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Only Built for Infinity Links
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| Only Built for Infinity Links | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 7, 2022 | |||
| Recorded | 2021–2022 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 59:14 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| Quavo chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Takeoff chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Only Built for Infinity Links | ||||
| ||||
Only Built for Infinity Links is the only studio album by American hip hop duo Unc & Phew, consisting of Quavo and Takeoff. It was released through Quality Control Music and Motown on October 7, 2022. The album contains guest appearances from Mustard, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Young Thug, Gunna, Summer Walker, Birdman, and Gucci Mane.[1] It was the last project released in Takeoff's lifetime as he was shot and killed just 25 days after the album's release on November 1, 2022.
Background
[edit]Quavo and Takeoff worked on the album over a two-year period and "modeled elements of the cover art" on Kanye West and Jay-Z's collaboration for Watch the Throne (2011) as well as Outkast’s album Stankonia (2000). The title is a reference to Raekwon's 1995 debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., with Takeoff claiming that Raekwon approved of the title, as well as a reference to the "unbreakable bond" that Quavo and Takeoff have as uncle and nephew, respectively.[1] The album was notably made without input from Offset of Migos despite no formal split of the trio; Quavo also stated in an interview that he would like to see his and Takeoff's career "as a duo".[2][3]
Critical reception
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 70/100[4] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [5] |
| Clash | 8/10[6] |
| HipHopDX | 3.7/5[7] |
| Pitchfork | 7.0/10[8] |
| Slant Magazine |  [9] |
Only Built for Infinity Links received positive reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 70, based on six reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[4]
AllMusic praised the album, writing that the duo "delivers the unfazable personality and triplet flows that made their group famous."[5] Robin Murray of Clash praised the album's variety and the two artists' creativity, describing it as "packed with highlights" and calling it a "record that blazes with life".[6] Similarly, HipHopDX's Peter Berry wrote, "Offset or no Offset, Quavo and Takeoff's stylistic DNA holds steady. It's home-grown. It's theirs, and it's as potent as ever."[7]
Commercial performance
[edit]Only Built for Infinity Links debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning 33,000 album-equivalent units (including 2,500 copies in pure album sales) in its first week.[10] The album also accumulated a total of 41.1 million on-demand streams of the album's songs.[10]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Two Infinity Links" | 2:09 | ||
| 2. | "Tony Starks" |
|
| 2:28 |
| 3. | "Hotel Lobby" |
|
| 2:22 |
| 4. | "Bars into Captions" |
|
| 2:47 |
| 5. | "See Bout It" (with Mustard) |
| 3:00 | |
| 6. | "To the Bone" (with YoungBoy Never Broke Again) |
|
| 4:43 |
| 7. | "Not Out" |
|
| 2:57 |
| 8. | "Chocolate" (with Young Thug and Gunna) |
|
| 3:28 |
| 9. | "2.30" |
| Zaytoven | 3:26 |
| 10. | "Look @ This" |
|
| 3:16 |
| 11. | "Mixy" (with Summer Walker) |
|
| 4:30 |
| 12. | "Messy" |
|
| 2:57 |
| 13. | "Nothing Changed" |
|
| 3:19 |
| 14. | "Integration" |
| Atake, DJ Durel | 3:27 |
| 15. | "Big Stunna" (with Birdman) |
|
| 3:37 |
| 16. | "Us vs. Them" (with Gucci Mane) |
|
| 3:36 |
| 17. | "Hell Yeah" |
|
| 3:33 |
| 18. | "Tools" |
|
| 3:39 |
| Total length: | 59:14 | |||
Personnel
[edit]Performers
- Quavo – rap vocals
- Takeoff – rap vocals
- YoungBoy Never Broke Again – rap vocals (track 6)
- DJ Durel – keyboards (7–10, 12, 15, 16, 18), programming (7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18)
- Gunna – rap vocals (8)
- Young Thug – rap vocals (8)
- Summer Walker – vocals (11)
- Birdman – rap vocals (15)
Technical
- Colin Leonard – mastering
- Larry Anthony – mastering (15, 16)
- DJ Durel – mixing (1–17), engineering (all tracks)
- Quavo – mixing (1–17)
- Mike Dean – mixing (18)
