Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Luv Is Rage
View on Wikipedia
| Luv Is Rage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixtape by | ||||
| Released | October 30, 2015 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 60:25 | |||
| Label |
| |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Lil Uzi Vert chronology | ||||
| ||||
Luv Is Rage is the second mixtape by American rapper Lil Uzi Vert. It was released on October 30, 2015, by Generation Now and Atlantic Records. The mixtape includes features from Young Thug and Wiz Khalifa. A sequel was released on August 25, 2017.
The project was reissued to the streaming services with 12 of the 16 tracks present. "Moist", "Queso", "Wit My Crew x 1987" and "Nuyork Nights at 21" are excluded.
Background
[edit]In a 2016 interview with GlobalGrindTV, Lil Uzi Vert explained the title of Luv Is Rage:
It goes two different ways. It's, like, I usually just say the one way, but it go both ways. Like 'Luv Is Rage' is, like, L-U-V: it's Lil Uzi Vert, and, like, I'm a rockstar, I am rage, like everything I do, I'm raging. And, it's more, like, you know rage is, like, it's not that good, like, raging is, like, rebellious, like, and, like, with love, like, you know, love is good. Like, but love is also bad too. It's horrible. And it was, like, a lot of songs are a little darker and stuff and, like, you can hear the stuff that I say–stuff, like, yeah–I don't know, I'm always in a bad space, even if I'm, like–I don't know, I'm crazy.[1]
The mixtape features Atlanta rapper Young Thug and fellow Pennsylvanian rapper Wiz Khalifa, whom Lil Uzi Vert considers to be one of their leading inspirations.[2]
The album cover is meant to depict Lil Uzi Vert calling their ex-girlfriend Brittany Byrd to the stage after meeting her for the first time, this is mentioned in their hit song "20 min" [3] and on the album with their song "Top" [4]
Release and promotion
[edit]The music video for the Mixtape's first track "Safe House" was released on November 10, 2015 as a WorldStarHipHop exclusive directed by Spike Jordan.[5] As of September 2024, the music video has accumulated over 122 million views.
The music video for "Super Saiyan Trunks" was released on July 8, 2015.[6] The music video features clips from Dragon Ball, a Japanese animated television series. As of September 2024, the music video has accumulated over 10 million views. In November 2020 Lil Uzi Vert teased Super Saiyan 2 on Twitter as well as playing a short clip featuring a similar beat, flow and intro as well as the similar opening line "Have you ever made 10 million dollars with your talent?" after revealing they will be revising older styles of their music on their next project.
The music video for "All My Chains" was released on February 19, 2016.[7] The music video features Lil Uzi Vert in North Philadelphia, where they were born and raised.[8] As of September 2024, the music video has accumulated over 7 million views.
Critical reception
[edit]The mixtape received generally positive reviews. Darryl Robertson of Vibe called the project "solid".[9] Rose Lilah of HotNewHipHop called the features on the mixtape "quality".[10] Kemet High of XXL said that the mixtape "depicts Uzi at [their] rawest state", and said that the project was "packed with swift melodies".[11]
Commercial performance
[edit]"7AM" spent a total of ten weeks on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, peaking at number five on August 6, 2016.[12]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Safe House" | 3:56 | ||
| 2. | "Banned from TV" |
| Charlie Heat | 6:55 |
| 3. | "Super Saiyan" |
| Slade Da Monsta | 2:27 |
| 4. | "7AM" |
|
| 3:40 |
| 5. | "Yamborghini Dream" (featuring Young Thug) | 3:48 | ||
| 6. | "Right Now" |
| Sonny Digital | 3:48 |
| 7. | "Moist" |
| 4:00 | |
| 8. | "Top" |
|
| 3:56 |
| 9. | "Queso" (featuring Wiz Khalifa) |
| 3:56 | |
| 10. | "All My Chains" |
| Slade Da Monsta | 3:29 |
| 11. | "Belly" |
|
| 3:38 |
| 12. | "Wit My Crew x 1987" |
|
| 6:21 |
| 13. | "Nuyork Nights at 21" |
| FKi 1st | 2:50 |
| 14. | "Enemies" |
| Maaly Raw | 4:08 |
| 15. | "Ballin" |
|
| 4:38 |
| 16. | "Paradise" |
| Don Cannon | 2:53 |
| Total length: | 60:25 | |||
Notes
- "Moist", "Queso", "Wit My Crew x 1987" and "Nuyork Nights at 21" are not available on streaming services.
