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.
2010–2015: 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 ‘freshman cypher’ 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".
2018–2020: 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.
2021–2022: 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 — which they named “The Pink Tape Prom” — 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.
Cigarette
Lil Uzi Vert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
I put this shit on my mama, yeah
I put this shit right here right on my mama, yeah
Lit up a cigarette, help with the drama, yeah
Just like the river, my neck, it's gon' pond up, yeah
Woo, pon di river, uh
Pon di gun, cigarette pon di lungs
She want the city back, I ain't done
Lil Uzi Vert is up, one of one
One of one, one of one, one of one
One of one, one of one, one of one
I put this shit on my mama, yeah
I put this shit right here right on my mama, yeah
Lit up a cigarette, help with the drama, yeah
Just like the river, my neck, it's gon' pond up, yeah
Woo, pon di river, uh
Pon di bank, yeah
Pon di gun, cigarette pon di lungs
She want the city back, I ain't done
Lil Uzi Vert is up, one of one
One of one, one of one, one of one
One of one, one of one, one of one
No, I'm not two or three, or just four
No, I'm not five or six, never seven
Since I was ten, I said fuck 12
So I was scared when I was eleven
I do not fuck with none of these niggas
'Cause deep down I know that they all jealous
No, I do not believe in nothing
My word is so biblical, make it to heaven
Amiri, nah
Balmain my zipper, I can't do embellish
Traffic the drugs, ain't no way I can mail it
Seal up the dog food, the dog can't even smell it
My dick, it like Fentanyl, don't even inhale it
My bro caught a body, you can't even tell it
My choppa got blade, not talkin' no heli'
Choppa just came with them titties and belly
My bitch, she so chocolate, look like she off jelly
Jump in a Lambo', no Honda (skrrt), yeah
Jump in the Lambo', not talkin' no Honda, yeah
Black diamond AP, I call it Wakanda, yeah
Ever since high school, I ain't wear no condoms, yeah
She gave me brain, she cannot make her mind up, yeah
Kidnap the pussy, now your bitch, can't find her, yeah
Run to the bank just like, "Yes"
I cannot run to the pussy, oh no
I done just figured it out
Most of these bitches, they all just be hoes
I put this shit on my mama, yeah
I put this shit right here right on my mama, yeah
Lit up a cigarette, help with the drama, yeah
Just like the river, my neck, it's gon' pond up, yeah
Woo, pon di river, uh
Pon di bank, yeah
Pon di gun, cigarette pon di lungs
She want the city back, I ain't done
Lil Uzi Vert is up, one of one
One of one, one of one, one of one
One of one, one of one, one of one
The lyrics to Lil Uzi Vert's song "Cigarette" explore themes of rebellion, defiance, and self-assertion. In the first verse, Uzi reflects on the disapproval he would face from his mother if she knew he was smoking a cigarette. This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing Uzi's disregard for societal norms and his willingness to go against expectations.
He then repeats the line "I put this shit on my mama," which can be interpreted as a phrase of sincerity and commitment. By putting "this shit" on his mother, Uzi is asserting that he stands by his choices and actions, regardless of the consequences. Lighting a cigarette becomes a symbol of finding solace or escape from the drama and pressures in his life. Uzi compares his neck to a river, suggesting that his emotions and experiences are overflowing like water. This line also hints at the weight he carries, as a neck ponding up with emotions can be suffocating.
The verse continues with references to a river and a bank, evoking a sense of flow and financial success. Uzi associates the cigarette with power, as if it ignites his ability to take control and assert himself. He claims that the city wants him back, highlighting his ambition and the impact he has made as an artist. By proclaiming himself as "one of one," he is asserting his uniqueness and individuality.
In the second verse, Uzi establishes his independence from an early age, expressing his defiance towards authority. He rejects the idea of conformity, stating that he doesn't believe in anything. This line suggests that Uzi follows his own path and doesn't conform to societal expectations or the beliefs of others. He highlights his trustworthiness by stating that his word is as sacred as the Bible, implying that it will lead him to heaven.
Uzi then mentions designer brands and drug trafficking, highlighting the gritty realities of his lifestyle. He metaphorically compares his genitals to Fentanyl, a powerful opioid, implying that his sexual presence is intoxicating and addictive. He reveals that his "bro" has committed a serious crime, but it goes unnoticed to the outside world. This line emphasizes the secrecy and dangerous nature of his surroundings.
The following lyrics focus on Uzi's material possessions, such as a Lamborghini and a black diamond Audemars Piguet watch. He brags about not wearing condoms since high school, suggesting a disregard for the consequences of his actions. The verse concludes with Uzi expressing his realization that most of the women he encounters are simply promiscuous.
Overall, "Cigarette" portrays Lil Uzi Vert as a rebellious figure who has no qualms about going against societal norms, asserting his individuality, and finding his own path.
Line by Line Meaning
My mom would kill me if she knew I was in this smoking a cigarette (HitKidd, what it do, man?)