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[23] | Gold | 7,500‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b Rouhani, Neena (October 7, 2022). "Takeoff & Quavo Release 'Only Built for Infinity Links' Album: Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ Geraghty, Hollie (October 6, 2022). "Quavo and Takeoff tease future of Migos without Offset". NME. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ Akanido, Don (October 19, 2022). "Quavo & Takeoff – Only Built For Infinity Links Lyrics and Tracklist". Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
- ^ a b "Only Built for Infinity Links by Quavo". Metacritic. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
- ^ a b Staff, TiVo. "Only Built for Infinity Links - Quavo, Takeoff". AllMusic. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
- ^ a b Murray, Robin (October 7, 2022). "Quavo and Takeoff – Only Built For Infinity Links". Clash. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
- ^ a b Berry, Peter (October 14, 2022). "Quavo & Takeoff 'Only Built for Infinity Links' Soars in Spite of Offset's Absence". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
- ^ Green, Dylan (October 20, 2022). "Quavo / Takeoff: Only Built for Infinity Links". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
- ^ Attard, Paul (October 10, 2022). "Quavo & Takeoff Only Built for Infinity Links Review: Two-Thirds of More of the Same". Slant Magazine. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
- ^ a b "Quavo & Takeoff's 'Links' Launches at No. 1 on Top Rap Albums Chart". Billboard. October 20, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Quavo & Takeoff – Only Built for Infinity Links" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Quavo & Takeoff – Only Built for Infinity Links" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
- ^ "Quavo Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Quavo & Takeoff – Only Built for Infinity Links" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
- ^ "Lescharts.com – Quavo & Takeoff – Only Built for Infinity Links". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
- ^ "Nigeria Top 50 Albums". www.turntablecharts.com. TurnTable. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Quavo & Takeoff – Only Built for Infinity Links". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
- ^ "Quavo Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
- ^ "Quavo Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
- ^ "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Quavo And Takeoff – Only Built for Infinity Links". Radioscope. Retrieved September 26, 2025. Type Only Built for Infinity Links in the "Search:" field.
Only Built for Infinity Links
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background and recording
Conception and development
Quavo and Takeoff, members of the hip-hop group Migos, formed the duo Unc & Phew in the early 2020s, drawing on their familial relationship as uncle and nephew to highlight their deep musical bond. Quavo adopted the moniker "Unc" to reflect his role as Takeoff's uncle, while Takeoff went by "Phew," a playful nod to being the nephew. This partnership emphasized their longstanding chemistry, which dated back to their teenage years in Atlanta's Polo Club collective, where they first honed their rap skills together. The duo's formation allowed them to explore a dynamic distinct from Migos, focusing on Quavo's melodic hooks and Takeoff's intricate bars in a more intimate setting.[10] Inspired by landmark collaborative hip-hop projects, Quavo and Takeoff aimed to create a high-profile duo album that captured the essence of iconic partnerships. They drew from Jay-Z and Kanye West's Watch the Throne (2011) for its bold duo poses on the cover art, OutKast's Stankonia (2000) for its vibrant visual style, and Raekwon and Ghostface Killah's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... (1995) for its thematic depth and title structure. These influences guided their vision for a project that would showcase unbreakable unity, much like the legendary acts they admired. The album's development spanned over two years, with initial sessions in 2021 allowing the pair to refine their interplay and build tracks around their shared history.[10][11] The title Only Built for Infinity Links originated as a clever homage to Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., reimagining "Cuban links"—a symbol of luxury jewelry—as "infinity links," representing the duo's eternal, unbreakable connection. Quavo explained that the phrase evoked the strongest type of chain link in modern jewelry, symbolizing their familial and artistic ties that would endure forever. They even sought and received Raekwon's blessing for the title, ensuring it honored the Wu-Tang Clan classic while carving out their own legacy. This decision to proceed as a duo without Offset stemmed from a desire to spotlight their specific chemistry, allowing Quavo and Takeoff to experiment freely without the trio's broader dynamic.