Lil Uzi Vert is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter born Symere Bysil Woods on July 31, 1994, in Philadelphia. Known for their face tattoos, unique fashion sense, and genre-blending music that fuses emo rap, trap, and rock influences, Uzi has released four studio albums, including the chart-topping “Luv Is Rage 2,” “Eternal Atake,” “Pink Tape,” and “Eternal Atake 2.”
Who Is Lil Uzi Vert?
Lil Uzi Vert stands out as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary hip-hop. Born in Philadelphia’s Francisville neighborhood, they transformed from a high school student dabbling in rap to a multi-platinum artist who redefined what it means to be a rapper in the 2020s.
The name “Lil Uzi Vert” comes from how someone described their rap flow—fast, like a machine gun. The “Vert” part stands for vertical, representing their ambition to rise to the top. This name perfectly captures the rapid-fire delivery and upward trajectory that would define their career.
Standing at 5’4″, Uzi makes up for their height with an outsized personality and fearless artistic vision. They cite influences ranging from Marilyn Manson and Paramore to Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa, creating a unique sound that bridges rap and rock.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Symere Woods grew up surrounded by Philadelphia’s vibrant music scene, but didn’t start rapping until 10th grade. After hearing classmate William Aston freestyle, Woods became hooked. The two formed a rap group called Steaktown, which disbanded when Woods was 17.
Life got harder after the split. Woods dropped out of school and briefly worked at Bottom Dollar Food before getting fired after just four days. Their mother kicked them out of the house. At barely 18 years old, Woods was out of school, jobless, and homeless.
This low point pushed them to commit fully to music. They got their first face tattoo—the word “Faith” just below the hairline—and started taking rap seriously. They initially performed under the name “Sealab Vertical” before shortening it to Lil Uzi Vert.
Woods released their first project, the EP “Purple Thoughtz Vol. 1,” on January 19, 2014. The psychedelic, cloud rap production caught attention, and the single “White Shit” later went viral in 2017 after Uzi entered the mainstream.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Uzi’s career accelerated in 2015 when they caught the attention of Don Cannon after releasing “Dej Loaf,” a tribute track to the Detroit vocalist. Cannon, along with DJ Drama and Leighton Morrison, signed Uzi to Generation Now, an imprint under Atlantic Records.
In February 2016, Uzi released “Money Longer” on SoundCloud following a radio debut on Shade 45. The track became an instant hit, debuting at number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually reaching number 54. It was certified double platinum and introduced Uzi’s melodic style to a wider audience.
Two months later, Uzi dropped “Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World,” their third mixtape and first commercial release. The project debuted at number 37 on the Billboard 200 and spent 55 weeks on the chart. Singles “You Was Right” and “Ps and Qs” both charted, with “You Was Right” peaking at number 40.
In June 2016, Uzi appeared in XXL magazine’s prestigious Freshman Class alongside Denzel Curry, Lil Yachty, and 21 Savage. By the end of the year, they secured their first number-one hit as a featured artist on Migos’ “Bad and Boujee,” which dominated radio and became a cultural phenomenon.
XO Tour Llif3: The Defining Moment
If one song defines Lil Uzi Vert’s impact on hip-hop, it’s “XO Tour Llif3.” Released on SoundCloud on February 26, 2017, as part of the EP “Luv Is Rage 1.5,” the track quickly amassed millions of plays and spawned the viral “Lil Uzi Vert Challenge.”
The song emerged from personal tragedy. Producer TM88 created the beat on outdated equipment after losing his laptop during the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting in January 2017. Uzi wrote the lyrics after breaking up with girlfriend Brittany Byrd, processing heartbreak, suicidal thoughts, and Xanax abuse.
The iconic line “Push me to the edge / All my friends are dead” became an anthem for a generation dealing with mental health struggles and substance abuse. The phrase about friends being “dead” cleverly referenced deceased presidents on money, but it resonated on a deeper level with listeners facing real loss and depression.
“XO Tour Llif3” peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Uzi’s highest-charting solo single at the time. The song generated over 1.3 billion streams by September 2017 and has since surpassed 2 billion streams across platforms. It earned Uzi an MTV Video Music Award for Song of the Summer.
