Following the release of Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World in April 2016, Lil Uzi Vert continued to develop their sound, which had become associated with the melodic and emotionally expressive style emerging from Atlanta's rap scene. Their growing reputation as a distinctive voice in hip hop stemmed from collaborations with producers such as Metro Boomin, Southside, TM88, and 808 Mafia, whose trap-influenced production shaped much of their early music.[1] During this period, Uzi's personal life and creative process were closely tied to their relationship with their then-partner, Brittany Byrd. Their relationship influenced Uzi's songwriting and public image, with Byrd often contributing creative input on visuals and styling.[2] Uzi also described her as an important source of support during their early success.[2] In July 2016, Uzi announced The Perfect LUV Tape and shared a short audio preview on Twitter.[3][4] Later that month, the mixtape's cover art was revealed; it continued the anime-inspired and graphic-novel visual style present on his earlier releases.[5]The Perfect LUV Tape was released on July 31, 2016, exclusively on SoundCloud.[6][7][8]
Composition
Overview
Critics described The Perfect LUV Tape as continuing the bright, melodic trap sound developed on Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World.[9][10] The mixtape was primarily produced by Maaly Raw and Don Cannon, with additional contributions from Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, DP Beats, and Nard & B.[9][10] Its production features "day-glo" and "springy trap" beats with auto-tuned, singsong vocals.[11][10] Andy Kellman of AllMusic wrote that Uzi maintains his "offhanded approach", delivering boastful and taunting lyrics in a "choppy and singsongy fashion".[12]Sputnikmusic similarly described that while the mixtape offers "nothing new stylistically", it captures an "eccentric trap vibe" and a "bubbly, brightly colored" sound. The review described Uzi's music as "made for in-the-moment processing", emphasizing his "effortless charisma" and "rockstar swagger".[13]
Songs
The opening track, "Do What I Want", features a "glistening trap beat" and lyrics referencing Uzi's earlier song "Money Longer".[10] Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork wrote that it introduces Uzi's "sense of newfound freedom" and includes "effortless, earwormy" hooks.[9] "Of Course We Ghetto Flowers" pairs melodic vocals with the lyric "You a broke boy got bad luck, don't even talk to me", which Pearce described as central to the tape's fascination with love and status.[9]Sputnikmusic highlighted the song's "youthful exuberance" and called it "excitingly fun".[13] Brian Duricy of PopMatters wrote that "Original Uzi (4 of Us)" showcases Uzi's confidence and "feel-good brags", while Lyons called the track "gorgeously hyperactive".[10][11] Pearce also mentioned Zaytoven's "Money Mitch" and DP Beats' "I Can Drive" as stylistic variations.[9]Sputnikmusic described "Money Mitch" as "hard-hitting" and "Sideline Watching (Hold Up)" as featuring "syrupy and bouncing vocals", observing that each track "has its own idiosyncratic ability to brighten the mood".[13] "Ronda (Winners)", produced by Metro Boomin and Cueatz, was called "one of 2016's few inventive takes" on the tropical sound by Patrick Lyons of HotNewHipHop.[11] "Seven Million", featuring Future and produced by Nard & B, contains "astronautical space screeches" and was described by Andy Kellman as a "straightforward and effective Future collaboration".[9][12]Sputnikmusic referred to it as a "speaker-slapping" highlight.[13]
Kellman of AllMusic described the mixtape as a "like-sized set of marginally lower quality" than Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, emphasizing its role in maintaining Uzi's 2016 commercial presence despite minimal stylistic development, with standout tracks like "Seven Million" and "Original Uzi (4 of Us)".[12] Lyons of HotNewHipHop acknowledged the mixtape's consistency and "gooey melodies", but felt it lacked the freshness and energy of Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, critiquing Uzi's occasionally unadventurous vocal delivery, though tracks like "Canadian Goose" and "Ronda (Winners)" were highlighted for their infectious momentum.[11]
Pearce's of Pitchfork review positioned The Perfect LUV Tape as a reaffirmation of Uzi's talent for synthesizing rap trends into a "catchy melodic soup", praising their earworm hooks and unconventional song structures, but highlighted a dip in vocal dynamism and a tendency to replicate past successes, making it less impactful than Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World.[9] Duricy of PopMatters viewed the mixtape as a step forward in Uzi's progression, calling it "more consistent than he's ever been" and commending their confident delivery and meta references, such as interpolating "Money Longer" in "Do What I Want", though he acknowledged Uzi had yet to match the potency of peers like Young Thug or 21 Savage.[10]Sputnikmusic described the mixtape as offering "nothing new stylistically" but retaining an "eccentric trap vibe" with a "bubbly, brightly colored" sound.
Track listing
Credits were adapted from the album's liner notes.[14]
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