[10][12][13] The project was teased in early 2022 with the release of the single "Hotel Lobby" on May 20, billed under the Unc & Phew name, which introduced fans to their standalone sound. Further details emerged during an August 18 interview on the Rap Radar podcast, where the duo discussed the album's raw, uncut vibe and their long-held idea for a joint effort. The full announcement came on September 7, 2022, revealing the title, October 7 release date, tracklist, and guest features, marking the culmination of their planning phase.[14][15][6]Recording sessions
The recording sessions for Only Built for Infinity Links took place primarily over two years, from 2021 to 2022, following the release of Migos' Culture III.[13] The bulk of the work occurred at Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta, with additional sessions in Los Angeles and other locations to accommodate specific collaborations.[13][10] Key producers included longtime Migos collaborators such as Murda Beatz, DJ Durel, Zaytoven, and Wheezy, who were selected for their familiarity with the duo's trap sound and ability to craft beats emphasizing rhythmic flows.[13][16][14] Quavo highlighted the marathon effort, noting that these producers helped refine the project's cohesive energy.[13] Guest features were recruited organically through personal connections and mutual respect, with artists like Young Thug, Gunna, Summer Walker, Birdman, Gucci Mane, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and Mustard brought in to complement the duo's style—such as Young Thug and Gunna joining a spontaneous session for "Chocolate," and Summer Walker adding a vulnerable Atlanta perspective on "Mixy."[10][13] Takeoff explained that they "just called people we fuck with," prioritizing chemistry over forced inclusions.[13] The creative workflow emphasized collaboration and experimentation, with Quavo and Takeoff switching traditional roles—Quavo focusing on hooks while Takeoff delivered bars—to maintain their Migos roots while differentiating the duo project.[10] They approached sessions with a "go with the flow" mindset, setting up "alley-oops" between verses and prioritizing organic songwriting to ensure quality.[10][11] In total, the duo recorded 20 to 30 tracks during these sessions before narrowing it down to 18 for the final album release.[13]Music and lyrics
Musical style and production
Only Built for Infinity Links is characterized by its trap hip-hop sound, featuring melodic auto-tune vocals, booming 808 basslines, and intricate hi-hat patterns that echo the signature style of Migos.[17][18] The album draws from Southern rap traditions, incorporating a sample of OutKast's "So Fresh, So Clean" in the track "Bars Into Captions," blending nostalgic elements with contemporary trap production akin to that of Metro Boomin's peers like Murda Beatz and Zaytoven.[19][20] Production on the album emphasizes heavy bass and dynamic rhythms, with producers such as Buddah Bless delivering rousing 808s on opener "Two Infinity Links" and Murda Beatz contributing guitar-laced beats to "HOTEL LOBBY" that highlight the duo's vocal interplay.[5][21] Layered ad-libs enhance the energetic flows, while tempos vary across tracks from approximately 128 BPM on "HOTEL LOBBY" to 162 BPM on "Integration," creating a range of 130–160 BPM that keeps the pacing lively.[18][22][23] Subtle nods to 90s East Coast rap appear through the album's title, inspired by Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., though the sonic palette remains firmly rooted in trap.[14] Standout production elements include the minimalist trap beat on "HOTEL LOBBY," which prioritizes vocal focus with sparse instrumentation, and the aggressive synth-driven rhythm on "Messy," produced by DJ Durel and others, adding intensity to the track's high-energy delivery.[9][24] The album comprises 18 tracks totaling 59:14, structured with short intros and no skits to maintain a streamlined flow without interruptions.[16]Themes and content
