The 20 Best Lil Uzi Vert Songs

Lil Uzi Vert has quickly become one of the most important rappers of the last decade, not just a product of a transitional moment in hip-hop but a defining star of it. In 2015, the then-20-year-old North Philadelphia rapper signed with Generation Now, the label owned by the legendary mixtape hosts Don Cannon and DJ Drama and partnered with Atlantic Records. The following year, he broke out with his debut tape for them, Luv Is Rage. Uzi’s tracks alternated between heartfelt love songs and stadium-ready anthems, mixing the blunt lyricism of Chicago drill, the hypnotic street melodies of Atlanta, and the high-energy freestyle spirit of his hometown. The tape became one of the first landmarks for a diverse, exciting rap scene that was emerging on SoundCloud.

From there, his profile continued to rise: He collaborated with Playboi Carti, Young Thug, and Future, and released impactful tapes, albums, loosies, and more. Through it all, he put forth the whimsical persona of a guy who was interested only in fast cars and flashy clothes, unless he was completely heartbroken (which was often). But his increasing fame made him a target for criticism from rap fans who had a difficult time adjusting to Uzi’s nontraditional take on the genre they loved. Demeaning umbrella terms like “SoundCloud rap” and “mumble rap” were used by fans and press to knock him down a peg. But Uzi always remained unbothered by the noise around him.

It’s taken some time, but by now, the hip-hop world has fully come around to Uzi. Not like they had a choice: His impact is undeniable. Every release of a Lil Uzi mixtape or album—from Luv Is Rage to this year’s immense Eternal Atake—stops the always-spinning hip-hop world in its tracks. He has cemented himself as a uniquely personal artist with the power to capture the complexities of his young fans’ lives. Here, we trace his career so far with a chronological rundown of our 20 favorite Lil Uzi Vert songs and features. –Alphonse Pierre

Listen to selections from this list on our Spotify playlist and Apple Music playlist.

(All songs featured here are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Pitchfork may earn an affiliate commission.)

“Nuyork Nights at 21”

Have you ever been 21 years old in New York, listening to “Nuyork Nights at 21,” thinking, Oh shit, is this my life? I have, though I was delusional, because my life was nothing like Uzi’s. Over R&B production from ATL duo FKI, who at the time were riding high from early hits with Post Malone and Travis Scott, Uzi makes a hazy, effortless love song. He proclaims his admiration using words that aren’t charming, but sound romantic coming from him: “I was rockin’ Rick Owens/You was rockin’ Raf.” Few rappers have been able to capture being almost-an-adult like Uzi, when your connection to your T-shirt is probably stronger than the one with your significant other. –Alphonse Pierre