LIL UZI VERT is the stage name of Symere Bysil Woods, an American rapper, singer and songwriter from Francisville, United States. Their music is associated with trap, hip hop, emo rap, pop rap, cloud rap, east coast hip hop and rage, and is often marked by melodic delivery and dark subject matter.

Career

Woods begins rapping in 2010 and first works under the name Sealab Vertical, performing with groups such as Steaktown. The name Lil Uzi Vert comes from a description of their rapid flow. Their first release is the EP Purple Thoughtz Vol. 1 in 2014, followed by the mixtape The Real Uzi, which Don Cannon produces and hosts. After that release, Woods signs to Atlantic Records through Generation Now, the imprint run by DJ Drama, Don Cannon and Leighton Morrison.

Their early releases include the mixtapes Luv Is Rage and 1017 vs. The World, the latter a collaboration with Gucci Mane. They also appear on Carnage’s single “WDYW”, release songs on SoundCloud such as “No Wait”, “Pressure” with Durk, and “Loaf”, and support Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa on the Boys of Zummer tour in 2015. Luv Is Rage is well received and brings them wider attention.

Breakthrough and chart success

LIL UZI VERT gains mainstream attention with “Money Longer” in 2016, which leads the mixtape Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World. The project reaches the Billboard 200 and later goes gold. Later in 2016, “You Was Right” becomes another Hot 100 entry, and The Perfect LUV Tape follows, featuring “Seven Million” with Future and “Erase Your Social”.

In 2017, “Bad and Boujee” by Migos becomes their first number one as a lead or featured artist, with Uzi appearing on the track. The EP Luv Is Rage 1.5 includes “XO Tour Llif3”, a song associated with the start of their emo-rapper profile because of its references to heartbreak, depression and suicide. “XO Tour Llif3” becomes their biggest solo hit and later appears as the lead single from Luv Is Rage 2. That album debuts at number one on the Billboard 200 and is certified platinum, while also generating several Hot 100 entries including “The Way Life Goes” and “Sauce It Up”.

Albums and later releases

Woods releases Eternal Atake in 2020 after a long delay. The album debuts at number one on the Billboard 200 and includes a sole guest appearance from Syd. Its lead singles include “Futsal Shuffle 2020” and “That Way”. The deluxe edition adds further tracks and guest appearances from Chief Keef, 21 Savage, Future, Young Thug, Gunna, Lil Durk, Young Nudy and Nav.

In the same period, Woods also releases the joint project Pluto x Baby Pluto with Future, and later the EP RED & WHITE. In 2023, they release Pink Tape, which includes guest appearances from Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Bring Me The Horizon, Don Toliver and Babymetal.

Recognition and collaborations

LIL UZI VERT is nominated for Best New Artist at the 2018 Grammy Awards. “XO Tour Llif3” wins the MTV Video Music Award for Song of the Summer. Their work also includes collaborations with Playboi Carti, A$AP Rocky, Quavo, Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Lil Tracy, Nicki Minaj, Nav, Gucci Mane and Future.

Record labels

Woods is associated with Atlantic Records through Generation Now, later signing to Roc Nation. The listed labels also include Cor(e) and Ascapuzi.

Style and image

Woods is known for face tattoos, facial piercings, eccentric hairstyles and androgynous fashion. Their recordings frequently use a melodic emo approach within trap and related hip hop styles.