The album Only Built for Infinity Links centers on themes of loyalty and unbreakable bonds, symbolized by the title's "infinity links," which represent enduring connections forged through family and shared struggles. Quavo and Takeoff, uncle and nephew, draw heavily from their personal relationship to explore these ideas, emphasizing blood ties and mutual support as foundational to their success in the rap world. This familial dynamic underscores tracks that reflect on their come-up from Atlanta's streets, blending reflections on perseverance with celebrations of achievement.[13][5] Lyrically, the content delves into street life, portraying the paranoia and excess of the drug trade alongside triumphs like accumulating wealth and navigating rivalries. Songs flaunt symbols of success, such as jewelry and luxury cars, while addressing romantic entanglements and interpersonal conflicts, often lightened by the duo's signature humorous ad-libs that inject levity into heavier narratives. For instance, on "Integration," they use playful imagery of diamonds blending with skin to evoke invincibility and opulence, while "Bars Into Captions" recounts early career anecdotes like receiving payments in garbage bags, highlighting their gritty origins.[5][8] The duo's dynamic shines through complementary styles, with Takeoff delivering introspective, sturdy verses that provide depth and Quavo contributing energetic, melodic hooks that drive the momentum, creating a balanced interplay distinct from Offset's punchline-heavy approach in Migos. This contrast fosters storytelling that feels intimate and collaborative, as seen in "Two Infinity Links," where rapid flow switches recall their early days together. Guest appearances enhance camaraderie; Young Thug's eccentric delivery on "Chocolate" amplifies themes of loyalty among peers, adding vibrant energy to discussions of shared success.[5][8] Notable lyrics further illustrate motifs of resilience and invincibility, such as references to Tony Stark and Iron Man in "Tony Starks," positioning the duo as unbreakable figures in a high-stakes environment. Overall, the album's narratives prioritize conceptual bonds over exhaustive detail, using these elements to affirm Quavo and Takeoff's unbreakable partnership.[5][25]Release and promotion
Singles and announcement
The collaborative album Only Built for Infinity Links by Quavo and Takeoff was officially announced on September 7, 2022, revealing the title—a nod to Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...—and a release date of October 7, 2022, via Quality Control Music and Motown Records. The announcement included the cover artwork depicting the duo in matching denim jackets and diamond-encrusted infinity link chains, symbolizing their unbreakable bond. Pre-release buzz had been building since earlier in the year through social media teasers, including Instagram posts and snippets of tracks shared by Quavo and Takeoff during live sessions. The full tracklist was unveiled on September 23, 2022, comprising 18 songs with guest features from artists such as Young Thug, Gunna, Mustard, and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. The lead single, "Hotel Lobby (Unc & Phew)," was released on May 20, 2022, marking the duo's first official output under their "Unc & Phew" moniker and serving as an early promotional track for the project; it debuted and peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100. A follow-up single, "Us vs. Them," arrived on July 29, 2022, further heightening anticipation with its aggressive trap sound. A third single, "Big Stunna" featuring Birdman, was released on August 26, 2022. The fourth and final pre-release single, "Nothing Changed," followed on September 30, 2022. Post-release, "Messy" received an official visualizer on October 6, 2022, and its music video premiered on October 31, 2022, though the track itself appeared on the album upon its debut.Music videos and marketing
The official music video for "Messy", directed by Quavo and Daps, premiered on October 31, 2022, showcasing the duo navigating a haunted house filled with chaotic, horror-themed sequences and trippy visuals.[26] A visualizer for the album's title track "Two Infinity Links" was released earlier on October 6, 2022, via YouTube, utilizing animated graphics to complement the song's introspective lyrics about unbreakable bonds.[27] Pre-album promotion included an official lyric video for the lead single "Hotel Lobby" on June 6, 2022, which highlighted the track's energetic flow with on-screen text overlays.[28] Following the album's October 7 release, additional visuals such as the official visualizer and lyric video for "See Bout It" featuring Mustard were shared on YouTube in October 2022, extending the project's accessibility on digital platforms.