If my mom found out that I was here smoking a cigarette, she would be extremely angry and disappointed in me.
I put this shit on my mama, yeah
I swear on my mother's life that what I'm saying is true.
I put this shit right here right on my mama, yeah
I am emphasizing the importance of what I'm saying by affirming it on my mother's life.
Lit up a cigarette, help with the drama, yeah
Smoking a cigarette helps me cope with and alleviate the stress and difficulties in my life.
Just like the river, my neck, it's gon' pond up, yeah
Similar to how a river causes water to accumulate in a pond, my neck is adorned with expensive jewelry that attracts attention and demonstrates my wealth.
Woo, pon di river, uh
Expressing excitement or satisfaction about the jewelry on my neck that resembles a river.
Pon di bank, yeah
Celebrating my success and ability to accumulate wealth.
Pon di gun, cigarette pon di lungs
Referring to the act of smoking a cigarette as equivalent to holding a gun, indicating the control or power I feel when smoking.
She want the city back, I ain't done
There are people who desire to reclaim dominance or control over this city, but I'm not finished yet and won't give up my position.
Lil Uzi Vert is up, one of one
I, Lil Uzi Vert, am on the rise and unique, unparalleled by anyone else.
No, I'm not two or three, or just four
I am not mediocre or average in any way, not even just slightly above average.
No, I'm not five or six, never seven
I am not just slightly better than average, not even close to being among the top five, six, or seven.
Since I was ten, I said fuck 12
Since I was young, I have had a strong disdain for authority figures, particularly the police.
So I was scared when I was eleven
During my childhood, I had fear and apprehension due to the presence and actions of law enforcement.
I do not fuck with none of these niggas
I do not associate or have any positive relationships with any of these individuals.
'Cause deep down I know that they all jealous
My instinct tells me that these people secretly envy or resent me.
No, I do not believe in nothing
I don't believe in anything or anyone, placing trust only in myself.
My word is so biblical, make it to heaven
My promises or statements hold such significance and legitimacy that they could even grant someone salvation in the afterlife.
Amiri, nah
I am not interested in wearing Amiri clothing or accessories.
Balmain my zipper, I can't do embellish
I prefer Balmain brand zippers on my clothes and don't like to overdo or exaggerate my style with unnecessary embellishments.
Traffic the drugs, ain't no way I can mail it
I am actively involved in the distribution of drugs and it is too risky to rely on mailing them.
Seal up the dog food, the dog can't even smell it
I securely package the drugs so that even a trained drug-sniffing dog cannot detect them.
My dick, it like Fentanyl, don't even inhale it
My sexual prowess is so potent and addictive that it can be compared to the drug Fentanyl, and one should not engage with it lightly.
My bro caught a body, you can't even tell it
My close associate committed a murder, but there is no evidence or suspicion that would suggest his involvement.
My choppa got blade, not talkin' no heli'
My firearm has a sharp blade attached to it, and I'm not referring to a helicopter.
Choppa just came with them titties and belly
The firearm I acquired came from a source that included additional items, specifically women with attractive physical features.
My bitch, she so chocolate, look like she off jelly
My girlfriend has a dark complexion, resembling the appearance of someone who consumed a lot of gelatinous jelly.
Jump in a Lambo', no Honda (skrrt), yeah
I enthusiastically jump into a Lamborghini car, not a common Honda, expressing my luxurious lifestyle.
Black diamond AP, I call it Wakanda, yeah
Referring to my expensive black diamond Audemars Piguet watch, likening it to the fictional advanced civilization of Wakanda known for its technological marvels.
Ever since high school, I ain't wear no condoms, yeah
Starting from my time in high school, I choose not to use condoms during sexual encounters.
She gave me brain, she cannot make her mind up, yeah
She performed oral sex on me, but she cannot make a clear decision or commitment regarding our relationship.
Kidnap the pussy, now your bitch can't find her, yeah
I have taken control or dominance over another person's partner, leaving them unable to locate or access her.
Run to the bank just like, "Yes"
I confidently and eagerly go to the bank to manage my finances, feeling successful and victorious.
I cannot run to the pussy, oh no
I cannot simply pursue or chase after sexual encounters without consequence or consideration.
I done just figured it out
I have recently come to a realization or solved a problem.
Most of these bitches, they all just be hoes
The majority of these women are promiscuous and engage in casual sexual relationships.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anthony Holmes, Craig Jomo Parks, Don Cannon, Donovan Bennett, Nicholas George Littlemore, O'Neill Norman Bryan, Symere Woods
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vesh
This hit diff 😪
@slumbunnytv
The way he flowed off “Amiri, nah” and the beat dropped is C R A Z Y
@Gm-mf3nj
Amiri 👖.
but yeah
@MrAddam49
FIRE ASF
@iceejoyy3896
frrr
@prodbw
hardest part
@luffyistop1258
FACTS 🔥🔥
@antthehckyplayer
Best song on Red + White for me.
@Elloguvanah
Best uzi song ever imo
@leodunexxxl
For Fun???