“I know it hurts sometimes but you'll get over it”
Since its release on March 24 2017, “XO Tour Llif3” catapulted Lil Uzi Vert’s already rockstar fame into another stratosphere. It’s gone 3x platinum in the USA, and hasn’t left the top charts and fans, myself included, have eagerly awaited for the release of Luv is Rage 2. Uzi made it clear that he would be departing from his once joyful and love-filled lyrics. We were all unfamiliar with this new Lil
Uzi Vert, and we were excited to get to know him.
Despite the initial hype for the album, months passed, and there was no sign of it. It seemed as if we wouldn’t become acquainted with the new Uzi.
Then on August 24th, he tweeted that his album would be out at midnight, with his always eccentric description.
I was confused as to what to expect from Uzi, and was a little bit nervous before I hit the play button on the album. Would it live up to the hype that had been building up since his career defining song released six months ago? I had to find out. The first song, “Two®”, gave me some cheery vibes, akin to “Ps and Qs” on his sophomore album Lil Uzi Vert vs the World, which made me excited, more classic Uzi to add to the playlist, I thought.
I was wrong however, as instead of rapping about how much money he was making, or how him and his girlfriend were having the time of their lives, it wasn’t anything like that. Throughout the project, he talked about being broken down as a person, and trying to come back from that. This definitely wasn’t the Uzi we knew, and it was going to take some time getting used to.
Uzi Vert, and we were excited to get to know him.
Despite the initial hype for the album, months passed, and there was no sign of it. It seemed as if we wouldn’t become acquainted with the new Uzi.
Then on August 24th, he tweeted that his album would be out at midnight, with his always eccentric description.
I was confused as to what to expect from Uzi, and was a little bit nervous before I hit the play button on the album. Would it live up to the hype that had been building up since his career defining song released six months ago? I had to find out. The first song, “Two®”, gave me some cheery vibes, akin to “Ps and Qs” on his sophomore album Lil Uzi Vert vs the World, which made me excited, more classic Uzi to add to the playlist, I thought.
I was wrong however, as instead of rapping about how much money he was making, or how him and his girlfriend were having the time of their lives, it wasn’t anything like that. Throughout the project, he talked about being broken down as a person, and trying to come back from that. This definitely wasn’t the Uzi we knew, and it was going to take some time getting used to.
The first time listening, all the songs blended together for me and I felt bored by the project. But after multiple listens, the project grew on me, and I realized that Uzi was just taking a step out of his comfort zone musically and lyrically, just how he had to in real life.
The album only has two features on it, Pharrell Williams and The Weeknd. While both deliver strong performances, I felt that The Weeknd’s style on “Unfazed”, didn’t fit with the tone of the album, but it perfectly described how Uzi has felt about his life troubles, simply unfazed.
The album only has two features on it, Pharrell Williams and The Weeknd. While both deliver strong performances, I felt that The Weeknd’s style on “Unfazed”, didn’t fit with the tone of the album, but it perfectly described how Uzi has felt about his life troubles, simply unfazed.
Other songs on the album that stood out to me included “The Way Life Goes” and “Dark Queen”. I enjoyed these two songs because Uzi opens up about his break up, but also encourages himself that he will get past it. The beat is simple and catchy, and it’s easy to find yourself wanting to listen to the song again.
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"I would be lying if I said I enjoyed LUV is Rage 2 on the first listen. "
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As for “Dark Queen,” he raps heartfelt bars about how thankful he is for his mom for showing him the right way and keeping him out of trouble. Uzi’s mom is willing to do anything for him, and he is grateful for that. While its lyrical content doesn’t match that of 2Pac’s “Dear Mama,” everything Uzi says is genuine.
The project ushers in a new Lil Uzi Vert no longer cheery, but instead someone who is damaged from his breakup. Lil Uzi Vert isn’t one to shy away from being abstract, and does things differently in what seems like a uniform trap scene. Luv is Rage 2 takes some getting used to, but it remnants of Uzi’s past still comes through in his beat selection with semi-cheerful 808s and lyric delivery.
The project ushers in a new Lil Uzi Vert no longer cheery, but instead someone who is damaged from his breakup. Lil Uzi Vert isn’t one to shy away from being abstract, and does things differently in what seems like a uniform trap scene. Luv is Rage 2 takes some getting used to, but it remnants of Uzi’s past still comes through in his beat selection with semi-cheerful 808s and lyric delivery.