[29] Marketing for Only Built for Infinity Links centered on digital and merchandise tie-ins to amplify the duo's "Unc & Phew" persona. Quality Control Music and the artists promoted the album extensively through social media, with Quavo and Takeoff announcing the project and sharing behind-the-scenes content on Instagram to emphasize their longstanding chemistry.[30] Official merchandise bundles, including black OBFIL album T-shirts and vinyl editions, were offered via the Motown Records online store, tying into the album's jewelry-inspired theme of infinity links.[31] The project was further boosted by placements on editorial playlists across Spotify and Apple Music, alongside a release party in Atlanta to generate buzz among fans.[32] Collaborative tracks received cross-promotion from guest artists on their social channels; for instance, the song "Oh So REEZY" featuring Gunna and Young Thug aligned with broader hip-hop network support. No extensive tour accompanied the release, with promotional efforts focusing instead on virtual and event-based activations due to the project's tight timeline.Critical reception
Reviews
Upon its release in October 2022, Only Built for Infinity Links received generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised the duo's chemistry and energetic delivery while noting some formulaic elements in their trap sound.[33] At Metacritic, the album holds an aggregate score of 70 out of 100, based on six critic reviews, indicating generally favorable reception.[33] Positive reviews highlighted the strong rapport between Quavo and Takeoff, often emphasizing their replayable flows and the project's vibrant trap energy. AllMusic awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, commending the duo for delivering "a wide range of energetic, fun, and multifaceted approaches" that showcased their guest-heavy collaboration effectively and provided high replay value.[34] Similarly, HipHopDX gave it 3.5 out of 5, appreciating how Quavo and Takeoff maintained their "stylistic DNA" without Offset, resulting in "home-grown" tracks full of energetic trap vibes that felt authentic and engaging. Pitchfork scored it 7.0 out of 10, noting the pair's bond in their back-and-forths and innovative ad-libs, particularly praising Takeoff's ability to "bend time and cram syllables into tight spaces" on tracks like "To the Bone," which added freshness to their sound.[5] Critics also pointed out shortcomings, such as repetition and a lack of deeper innovation compared to full Migos efforts. Slant Magazine rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as "two-thirds of more of the same," with formulaic structures and repetitive hooks that failed to push boundaries beyond familiar territory. Rolling Stone gave it 3 out of 5 stars, acknowledging the duo's capability to "conjure the old Migos magic" but critiquing the collection as patchy, with some tracks feeling underdeveloped and overly reliant on past formulas.[8] Across reviews, common themes included admiration for Takeoff's underappreciated flows and ad-lib creativity, which elevated the album's replayability, alongside critiques of hooks that grew monotonous over the 18 tracks. Clash magazine, scoring it 8 out of 10, lauded it as a "fun, multifaceted project" that reaffirmed the duo's bond amid Migos uncertainties.[19]Accolades and retrospective views
Upon its release, Only Built for Infinity Links did not receive major award nominations. The album garnered recognition through high-profile tributes, including a performance of its lead single "Hotel Lobby" by Quavo and Offset at the 2023 BET Awards, where dramatic staging evoked Takeoff's presence via pre-recorded vocals and visuals.[35] Similarly, Quavo honored Takeoff with a performance alongside Maverick City Music during the In Memoriam segment at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2023.[36] In the years following Takeoff's death in November 2022, Only Built for Infinity Links has been reevaluated as his poignant final body of work, with critics emphasizing his commanding lyricism and the duo's seamless chemistry. Outlets such as NPR highlighted the album in discussions of Takeoff's legacy, noting how it captured his understated yet pivotal role in hip-hop just weeks before his passing, positioning it as a testament to his technical skill and creative peak.[37] Publications like The Washington Post described it as receiving enthusiastic reviews upon release, praising its role in showcasing Takeoff as the "heart" of Migos through tracks that amplified his introspective flows and ad-lib innovations.