Lil Uzi Vert, born Symere Woods, has become a defining voice for youth culture, largely due to his unapologetically unique persona and genre-bending approach to music. Emerging from North Philadelphia, Lil Uzi Vert distinguished himself not as a conventional hip-hop artist, but as a modern rock star, challenging the norms of rap music.
With early support from industry figures like Don Cannon and DJ Drama, Lil Uzi Vert’s ascent through SoundCloud culminated in the breakout hit “XO Tour Llif3.” This anthem not only captured the summer of 2017, earning “Song of The Summer” at the MTV Video Music Awards, but also solidified his signature carefree attitude, symbolized by his iconic shoulder shrug. “XO Tour Llif3” reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Since 2015, Lil Uzi Vert has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, eagerly anticipating projects like the long-awaited Eternal Atake, which finally arrived on Friday, March 6. Lil Uzi Vert fearlessly draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of musical influences, ranging from Marilyn Manson, with whom he reportedly plans to collaborate, to the controversial GG Allin, showcasing his diverse artistic palette.
Despite his smaller stature, Lil Uzi Vert’s stage presence is undeniable. His concerts are known for high-energy performances, including his signature, and sometimes risky, stage dives. His bold fashion choices and constantly changing, vibrant hair colors are integral to his appeal to a younger audience. Even in the early stages of his career, Lil Uzi Vert’s impact is undeniable, particularly highlighted by the surprise release of his acclaimed sophomore album, Eternal Atake. Let’s delve into his discography to highlight 15 of the best Lil Uzi Vert Songs that showcase his unique artistry.
15. Super Saiyan
“Super Saiyan,” a track produced by Slade Da Monsta, is a vibrant homage to Dragon Ball Z, a beloved animated series that resonates deeply with Lil Uzi Vert. Featured on Luv Is Rage, the song’s title references the powerful Saiyan transformation, reflecting themes of energy and power. The music video for “Super Saiyan” enhances this energetic vibe, featuring Lil Uzi Vert in an Off-White hoodie, dancing with a white Styrofoam cup. Music critics have noted the innovative flow in “Super Saiyan,” suggesting its influence on artists like Drake in “KMT” and XXXTENTACION in his hit “Look At Me,” underscoring Lil Uzi Vert’s impact on contemporary rap flows.
14. Money Mitch
Produced by Atlanta’s own Zaytoven, “Money Mitch” stands out as a potentially underrated gem in Lil Uzi Vert’s catalog. This track highlights his lyrical dexterity and diverse flow patterns. The song’s title pays tribute to Mekhi Phifer’s character, Mitch, from the культовый film Paid In Full (2002). Interestingly, “Money Mitch” also includes a shout-out to former Atlanta Falcons running back T.J. Duckett, a surprising reference given Duckett’s retirement long before Lil Uzi Vert’s rise to fame, adding an unexpected layer to the track’s narrative.
13. New Patek
“New Patek” is immediately recognizable for its catchy hook, “New Patek on my wrist,” which became a cultural catchphrase, so potent it could easily have served as Patek Philippe’s official slogan in 2018. On this Dolan Beats production, Lil Uzi Vert employs a shortened, punchy delivery with a higher-pitched, uptempo flow. Moving away from the alien themes of Eternal Atake, “New Patek” sees Lil Uzi Vert transform into an aquatic entity, evidenced by the playful line: “I am a octopus, I cannot breathe without water / So I put diamonds on my tentacles,” showcasing his whimsical and imaginative lyrical style.
12. Sanguine Paradise
Following a management deal with Roc Nation in March 2019, aimed at resolving label complications with Generation Now/Atlantic Records, Lil Uzi Vert released “Sanguine Paradise.” Despite leaking online prior to its official release, the track quickly resonated with fans and climbed the Billboard charts. “Sanguine Paradise” marked a creative resurgence for Lil Uzi Vert, with many noting a renewed sense of inspiration in his delivery and musical direction, signaling a positive turn in his career trajectory.
11. 7AM
“7AM,” a standout track from Luv Is Rage, opens with an intimate dialogue between Lil Uzi Vert and his former girlfriend, Brittany Byrd. The conversation captures a relatable moment of relationship tension, with Uzi seeking clarity about their future while Byrd deflects, focusing on social media and material possessions. Produced by Lex Luger & DP Beats, “7AM” features Uzi boasting about his newfound fame and ability to attract attention, highlighted by the provocative line: “Like 7 a.m. I was f–king your love / 11 a.m., you took that bitch right to brunch / Like oh god damn, that’s the b–ch that I want,” illustrating themes of desire and confidence.
10. Futsal Shuffle 2020
“Futsal Shuffle 2020” was Lil Uzi Vert’s offering to close out a decade, and it ignited a viral dance craze within the hip-hop community. Released during a period of label disputes with Generation Now and Roc Nation, the track reassured fans of Lil Uzi Vert’s undiminished creativity. “Futsal Shuffle 2020” quickly ascended the charts, landing in the top five of the Hot 100 in the final chart week of 2019, proving his continued relevance and ability to innovate.
