Uzi was also featured on Canadian rapper Nav's platinum-certified single "Wanted You". The song was released on November 3, 2017.
On December 4, 2017, "The Way Life Goes" music video was released with a remix featuring Nicki Minaj. The song peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. Uzi Vert performed the song on Stephen Colbert's The Late Show on February 6, 2018.
They were featured alongside Kanye West on Travis Scott's song, "Watch", which was released on May 3, 2018. "Watch" debuted at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They were also featured on a remix for fellow rapper Lil Tracy's single "Like a Farmer".
2018β2020: Eternal Atake, Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World 2, and Pluto x Baby Pluto
In January 2018, Uzi announced that they had completed a mixtape with record producer Wheezy. In May 2018, Don Cannon confirmed that a new Uzi project was dropping that year and speculation arose in July 2018 when Uzi tweeted the words "Eternal Atake", the title of their second studio album, pinning the tweet and announcing it was "coming soon", then at the end of the month sharing the then-chosen cover art for the project. The art referenced the logo of the cult Heavens Gate. The two members who survived the cult suggested that legal actions could be taken against Uzi for copying the logo style.
The art was the source of a threat from the remaining members of the organization over a legal attack. The then-thought lead single for the album, "New Patek" was released on September 18, 2018. Uzi was then featured on Lil Pump's single, "Multi Millionaire". The single was released on October 5, 2018.
In April 2019, following label trouble with Generation Now, it was announced that Uzi was now signed to Roc Nation. Two new promotional singles were released in April 2019, titled "Sanguine Paradise" and "That's a Rack", originally thought to be from their highly anticipated studio album, "Eternal Atake".
On December 13, 2019, Uzi released a new single titled "Futsal Shuffle 2020", which is the lead single of "Eternal Atake". The rapper then released the second single of the album, "That Way", on March 1, 2020.
"Eternal Atake" was released on March 6, 2020, with a sole guest appearance from American singer Syd. "New Patek", "That's a Rack" and "Sanguine Paradise" did not appear on the album. "Eternal Atake" debuted atop the Billboard 200.
On March 12, 2020, Lil Uzi teased that the deluxe version of "Eternal Atake" and the sequel to their 2016 mixtape, "Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World", titled "Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World 2", would be released the following day, the date fans expected the release date of the original album.
The deluxe edition would have fourteen new tracks, featuring guest appearances from Chief Keef, 21 Savage, Future, Young Thug, Gunna, Lil Durk, Young Nudy, and Nav. The first half of the album maintained a leading number 1 position with 400 million streams in early 2020. This marked the largest streaming count for any album since 2018, when Lil Wayne's twelfth studio album, "Tha Carter V", got 433 million streams.
On April 24, 2020, Lil Uzi Vert released a new single titled "Sasuke". On July 10, Lil Uzi appeared on the remix of StaySolidRocky's "Party Girl". On July 21, Lil Uzi and Future hinted at an upcoming joint project titled "Pluto x Baby Pluto" on their social media; it was released on November 13, 2020, and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.
2021β2022: Subsequent ventures
In late 2020, Lil Uzi Vert began promoting new singles on Instagram Live that were sonically similar to popular releases early o their career. They announced an upcoming project titled "Forever Young", as well as a follow-up to "Luv Is Rage 2".
From the 16th to the 22nd of july 2022, Uzi released 4 songs from their EP, RED & WHITE on their SoundCloud account day by day, then, on the 22nd, the rest of the EP was released.
2023 - Present
In June 2023, Uzi noted that the album would be released that same month. On the 17th, Uzi had taken to Instagram to post an alternate cover art to the project. They also announced that the cover art would release in "a couple of days" and that the tracklist would release "this week," while confirming the release date of June 30.
On June 26, 2023, Uzi revealed the cover art and the release date on their website and simultaneously released the Gibson Hazard directed trailer for the album. Days prior to it's official announcement, Uzi threw an album release party β which they named βThe Pink Tape Promβ β in which they previewed several tracks from the project.