[38] The project has been credited with elevating Takeoff's profile as Migos' most lyrically adept member, allowing him to dominate verses in a way that foreshadowed greater solo recognition.[5] Analyses in hip-hop media, including NPR's legacy segment, have underscored its significance in the group's evolution, marking a shift toward subunit collaborations that highlighted individual strengths before the trio's full disbandment in 2023.[37] While no major updates emerged in 2024 or 2025 beyond anniversary reflections on social media, streaming activity has sustained plays on platforms like Spotify, where it remains a key entry point for revisiting Takeoff's contributions.Commercial performance
Chart performance
Only Built for Infinity Links debuted at number 7 on the US Billboard 200 chart dated October 22, 2022, earning 33,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 2,000 in pure album sales. The album also reached number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 1 on the Top Rap Albums chart.[3] Internationally, the album peaked at number 20 on the Canadian Albums Chart. It entered the Swiss Albums Chart at number 35 and the UK R&B Albums Chart at number 47. The lead single "Hotel Lobby" peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 21 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Messy," the second single, peaked at number 4 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. The album did not appear in the top 100 of the 2022 year-end Billboard 200 chart but maintained sustained streaming performance into 2023.Sales and certifications
Only Built for Infinity Links earned 33,000 album-equivalent units in its first week of release in the United States, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart. This total comprised 30,500 streaming equivalent albums (equating to 41.1 million on-demand streams), 500 track equivalent albums, and 2,000 pure album sales.[3] By August 2023, the album had accumulated sufficient consumption to achieve gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting 500,000 album-equivalent units in the US. As of November 2025, Spotify data indicates the album has surpassed 882 million total streams globally, contributing significantly to its ongoing US unit totals driven by streaming.[39][40] Internationally, the album received a gold certification from Recorded Music NZ on September 25, 2025, representing 7,500 units in New Zealand. While comprehensive global sales figures remain limited, the project's international performance has been bolstered by high-profile features from artists such as Young Thug and Gunna, alongside its US streaming momentum.[41] Following Takeoff's death on November 1, 2022—less than a month after the album's release—streams of Takeoff's catalog, including contributions from Only Built for Infinity Links, surged dramatically, with overall activity for the rapper increasing by 435% in the subsequent tracking week. This post-release boost underscored the album's enduring commercial resonance amid heightened fan engagement.[42]Legacy
Cultural impact
Only Built for Infinity Links reinforced the trap genre's reliance on signature ad-libs and dynamic flow switches, hallmarks of Migos' sound that the duo Quavo and Takeoff exemplified throughout the project. Critics noted the album's exhilarating use of ad-libs and triplet flows, which echoed the group's early innovations in Atlanta trap while adapting them to a more intimate duo format.[5] This approach highlighted Takeoff's potent ad-libs, capable of elevating tracks on their own, and solidified their influence on trap's vocal layering techniques.[43] The project's success in blending these elements helped perpetuate duo collaborations in hip-hop, demonstrating viability beyond full group dynamics.[44] Within Migos' discography, the album underscored the strong chemistry between Quavo and Takeoff, operating as a standalone duo effort under the moniker Unc & Phew and excluding Offset, which emphasized their subset's creative synergy. Released amid tensions, it served as a creative pivot that showcased their roots without the full trio, paving the way for Quavo's subsequent solo work. This is evident in Quavo's 2023 album Rocket Power, a tribute to Takeoff that built on the duo's established rapport from Only Built for Infinity Links.