- "Ballin" is also known as "Ballin' to the End".
Charts
[edit]Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide | October 30, 2015 |
|
[10] | |
| April 21, 2018 | LP | [15] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Lil Uzi Vert On Loving Marilyn Manson, Facetiming KimYe, Battling Wiz Khalifa". GlobalGrindTV. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
- ^ C.M., Emmanuel (March 27, 2015). "The Break Presents: Lil Uzi Vert". XXL Mag. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
- ^ Lil Uzi Vert – 20 Min, retrieved January 29, 2025 by Zayaan Qureshi
- ^ Lil Uzi Vert – Top, retrieved January 29, 2025 by Zayaan Qureshi
- ^ WORLDSTARHIPHOP (November 10, 2015). "Lil Uzi Vert "Safe House" (WSHH Exclusive - Official Music Video)". YouTube. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
- ^ LIL UZI VERT (July 8, 2015). "Lil Uzi Vert - Super Saiyan Trunks (Prod. By Slade Da Monsta)". YouTube. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
- ^ LIL UZI VERT (February 19, 2016). "Lil Uzi - All My Chains (Official Video)". YouTube. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
- ^ HIPHOPSINCE1987TV (July 31, 2014), Lil Uzi Vert Talks 'The Real Uzi' Mixtape, Collaborating With Kur & More With HHS1987, retrieved July 14, 2020
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Robertson, Darryl (October 30, 2015). "The Real Talk Of Philly: Lil Uzi Vert's 'Luv Is Rage' Album". Vibe. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
- ^ a b "Luv is Rage". HotNewHipHop. October 30, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
- ^ High, Kemet (April 22, 2020). "Lil Uzi Vert Projects Worth Listening to and Those to Skip". XXL. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
- ^ "Lil Uzi Vert". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
- ^ "Lista prodaje 17. tjedan 2024" (in Croatian). Top of the Shops. May 1, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista (fizikai hanghordozók) – 2024. 17. hét". MAHASZ. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ "Lil Uzi Vert - Luv Is Rage". Discogs. April 21, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
Luv Is Rage
View on GrokipediaBackground and recording
Concept and inspiration
Luv Is Rage derives its title from the emotional duality of love and rage, concepts deeply rooted in Lil Uzi Vert's personal experiences with relationships and inner turmoil. This interplay reflects the mixtape's introspective exploration of passion's volatile nature, blending vulnerability with frustration in tracks that alternate between melodic introspection and aggressive energy.[1] The project's inspiration stems from Uzi's challenging upbringing in North Philadelphia's Francisville neighborhood, where he navigated a gritty environment that shaped his raw, explicit style. Influenced by local rap icons like Beanie Sigel and State Property—music his father played—Uzi adapted to the city's tough dynamics, which he described as fostering division among artists: "Everybody really don’t rock with each other in Philly—that’s a problem."[6] Early career struggles intensified this thematic foundation; after dropping out of high school, forming and disbanding a rap group called Steaktown, and facing brief employment followed by homelessness after being kicked out by his mother, Uzi committed fully to music, getting a "Faith" tattoo as a symbol of resolve.[7] These hardships, coupled with his shift from writing lyrics to freestyling for emotional freedom—"I found out by me not writing down the music, it was more free"—infused Luv Is Rage with authentic turmoil and ambition.[6] A pivotal moment came in 2015 when Uzi signed with Generation Now in a joint venture with Atlantic Records, providing the platform to channel his personal narrative into a debut commercial mixtape. This deal, secured amid his rising buzz from independent releases like The Real Uzi, allowed Luv Is Rage to embody an introspective tone born from his decision to forgo traditional paths for a precarious music pursuit, marking his breakthrough.[8][5] The mixtape's themes of emotional conflict established a blueprint for continuity in sequels like Luv Is Rage 2.Recording sessions
The recording sessions for Luv Is Rage took place primarily in 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia, spanning several months leading up to the mixtape's October 30 release. The project was mixed during this period, reflecting Lil Uzi Vert's growing ties to Atlanta's hip-hop scene despite his Philadelphia roots. Key collaborators included producers Don Cannon and Maaly Raw, who handled beats for multiple tracks, while Uzi maintained hands-on involvement in songwriting his verses across the project.[1] Engineer Kesha Lee, who began working with Uzi that year, oversaw vocal recordings, employing a line-by-line approach where Uzi would select beats—often sent via email—and punch in lyrics iteratively, sometimes using phone voice memos for initial ideas.[9] Sessions incorporated features from Young Thug on "Yamborghini Dream" and Wiz Khalifa on "Queso," with early demos evolving into finalized cuts amid Uzi's accelerating buzz from prior releases like The Real Uzi.[1] The process highlighted Uzi's improvisational style, though his rising profile introduced logistical hurdles, such as balancing studio time with increasing tour demands.[10]Music and production