On June 30, 2023, Lil Uzi Vert released the highly anticipated album, "Pink Tape". The album contains guest appearances from Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Bring Me The Horizon, Don Toliver, and Babymetal.
Ballin
LIL UZI VERT Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like, imma have dolphins and shit in my crib
Waking up living life with no outcome
Fucked that bitch outside gave her out cum
By any means just like Malcolm
Live by any means just like Malcolm
I be outside all the way from the morning to dark
I be balling like I am Derrick Rose
Killing my competition like I'm Rogue
Luv is rage I'm in the crowd at my shows
I just want all of my niggas to ball
I just want all of my niggas to see, all the shit that I might not get to see
I just want all of my niggas to eat, I might just pull out that lean [?]
I might just jump in a Rari with two doors, I might just pull up and fuck on two hoes
I might just pull up and stunt like a boss
I spent seven thousand right on the coat
On the real I don't know how to spell broke
If she talk too much I put dick in her throat
I be balling like I am Derrick Rose
Killing my competition like I'm Rogue
Luv is rage I'm in the crowd at my shows
Counting money till I'm blue in the face
Counting money and they blue in the face, I fucked that bitch till she blue in the face
Wearing Balmain, extra skinny, skinny, skinny all the way till I'm blue in the waist
Mixing lean, everywhere soda
Unlike my heart, my cup way colder, xanny bars got me way bolder
I just be counting the bank, I ball like I am Durant
Your bitch I swear she a fan, I put that money on you yeah
Little nigga you will get fanned, living life like I'm a rock star
I do this shit for my fans, my brother he is a block star
He amazing with the pans
I just want all of my niggas to ball
I just want all of my niggas to see, all the shit that I might not get to see
I just want all of my niggas to eat, I might just pull out that lean [?]
I might just jump in a Rari with two doors, I might just pull up and fuck on two hoes
I might just pull up and stunt like a boss
I spent seven thousand right on the coat
On the real I don't know how to spell broke
If she talk too much I put dick in her throat
I be balling like I am Derrick Rose
Killing my competition like I'm Rogue
Luv is rage I'm in the crowd at my shows
Paid a lot of money for this ice
On the real I think I found my wife
Always in my hair just like some lice, when I miss a call you know I hit her twice
Put it on my life, higher than a kite
Living life like I can't die, they live for me and that's the reason why
I just want all of my niggas to ball
I just want all of my niggas to see, all the shit that I might not get to see
I just want all of my niggas to eat, I might just pull out that lean [?]
I might just jump in a Rari with two doors, I might just pull up and fuck on two hoes
I might just pull up and stunt like a boss
I spent seven thousand right on the coat
On the real I don't know how to spell broke
If she talk too much I put dick in her throat
I be balling like I am Derrick Rose
Killing my competition like I'm Rogue
Luv is rage I'm in the crowd at my shows
In "Ballin," Lil Uzi Vert speaks about his desire to enjoy the fruits of his labor with his circle of friends. He boasts about the material possessions he plans to have in his home, including dolphins in his crib. He also declares that he wants his friends to experience the same life of luxury, emphasizing his loyalty to those around him. The rapper's verses revolve around his carefree, lavish lifestyle, from counting money, getting high, and enjoying multiple women.
The song can be interpreted as a celebration of Uzi's success and the joy it brings him and those closest to him. The lyrics also reference Malcolm X's famous quote, "by any means necessary," which speaks to Uzi's determination to achieve his goals no matter what. Throughout the song, he maintains his "boss" status by flaunting his wealth, power, and success.
Overall, "Ballin" is a testament to Lil Uzi Vert's self-assuredness and desire to enjoy the fruits of his success while also looking out for his close friends and collaborators.
Line by Line Meaning
I just was telling Keisha
Like, imma have dolphins and shit in my crib
I was just telling Keisha that I'm going to have extravagant things in my home, like dolphins in a pool.