[5][45] The album's title and themes spurred cultural references, including fan-generated artwork reimagining its cover and concepts, as seen in community-shared designs on platforms like Instagram. It also popularized "infinity links" as a jewelry trend, with iced-out chains inspired by the duo's aesthetic becoming a staple in hip-hop fashion, notably through custom pieces from jewelers like Johnny Dang. While no major official remixes of the album surfaced in 2024, its tracks continued to influence fan edits and tributes. By November 2025, the project had amassed over 880 million streams on Spotify alone, establishing it as an enduring favorite in Southern rap circles.[46][47][48] Furthermore, Only Built for Infinity Links fueled broader conversations on hip-hop group dynamics, coinciding with and amplifying rumors of Migos' dissolution following its Offset-free release. Interviews with Quavo and Takeoff addressed the split, attributing it to personal growth rather than external conflicts, which resonated in discussions about loyalty and evolution in rap collectives.[49][50] This context positioned the album as a pivotal artifact in examining post-trio trajectories in the genre.[51]Connection to Takeoff's death
Only Built for Infinity Links was released on October 7, 2022, just 25 days before Takeoff was fatally shot on November 1, 2022, outside a Houston bowling alley during a private party involving a dice game.[52][53] In the immediate aftermath, Quavo expressed profound grief through social media tributes, describing Takeoff as his "angel" and reflecting on their close bond as uncle and nephew.[54] The tragedy spurred a significant surge in the album's streams, with Only Built for Infinity Links climbing from No. 84 to No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart in the week following Takeoff's death, driven by a 435% increase in overall streams.[55] The lead single "Hotel Lobby (Unc & Phew)" also experienced renewed popularity, re-entering the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Takeoff's most streamed tracks posthumously.[55] The album has since been regarded as Takeoff's final artistic statement, highlighting his contributions to hip-hop alongside Quavo and serving as a poignant capstone to their collaborative work under the "Unc & Phew" moniker. In May 2025, Quavo released the posthumous single "Dope Boy Phone" featuring Takeoff, extending their partnership and further cementing the album's legacy.[56] It featured prominently in Takeoff's November 2022 memorial celebration at Atlanta's State Farm Arena, where attendees honored his legacy through performances and reflections on the project.[57] The duo's final music video for "Messy," released just one day before the shooting, further underscored the album's untimely closure to Takeoff's career.[58] Tracks from the album gained deeper emotional resonance after Takeoff's passing, with the opener "Two Infinity Links" often reinterpreted by fans and critics as a symbolic farewell, emphasizing the enduring "links" of their familial and musical partnership.[59] In 2023, Quavo and Offset reunited for a tribute performance of "Hotel Lobby" at the BET Awards, transforming the song into a heartfelt homage to Takeoff and marking a rare Migos-related moment amid ongoing group tensions.[60] As of 2025, Takeoff's lack of a will has led to ongoing family discussions and legal battles over his estimated $26 million estate, including rights to his music catalog, though the album's ownership remains managed under Quality Control Music's agreement with Quavo and Takeoff.[61][62][63]Track listing and credits
Track listing
The standard edition of Only Built for Infinity Links, released on October 7, 2022, by Quality Control Music and Motown Records, contains 18 tracks with a total runtime of 59:21. All tracks are original compositions with no deluxe edition released.[16][64]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Two Infinity Links" | 2:09 |
| 2. | "Tony Starks" | 2:28 |
| 3. | "HOTEL LOBBY (Unc & Phew)" | 2:22 |
| 4. | "Bars Into Captions" | 2:47 |
| 5. | "See Bout It" (featuring Mustard) | 3:01 |
| 6. | "To the Bone" (featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again) | 4:43 |
| 7. | "Not Out" | 2:57 |
| 8. | "Chocolate" (featuring Young Thug and Gunna) | 3:28 |
| 9. | "2.30" | 3:26 |
| 10. | "Look @ This" | 3:16 |
| 11. | "Mixy" (featuring Summer Walker) | 4:30 |
| 12. | "Messy" | 2:57 |
| 13. | "Nothing Changed" | 3:19 |
| 14. | "Integration" | 3:27 |
| 15. | "Big Stunna" (featuring Birdman) | 3:37 |
| 16. | "Us vs. Them" (featuring Gucci Mane) | 3:36 |
| 17. | "Hell Yeah" | 3:33 |
| 18. | "Tools" | 3:39 |