Musical style and themes
Luv Is Rage showcases a fusion of trap, emo rap, and rock elements that defined Lil Uzi Vert's breakthrough sound in 2015, marked by heavily auto-tuned vocals and fluid, melodic flows that prioritize emotional delivery over traditional rap aggression. Drawing from Atlanta trap's booming 808s and synth-driven beats, the mixtape incorporates emo rap's introspective vulnerability and rock's anthemic energy, creating a high-energy yet confessional aesthetic. Uzi's influences from emo bands like Paramore and My Chemical Romance infuse his performances with punk-inflected rebellion and theatrical flair, distinguishing the project from conventional hip-hop contemporaries.[11][12][4] Lyrically, the mixtape delves into themes of love, betrayal, wealth, and aggression, often blending personal turmoil with braggadocio. Tracks like "Safe House" highlight romantic vulnerability, as Uzi raps about impulsive intimacy and the risks of trust in relationships, with lines such as "Fucked on that stripper bitch / Hit that bitch without a condom" underscoring fleeting connections amid danger. In contrast, "All My Chains" embodies materialistic rage, flaunting opulent jewelry and designer wear while asserting dominance, exemplified by boasts like "On the block with all my chains on / On the block with all my rings on" amid threats of violence. These themes reflect Uzi's navigation of fame's highs and lows, portraying love as both sanctuary and snare.[13][14][4] The project marks an evolution from Uzi's earlier, underground mixtapes like The Real Uzi, where raw freestyles gave way to more structured, genre-blending compositions that integrate punk attitude and pop culture nods.[5] Anime references, particularly from Dragon Ball Z, appear prominently in "Super Saiyan," where Uzi channels the series' transformative power into metaphors for his rising success and intensity, rapping "Lil Uzi go Super Saiyan" to evoke Trunks' iconic form. This incorporation of nerdy, escapist elements alongside trap's grit helped solidify Uzi's eccentric persona, bridging subcultures in a way that foreshadowed emo rap's mainstream ascent. Production techniques, such as layered auto-tune and dynamic tempo shifts, further enhance these melodic and thematic layers without overshadowing the artistic intent.[15][16][4]Production and personnel
The production of Luv Is Rage was handled by a roster of prominent trap producers, with Don Cannon serving as executive producer alongside Generation Now LLC and DJ Drama as executive producer and A&R. An initial 16-track version was shared on SoundCloud, but four tracks ("Moist," "Queso," "Wit My Crew x 1987," and "Nuyork Nights at 21") were omitted from the official release due to clearance issues, resulting in 12 tracks clocking in at a total runtime of 43:15. The mixtape was primarily recorded and mixed by engineer Kesha "K. Lee" Lee, with additional mixing by Don Cannon on select tracks.[17] Key producers included Charlie Heat on "Banned From TV," Sonny Digital on "Right Now," and Don Cannon, who handled multiple beats such as "Safe House" (co-produced with Maaly Raw), "Top," and "Paradise." Other notable production credits encompassed TM88 on "Yamborghini Dream," Slade Da Monsta on "Super Saiyan" and "All My Chains," and DP Beats on "7AM."[17]| Track | Title | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safe House | Don Cannon, Maaly Raw |
| 2 | Banned From TV | Charlie Heat |
| 3 | Super Saiyan | Slade Da Monsta |
| 4 | 7AM | DP Beats |
| 5 | Yamborghini Dream (feat. Young Thug) | TM88 |
| 6 | Right Now | Sonny Digital |
| 7 | Top | Don Cannon, Treez Lowkey (co-producer) |
| 8 | All My Chains | Slade Da Monsta |
| 9 | Belly | Bobby Kritical, DJ Plugg |
| 10 | Enemies | Maaly Raw |
| 11 | Ballin | V12 The Hitman |
| 12 | Paradise | Don Cannon |
Release and promotion
Announcement and marketing