The track’s influence on hip-hop cannot be overstated. It helped popularize emo rap, encouraging artists to be more vulnerable and open about mental health. The melodic approach and emotional rawness became a template for countless artists who followed.
Studio Albums and Discography
Luv Is Rage 2 (2017)
Uzi’s debut studio album arrived on August 25, 2017, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with 135,000 album-equivalent units. The project featured “XO Tour Llif3” as its lead single and included collaborations with The Weeknd, Oh Wonder, and Pharrell Williams.
The album showcased Uzi’s range, from the introspective “The Way Life Goes” (which peaked at number 12 on the Hot 100) to the energetic “444+222.” Critics praised the album’s emotional depth and melodic innovation. It was certified double platinum by March 2019.
Eternal Atake (2020)
After years of delays, leaks, and fan anticipation, “Eternal Atake” dropped on March 6, 2020, right as the world entered pandemic lockdowns. The album debuted at number one with 288,000 album-equivalent units, making it Uzi’s biggest commercial success.
The sci-fi concept album featured singles “Futsal Shuffle 2020” and “That Way.” Uzi released a deluxe edition just one week later, titled “Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World 2,” which added 14 new tracks with features from NAV, 21 Savage, Future, and Gunna. This deluxe edition also debuted at number one.
Uzi later revealed that the original “Eternal Atake” wasn’t what they intended. Much of the music leaked before release, forcing them to recreate the album. They called the final version “dumbed down” compared to their original vision.
Pink Tape (2023)
Released on June 30, 2023, “Pink Tape” marked a sonic shift for Uzi. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 167,000 album-equivalent units. Lead single “Just Wanna Rock” went viral on TikTok, showcasing Uzi’s ability to adapt to new platforms and trends.
The Jersey club-inspired production on tracks like “Just Wanna Rock” introduced Uzi to younger audiences while maintaining their core fanbase. The album received mixed reviews, with some praising the experimentation and others missing the emotional vulnerability of earlier work.
Eternal Atake 2 (2024)
Uzi’s fourth studio album arrived on November 1, 2024, as a sequel to their most successful project. Despite the anticipation, “Eternal Atake 2” received underwhelming reviews and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 with only 59,000 album-equivalent units.
Critics noted that the album felt rushed and lacked the quality control of Uzi’s earlier work. The sole feature from Big Time Rush disappointed fans who expected more collaborations. Many longtime fans felt the project was a step backward, leading to debates about Uzi’s artistic direction.
The $24 Million Diamond Controversy
In January 2021, Uzi made headlines worldwide by announcing they had a natural pink diamond implanted in their forehead. They claimed the 10-11 carat gem cost $24 million, and they had been paying for it since 2017.
Jeweler Elliot Eliantte engineered a special mounting system using precious metals to securely attach the diamond. The mechanism involved millimeter precision to create what was essentially an advanced piercing rather than surgical implantation.
Uzi explained the decision by saying they were afraid they’d lose the diamond if it were on a ring. They also revealed later that the idea came from watching “Steven Universe,” a cartoon where a character had a pink diamond in their belly button. Since Uzi didn’t have that piercing, they put it on their forehead instead.
The implant caused immediate concerns. Uzi posted (then deleted) a photo showing blood leaking around the diamond, warning they “could die” if it wasn’t removed properly. Insurance companies initially refused to cover it, viewing it as too risky.
In July 2021, the inevitable happened. While crowd-surfing at Rolling Loud Miami, fans ripped the diamond out of Uzi’s forehead. “I jumped into the crowd and they kind of ripped it out,” Uzi told TMZ. Fortunately, they suffered no serious facial damage and kept the diamond. A barbell piercing now sits in its place.
Fashion Icon and Gender Expression
Lil Uzi Vert has become as influential in fashion as in music. They regularly wear brands like Rick Owens, Balenciaga, Off-White, and Goyard, mixing luxury labels with streetwear in unexpected ways.
Uzi embraces androgynous fashion, often wearing pieces from both men’s and women’s collections. As they explained in an interview, “I bought everything in the men’s section,” which pushed them to explore different styles. They’re known for carrying designer purses, wearing skirts with suits, and challenging traditional gender norms in hip-hop.
