Lil Uzi Vert

Early Life and Influences

Lil Uzi Vert, born Symere Bysil Woods on July 31, 1995, in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, grew up immersed in a diverse array of musical influences. Uzi's early exposure to music included the dark, theatrical sounds of Marilyn Manson and the emotionally resonant work of Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak," which shaped their unique style blending rock, metal, and hip-hop elements.

Initial Career and Breakthrough

Lil Uzi Vert's career began to gain momentum in 2014 with the release of the song "Dej Loaf," a tribute to the Detroit vocalist. This track caught the attention of industry veterans, leading to collaborations with prominent DJs and producers. Later that year, Uzi's mixtape "The Real Uzi," hosted by Don Cannon, helped establish their presence in the underground rap scene.

In 2015, Uzi's career took a significant leap forward when DJ Drama facilitated a deal with Atlantic Records, resulting in the release of the mixtape "Luv Is Rage." This project set the stage for their subsequent mainstream success. The following year, the mixtape "Lil Uzi vs. the World" dropped, featuring production from Metro Boomin and Maaly Raw. The mixtape included hits like "You Was Right" and "Money Longer," both of which charted on the Billboard Hot 100, while the mixtape itself broke into the Billboard 200 Top 50.

Rise to Fame and Major Releases

Uzi's major breakthrough came with their feature on Migos' viral hit "Bad & Boujee," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 at the start of 2017. This success was followed by the release of "XO Tour Llif3," a track that climbed into the Top Ten of the Hot 100 and became a cornerstone of their debut album, "Luv Is Rage 2." This album featured collaborations with artists like Oh Wonder, Pharrell Williams, and The Weeknd and solidified Uzi's place in the mainstream music scene.

In 2018, Uzi released the non-album single "New Patek," which further demonstrated their evolving sound. They also featured alongside Kanye West on Travis Scott's hit "Watch." Early 2019 saw the release of singles "That's a Rack" and "Sanguine Paradise." Uzi's second studio album, "Eternal Atake," arrived in March 2020, debuting at number one on the Billboard charts and amassing over 400 million streams in its first week. A deluxe version of the album, "Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World 2," followed shortly, featuring guest spots from NAV, 21 Savage, Future, and Gunna.

Recent Activities and Releases

In 2021, Uzi released the single "Demon High" and hinted at their upcoming album, "The Pink Tape." Anticipation for this album grew, culminating in the release of the nine-song EP "Red & White" in July 2022, which debuted at number 23 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

In June 2023, Uzi released "I'm Not Human," a collaboration with the late rapper XXXTentacion, as part of the lead-up to "The Pink Tape." The album featured high-profile guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Bring Me the Horizon, Travis Scott, and Don Toliver, showcasing Uzi's continued exploration of different genres. "The Pink Tape" debuted at number one on the Billboard charts, making it Uzi's third consecutive album to achieve this feat.

Personal Life

Lil Uzi Vert publicly came out as non-binary in 2022, using they/them pronouns. This declaration has been significant in their public persona, resonating with many fans and contributing to broader discussions around gender identity in the music industry. Uzi's openness about their identity and support for the LGBTQ+ community has been a recurring theme in their public appearances and social media interactions.

Recent Performances and Tours

In 2024, Lil Uzi Vert delivered a memorable performance at Coachella, where they showcased their voguing skills, captivating the audience and making a bold statement on one of the biggest stages in music. This performance highlighted their connection to the ballroom culture and further solidified their status as a dynamic and influential artist.

Uzi is also set to headline several major festivals and concerts in 2024, including Summerfest in Milwaukee on July 6, 2024. This performance is part of their extensive tour schedule for the year, marking their first headlining tour since 2018.

Discography

• Luv Is Rage 2 (2017)
• Eternal Atake (2020)
• Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World 2 (2020)
• Red & White EP (2022)
• The Pink Tape (2023)