9. You Was Right
Metro Boomin collaborated with Lil Uzi Vert to create “You Was Right,” featured on the Lil Uzi Vert Vs The World mixtape. This confessional track delves into Lil Uzi Vert’s reflections on past relationship mistakes with Brittany Byrd. “You Was Right” achieved platinum certification from the RIAA on March 2, 2017, highlighting its commercial success and fan appeal. The collaboration between Lil Uzi Vert and Metro Boomin left fans hoping for more joint projects in the future, given their proven chemistry.
8. Ps & Qs
“Ps & Qs” is another melodic track where Lil Uzi Vert explores his relationship with Brittany Byrd. The song narrates how he “stole” Byrd from her ex-boyfriend, Austin. The title, “Ps & Qs,” is a colloquialism meaning “mind your own business,” adding a layer of defiance to the narrative. Lil Uzi Vert himself admitted that during this time, “Brittany was playing with my emotions, so I was acting all crazy and doing rock star stuff,” as he explained on Genius. Even those initially skeptical of Lil Uzi Vert in 2015 acknowledged the sophisticated production of DJ Don Cannon on “Ps & Qs.”
7. Sauce It Up
“I’m one of the greatest to ever do it,” Lil Uzi Vert declares at the beginning of “Sauce It Up,” a track with overt satanic undertones. He embraces a rock star persona, bragging about his extravagant lifestyle. The song’s outro includes a shout-out to WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin and his iconic finishing move, The Stunner, blending hip-hop with pop culture references. Produced by Maaly Raw and DJ Don Cannon, “Sauce It Up” has become a fan favorite from Luv Is Rage 2 and is often cited as a classic Lil Uzi Vert song for its energy and bravado.
6. Erase Your Social
“Erase Your Social” showcases a different side of the North Philly artist, featuring a slower tempo set against a melodic backdrop crafted by Lyle Leduff and DJ Don Cannon, which samples Witt Lowry’s “Wake Up.” This track could be seen as an endorsement of Twitter, as Lil Uzi Vert famously raps, “I ain’t got no Snapchat homie / I think it’s too personal / that’s what I got Twitter for / Instagram I’ll bag your hoe.” This line humorously highlights his preference for Twitter for broader communication, contrasting with the intimacy of Snapchat, especially in the context of modern social media dynamics.
5. Do What I Want
“Do What I Want” serves as an anthem of self-expression and aspiration for listeners worldwide, becoming one of Lil Uzi Vert’s most commercially successful tracks. The song gained further prominence when featured in a 2016 Air Jordan commercial starring Russell Westbrook, linking Lil Uzi Vert’s music with mainstream sports culture. The music video for “Do What I Want” amplifies its aspirational message, filmed at a luxurious villa on a tropical island, depicting Lil Uzi Vert and his friends enjoying a lifestyle many only dream of, reinforcing themes of success and freedom.
4. That Way
Leading up to the release of Eternal Atake, Lil Uzi Vert dropped “That Way.” This captivating track cleverly interpolates the chorus of the Backstreet Boys’ 1999 hit, “I Want It That Way,” showcasing Lil Uzi Vert’s signature genre-blending approach. This unexpected fusion of pop nostalgia with contemporary hip-hop demonstrates his innovative musical style and willingness to experiment with diverse sounds, appealing to a broad audience.
3. The Way Life Goes
“The Way Life Goes” is another melodic hit from Lil Uzi Vert’s 2017 album Luv is Rage 2. The Philly native skillfully interpolates Oh Wonder’s “Landslide” into the song’s emotional chorus, creating a poignant and relatable track about heartbreak and resilience. Once again, Lil Uzi Vert demonstrates his versatility by merging indie pop sensibilities with his hip-hop style, resulting in a genre-bending hit that resonated widely. “The Way Life Goes” reached No. 24 on the Hot 100 in late 2017, underscoring its commercial and critical success.
2. Money Longer
“Money Longer” marked a significant breakthrough for Lil Uzi Vert, introducing him to a wider audience. Originally uploaded to SoundCloud, the Lil Uzi Vert vs The World single became his first solo platinum record in 2017, illustrating a rapid ascent from online buzz to mainstream recognition. The track reflects on the transformative impact of his burgeoning music career, with lyrics like, “Nowadays I am on, my haters got sadder / Money got longer, speaker got louder / Car got faster, turned to a savage / Pocket got fatter, she call me daddy,” encapsulating themes of success, transformation, and newfound confidence.
1. XO Tour Llif3
After touring with The Weeknd on the Starboy: Legend Of The Fall Tour, Lil Uzi Vert debuted the groundbreaking “XO Tour Llif3” at a London tour stop. Shortly after, the song leaked onto SoundCloud, quickly gaining traction. Potentially his most introspective and daring work to date, Luv delves into themes of depression and suicidal thoughts, exploring the depths of his psyche. “XO Tour Llif3” was officially released on major streaming platforms and iTunes on March 27, 2017, achieving mainstream success and peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, charting for over six months. The song’s raw emotional honesty resonated deeply with fans, transforming it into an anthem and achieving triple platinum status in the United States. Its cultural impact extended to visual artistry, with Kanye West collaborator Virgil Abloh directing the song’s impactful music video, further solidifying “XO Tour Llif3” as a defining Lil Uzi Vert song.