Waking up living life with no outcome
I wake up and live my life without worrying about the consequences or end result.
Fucked that bitch outside gave her out cum
I had sex with a woman outside and ejaculated on her.
By any means just like Malcolm
Live by any means just like Malcolm
I live my life by any means necessary, just like Malcolm X.
I be outside all the way from the morning to dark
I spend my entire day outside from morning until night.
All these diamonds in my teeth, yeah I barely can talk
I have so many diamond teeth grills that it's difficult for me to speak properly.
I be balling like I am Derrick Rose
Killing my competition like I'm Rogue
Luv is rage I'm in the crowd at my shows
I play basketball exceptionally well, like Derrick Rose, and I dominate my competition like Rogue. My music style is intense and passionate, and I perform with high energy in front of my fans.
I just want all of my niggas to ball
I just want all of my niggas to see, all the shit that I might not get to see
I just want all of my niggas to eat, I might just pull out that lean [?]
I might just jump in a Rari with two doors, I might just pull up and fuck on two hoes
I might just pull up and stunt like a boss
I spent seven thousand right on the coat
On the real I don't know how to spell broke
If she talk too much I put dick in her throat
I want all of my friends to be successful and experience things that I may not. I might share my drugs. I might drive a fast car and sleep with two women at once. I like to show off my wealth and spend money on expensive clothing. I don't know how to be broke. If a woman talks too much, I put my penis in her mouth.
Counting money till I'm blue in the face
Counting money and they blue in the face, I fucked that bitch till she blue in the face
Wearing Balmain, extra skinny, skinny, skinny all the way till I'm blue in the waist
Mixing lean, everywhere soda
Unlike my heart, my cup way colder, xanny bars got me way bolder
I just be counting the bank, I ball like I am Durant
Your bitch I swear she a fan, I put that money on you yeah
Little nigga you will get fanned, living life like I'm a rock star
I do this shit for my fans, my brother he is a block star
He amazing with the pans
I count money until my face turns blue from fatigue. I had sex with a woman until she couldn't breathe properly. I wear tight-fitting Balmain clothing until my waist is skin tight. I mix lean with soda and it makes me feel invincible. I count my money in the bank and play basketball like Kevin Durant. Women admire me for my wealth. If someone disrespects me, they will be dealt with. I live life like a rock star and do it all for my fans. My brother is great at cooking.
Paid a lot of money for this ice
On the real I think I found my wife
Always in my hair just like some lice, when I miss a call you know I hit her twice
Put it on my life, higher than a kite
Living life like I can't die, they live for me and that's the reason why
I paid a lot of money for this jewelry. I believe I have found my soulmate. My girlfriend is always in my life, just like lice in hair. When I miss a phone call, I call back twice. I swear on my life, I'm higher than a kite. I live my life without fear of death. My fans support me and that's why I do what I do.
Lyrics Β© Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mack Loggins, Symere Woods, Don Cannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@EliteShot
That thanks at the end⦠Wholesome.
@Kay4Matt
yo u goated eliteshot
@blvdes
β@K M Tru lowkey
@hackrjack
missed it until this comment. damn i luvvert
@iamusdamma2637
holy shit no way. bro what are the chances out of the whole internet i happen to run into your comment while scrolling a trending video of my favourite mw3 content creator. i remember watching your videos back in the day of builds and trying to drop nukes with em. i love your stuff bro. i deadass watched all the build vids of your mw3 playthroughs. your an infected goat. your the reason i got so good at it back then. i suck now but man you made me realize how far we can go when were dedicated to something. peace and love my G
@thaprojektkidd
Shame on carti and 21 π€§
@JS-hp1ow
Can tell how much music makes Uzi happy, heβs a nice dude and this freestyle had me vibing in front of my PC.
@hellx444
for real broo had me bobbing my head and shi π₯
@rosiedexter5729
No one cares baby your
@jaymorris327
The beat is so hard and its a uzi type beat