Lil Uzi Vert's signing to DJ Drama and Don Cannon's Generation Now imprint, in partnership with Atlantic Records, was announced in a joint statement in 2015, positioning the upcoming mixtape as a major debut project for the emerging Philadelphia rapper.[18][19] This endorsement from Drama, who co-founded the label and executive-produced the project alongside Cannon, highlighted Uzi's rising buzz after his discovery on Philadelphia radio in 2014 and his prior independent work.[19] Marketing efforts emphasized digital accessibility, with the mixtape made available for free streaming on SoundCloud starting around late October 2015, aligning with the era's SoundCloud rap movement and allowing rapid fan dissemination.[12] Atlantic Records amplified the hype through coordinated promotion, leveraging Uzi's growing social media presence to build anticipation without traditional physical distribution at launch, as the project remained digital-only initially.[19] This strategy culminated in the official digital release on October 30, 2015, via Generation Now and Atlantic.[1] Promotional tie-ins included media coverage, such as discussions on platforms like DJ Akademiks' show, which helped contextualize Uzi's unique style ahead of the drop.Singles and music videos
The lead singles from Luv Is Rage included "7AM," "Safe House," "Super Saiyan Trunks," and "All My Chains," which served as key promotional tracks building anticipation for the mixtape's October 2015 release. "7AM," produced by Metro Boomin, DP Beats, and Xay Scott, emerged as an early standout, peaking at number 105 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and highlighting Lil Uzi Vert's melodic flow over trap beats.[20][21] "Safe House," the mixtape's opening track produced by Don Cannon and Maaly Raw, emphasized themes of protection and street life, while "Super Saiyan Trunks" (later shortened to "Super Saiyan" on the project) drew from anime influences to convey energetic transformation and bravado, produced by Slade da Monsta. "All My Chains," also produced by Slade da Monsta, focused on material success and excess, reinforcing the mixtape's motifs of rage-fueled ambition.[1] Music videos for these singles amplified the mixtape's high-energy aesthetics, often featuring raw, street-oriented visuals that tied into the "rage" theme through dynamic performances and urban settings. The video for "Super Saiyan Trunks" was released on July 8, 2015, via Lil Uzi Vert's official YouTube channel, showcasing the rapper in fast-paced, chaotic scenes that mirrored the track's explosive energy and has since amassed over 10 million views.[22] Directed with a gritty, DIY vibe, it captured Uzi's animated delivery amid flashing lights and rapid cuts, emphasizing the transformative "super saiyan" persona central to his early image. Similarly, the "Safe House" video, directed by Spike Jordan and premiered on November 4, 2015, transported viewers into a trap house environment, with Uzi navigating dimly lit rooms and interactions that evoked paranoia and invincibility, accumulating approximately 3.6 million views.[23][24] The "All My Chains" video followed on February 19, 2016, also on the official channel, depicting Uzi in his North Philadelphia hometown amid chains and luxury displays, underscoring themes of triumph over adversity with a high-octane, reflective tone that aligned with the mixtape's emotional intensity; it has garnered over 7.7 million views to date.[25] These visuals, characterized by bold colors, quick edits, and Uzi's expressive physicality, collectively promoted the project's raw aggression while establishing his visual style as an extension of the rage-infused narrative.Commercial performance
Chart positions
Upon its initial release in 2015, Luv Is Rage did not achieve major chart placements in the United States, primarily because it was issued as a free mixtape via platforms such as DatPiff and was ineligible for the Billboard 200, which at the time required commercial sales or streaming equivalents from paid sources. The project gained traction through underground distribution, but formal chart recognition was limited to individual tracks. Notably, the single "7AM" marked an early breakthrough, spending 10 weeks on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart and peaking at number 5 (equivalent to #105 on the extended Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart) as of August 6, 2016. In 2024, nearly a decade later, Luv Is Rage experienced a resurgence driven by increased streaming activity and the limited-edition splatter vinyl reissue for Record Store Day on April 20 (limited to 4,500 copies), which boosted physical sales and led to delayed international chart entries.[26][27] The mixtape debuted and peaked at number 33 on the Croatian International Albums chart (HDU). It also reached number 39 on the Hungarian Physical Albums chart (MAHASZ). These late peaks highlight the enduring appeal of Lil Uzi Vert's early work amid renewed interest from younger audiences via social media platforms and vinyl collecting trends.[28]| Chart (2024) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Croatian International Albums (HDU) | 33 |