In July 2022, shortly after International Non-Binary Day, Uzi updated their Instagram pronouns to they/them. They later wore a shirt reading “they/them” and addressed their identity in a 2023 interview: “Taking the time to figure out who you are is a big part of what it means to be alive.”
Their fashion choices range from distressed streetwear to high-fashion runway pieces. At the 2021 Met Gala, Uzi wore a distressed suit paired with a pleated skirt and the infamous forehead diamond, making headlines for the bold look.
Face modifications also define Uzi’s aesthetic. Beyond the temporary forehead diamond, they have multiple face tattoos, facial piercings, and constantly changing hairstyles that range from blonde dreads to colorful variations.
Musical Style and Influences
Uzi’s sound defies easy categorization. They blend trap, emo rap, punk rap, and elements of rock into a distinctive style. Their nasal vocal tone and melodic delivery set them apart from traditional Philadelphia rappers.
Rock influences run deep. Uzi cites Marilyn Manson as a major inspiration, calling Manson’s 1998 album “Mechanical Animals” their favorite. They also draw from bands like Paramore and My Chemical Romance, bringing emotional vulnerability typically associated with emo and punk rock into hip-hop.
Production choices often feature rapid hi-hats, 808 bass, and atmospheric synths. Uzi works frequently with producers like TM88, Maaly Raw, Metro Boomin, and Brandon Finessin. The beats provide space for Uzi’s rapid-fire delivery and melodic hooks.
Lyrically, Uzi focuses on personal struggles, relationships, drug use, and material success. They’re unafraid to discuss mental health, heartbreak, and vulnerability—topics that weren’t always acceptable in mainstream rap.
Critics have consistently praised Uzi’s willingness to experiment. Complex called them “one of those names to pay attention to,” while Noisey described them as “articulately charismatic” and a “natural entertainer” pushing hip-hop forward.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2025, Lil Uzi Vert’s net worth is estimated between $25 million and $40 million, depending on the source. Between September 2017 and September 2018 alone, they earned $20 million, making them one of the highest-paid rappers that year.
Music streaming generates significant income. With over 24 billion streams on Spotify and millions more across Apple Music and YouTube, Uzi earns millions annually from digital platforms. “XO Tour Llif3” alone has been streamed over 2 billion times.
Live performances are another major revenue source. Uzi commands between $60,000 and $200,000 per show, depending on the venue. Their energetic performances and dedicated fanbase ensure sold-out shows worldwide.
Fashion collaborations supplement music income. Uzi launched their clothing line “Uzi vs. The World” in 2017, offering streetwear-inspired apparel. They’ve partnered with brands like Puma, Piaget, and Marc Jacobs for limited-edition drops.
Real estate investments show financial savvy. In May 2021, Uzi purchased a $4.4 million mansion in Bell Canyon, California. The five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom home sits on 1.5 acres with a pool, jacuzzi, and mountain views.
Personal Life and Relationships
Uzi dated fashion designer Brittany Byrd from 2014 to 2017. Their relationship heavily influenced Uzi’s music, particularly “XO Tour Llif3,” which was written after their breakup. Byrd appeared in the “Money Longer” music video.
Since 2021, Uzi has been in an on-again, off-again relationship with JT of City Girls. The couple frequently makes headlines with their public displays of affection and social media interactions. In 2024, Uzi reportedly used cryptocurrency (Ethereum) to buy JT a car, showing their commitment to both the relationship and emerging technologies.
Tragedies have shaped Uzi’s journey. After Lil Peep died in 2017, Uzi announced they were quitting drugs and pursuing sobriety. When XXXTentacion was shot and killed in 2018, Uzi called for rappers to unite against gun violence.
Health concerns emerged in April 2025 when Uzi was hospitalized in New York City after falling ill. They were transported from a Lower Manhattan hotel to the hospital, accompanied by JT. While conscious during the incident, specific details about their condition weren’t disclosed publicly.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Lil Uzi Vert’s influence extends far beyond chart positions. They helped mainstream emo rap, making it acceptable for male rappers to express vulnerability and discuss mental health openly. This shift changed hip-hop’s emotional landscape.
