As a fan of mainstream rap, I was excited for Lil Uzi Vert’s new album, Luv is Rage 2. Fans have been waiting almost a year since Uzi’s last project, The Perfect Luv Tape, which was released in August 2016 and was received with critical acclaim.

When fans finally got the new album, it was easy to tell many critics were not impressed. The lack of his signature “party songs” really surprised people. Yes, the hooks are debatably not as catchy as his most popular project and the project that launched him into stardom Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World. Yes, there are no crazy samples as often heard in his previous projects. However, this album has not been  truly  appreciated as it should be, and is easily his most lyrical and meaningful album. Many people who have listened can tell that this artist poured his heart into Luv is Rage 2.

His hits from previous projects were just catchy hooks on top of catchy beats with generic rap lyrics (excluding “You was Right”). However, when Uzi dropped the somewhat depressing smash hit “XO TOUR Lif3,” which is included on Luv is Rage 2, in March, reviewers  of the album could tell he was taking a turn in his career towards a more mature style. Then he dropped Luv is Rage 2 and most tracks had a deep, often dark meaning. This was a far cry from Uzi’s previous projects and this turned the casual hip-hop fans away. Fans are listening to Uzi grow as an artist and become what he wants to be.

This album is full of Uzi’s personal struggles and he conveys them with his constant vocal changes over chaotic beats, the typical Lil Uzi Vert style. This time around he is using deep, dark lyrics that really caught some fans off guard.

My favorite tracks on the album in his new style are “The Way Life Goes,” “Feelings Mutual,” and “Dark Queen.” It also includes plenty of tracks such as “X,” “444+222,” and “How to Talk” that mimic his beloved old projects. Listen to this album intently; it is a solid 8/10.

Derrick Voss

A&E Writer