| Hungarian Physical Albums (MAHASZ) | 39 |
Sales and certifications
Luv Is Rage, as Lil Uzi Vert's major label debut mixtape, garnered success primarily through digital streaming and downloads rather than conventional album sales. The project was initially distributed for free on platforms like SoundCloud and DatPiff, allowing it to build a substantial fanbase organically before Uzi's full transition to major label support. A limited-edition yellow vinyl reissue was released on April 21, 2018, by Atlantic Records and Generation Now, providing a physical collectible edition limited to 2,500 numbered copies.[29][30] While the mixtape did not receive major certifications upon its 2015 release, its enduring streaming performance reflects the shift in music industry metrics toward streaming equivalents during Uzi's early career. In contrast, his post-Atlantic growth was evident with the 2017 album Luv Is Rage 2, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 135,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 107,000 from streaming—demonstrating a marked increase in commercial scale under major label backing.[31]Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in late 2015, Luv Is Rage garnered positive to mixed reception from hip-hop publications, with critics highlighting its high-energy vibe and Lil Uzi Vert's emerging charisma as signs of breakout potential, though some noted repetitive flows. XXL's 2016 Freshman Class profile credited Luv Is Rage with elevating Uzi to hip-hop's new rock star status, highlighting his carefree attitude.[32] Mixed feedback centered on production choices and vocal effects, as Sputnikmusic's Raymond Pelayo observed in early 2016 that while the project offered "truly entertaining, fun tracks" showcasing Uzi's youthful vigor—particularly in "Safe House" for its bass-rattling charisma—resulting in a 2.5 out of 5 rating and calling it solid but ordinary.[4] HotNewHipHop lauded the mixtape's "vibrant swag" across diverse beats in its year-end roundup.[33] User ratings on Album of the Year averaged 68/100, underscoring its immediate impact as an energetic introduction to Uzi's sound without widespread formal critic acclaim.[34]Retrospective assessments
In the years following its 2015 release, Luv Is Rage has been reevaluated as a cornerstone of Lil Uzi Vert's early career, often cited for capturing his nascent raw energy and introducing a gritty trap sound that defined his breakout despite the mixtape's lack of initial chart success. Discussions in 2020 highlighted its enduring replay value and freshness, with tracks like "Top" and "7AM" still resonating for their moody beats and versatile flows that marked a pivotal shift in rap's SoundCloud era.[35] Fans appreciated how it stayed true to Uzi's fun, unpolished attitude while foreshadowing his broader appeal, even as some noted omissions like "NuYork Nights at 21" due to sampling clearance issues. By 2025, marking a decade since its debut, retrospective analyses have lauded Luv Is Rage for pioneering the emo-trap fusion, blending melodic vulnerability with high-energy anthems in a way that influenced subsequent artists like Playboi Carti.[36] User reviews on Album of the Year have described it as a strong early trap project with elements foreshadowing emo-trap, emphasizing its role in Uzi's evolution from underground mixtape to mainstream force.[37] This perspective underscores the project's unique position, as Uzi's voice became more pitched and refined post-2015, making the original's raw delivery a timeless hallmark.[38] Criticisms in these later assessments often point to the production feeling dated or less refined compared to Uzi's mid-2010s peak, with some tracks perceived as slow or inconsistent in hindsight. Nonetheless, the mixtape's enduring appeal lies in its unfiltered energy and nostalgic charm, positioning it as a no-skip SoundCloud classic in Uzi's discography for many listeners. Building briefly on its contemporary reception, these reevaluations affirm how initial praise for its innovative vibe has deepened over time into recognition of its foundational impact.Track listing
Standard edition
The standard edition of Luv Is Rage, released on October 30, 2015, by Generation Now and Atlantic Records, features 12 tracks with a total runtime of 43:15.[2]| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Safe House" | 3:56 | |
| 2 | "Banned from TV" | 2:57 | |
| 3 | "Super Saiyan" | 2:27 | |
| 4 | "7AM" | 3:40 | |
| 5 | "Yamborghini Dream" | Young Thug | 3:49 |
| 6 | "Right Now" | 3:48 | |
| 7 | "Top" | 3:54 | |
| 8 | "All My Chains" | 3:29 | |
| 9 | "Belly" | 3:38 | |
| 10 | "Enemies" | 4:08 | |
| 11 | "Ballin' to the End" | 4:38 | |
| 12 | "Paradise" | 2:53 |