Fashion impact is equally significant. Uzi’s androgynous style challenged hip-hop’s traditional masculinity, opening doors for artists to express themselves more freely. Their willingness to wear skirts, carry purses, and embrace non-binary identity has influenced a generation of younger artists.
The SoundCloud era owes much to Uzi’s success. Along with artists like Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, and Juice WRLD, Uzi proved that internet-native artists could achieve mainstream success without traditional industry gatekeeping.
Zane Lowe, Apple Music’s global creative director, called Uzi “the king of the kids,” noting how they speak directly to younger audiences. Lowe predicted that Uzi would influence future trends and attitudes, though they would always stay ahead of the curve.
Recent Projects and What’s Next
As of late 2024, Uzi’s career trajectory remains uncertain. The lukewarm reception to “Eternal Atake 2” raised questions about their artistic direction. Uzi has a pattern of calling their own albums “trash” after negative fan reactions, which happened with “Eternal Atake,” “Pink Tape,” and now “Eternal Atake 2.”
Retirement rumors surface periodically. In August 2024, Uzi announced plans to retire after releasing “Luv Is Rage 3,” stating they wanted to “live a normal life.” However, they quickly backtracked and released “Eternal Atake 2” instead, suggesting retirement may not be imminent.
Future projects remain speculative. Uzi has mentioned “Luv Is Rage 3” multiple times as a potential final album. They’ve also teased “Forever Young” and other concepts, though release dates are unclear.
Concert performances continue. Despite the diamond incident, Uzi maintains an active touring schedule, headlining festivals and venues worldwide. Their energetic stage presence and loyal fanbase ensure strong ticket sales.
Controversies and Criticism
Beyond the forehead diamond, Uzi has faced various controversies. They’ve been accused of promoting Satanism due to references in their music and social media. Battle rapper Daylyt first made the accusation, citing Uzi’s Marilyn Manson influence and use of phrases like “666.” At one point, Uzi’s record label temporarily took control of their Instagram due to satanic content.
A riot broke out at South by Southwest in March 2016 during a Uzi set, caused by fighting in the crowd. While not directly Uzi’s fault, the incident highlighted the intense energy their performances generate.
Label disputes have affected release schedules. In early 2019, Uzi announced they were quitting music due to conflicts with their label, disappointing fans. The decision was quickly reversed, but it demonstrated the business pressures artists face.
Some critics argue Uzi’s music has declined in quality since “Eternal Atake.” Fan reactions to “Pink Tape” and “Eternal Atake 2” were mixed at best, with many longtime supporters feeling the spark had faded.
Awards and Recognition
While not heavily awarded compared to some peers, Uzi has received significant recognition:
- 2018 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist
- 2017 MTV Video Music Award for Song of the Summer (“XO Tour Llif3”)
- XXL Freshman Class (2016)
- Multiple BET Hip Hop Award nominations
- Certified platinum and multi-platinum albums
Chart success tells a bigger story. Four number-one albums, multiple top-10 singles, and billions of streams demonstrate commercial impact that transcends award shows.
FAQs
How old is Lil Uzi Vert?
Lil Uzi Vert was born on July 31, 1994, making them 30 years old as of 2025.
What does Lil Uzi Vert mean?
The name comes from how someone described their rap flow as “fast, like a machine gun” (Uzi). “Vert” stands for vertical, representing their ambition to rise.
What happened to Lil Uzi Vert’s forehead diamond?
The $24 million pink diamond was ripped out by fans when Uzi crowd-surfed at Rolling Loud Miami in July 2021. They still have the diamond, but wear a regular barbell piercing now.
What are Lil Uzi Vert’s pronouns?
Lil Uzi Vert uses they/them pronouns and publicly came out as non-binary in 2022.
What is Lil Uzi Vert’s biggest song?
“XO Tour Llif3” is their most successful and influential track, with over 2 billion streams and a peak position of number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.
Is Lil Uzi Vert still making music?
Yes, they released “Eternal Atake 2” in November 2024. Despite periodic retirement announcements, Uzi continues making music and performing.
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