by Lil Uzi Vert
Released July 22, 2022 via Generation Now / Atlantic Records
Reviewed August 3, 2022
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Final Fantasy (32%), Believe Me (15%), For Fun (14%)
It’s been two years since Lil Uzi Vert came out of hibernation to drop 50 songs in about 6 months. It wasn’t exactly a 2014-16 Future or a 06-08 Wayne run, but it was still more than enough to propel them into bona fide superstardom. After about two years of little to no presence, Uzi came back with a hold-over EP before their anticipated mixtape, Pink Tape. But instead of immediately going in a radical new direction like many expected after “Demon High,” RED & WHITE is more reminiscent of their old work than anything, especially in production. There are also certain songs that do Plugg and do it well, which seems like a sign of good things to come. Along with their ear for production, what is noteworthy about this EP is their charisma. Very few can do songs like “Issa Hit” and “Glock in My Purse” and not sound obnoxious after a short amount of time. With a lot of attention surrounding their name and overall uncertainty, releasing a sampler was the best move to make if you’re staking all your hopes on your next album. And with RED & WHITE, Uzi gives us a hint that the Pink Tape may be worth the wait. – Alan (8/10)
Lil Uzi Vert is making prolonged droughts a regular method to their rollout schedule, going rather silent on solo material between emphatic returns. Looking back, things worked out alright in the Eternal Atake era, in which Uzi returned from a three-year hiatus to ridiculous hype, and delivered a solid double album that did unbelievable numbers. Here in 2022, Uzi’s comeback made less of a splash than you’d expect. On one hand, RED & WHITE is succinct and amusing, while on another hand it’s not exactly a hugely impressive outing by Uzi. Several songs in the EP hit their mark and then some, while others don’t; ultimately, the nine-song project leaves fairly little room for error. Hopefully RED & WHITE will be realized as the odds and ends of a more robust album in the near future. – DeVán (7/10)
Uzi has never tried to be anything they aren’t. They make fun, playful music. That’s always been the case, and if it slaps at a party that’s a plus. I’ve never expected anything more than that, and RED & WHITE fits right into that mold. It is energetic and easy to listen to. I like running it at the gym or in the background while hooping. I don’t have to think much when I listen and that’s the beauty for me. Was it simplistic and repetitive at times? Of course, it's UZI. This is what they do. The production was fine, their vocals sounded good, and the lyrics were industry standard. I don’t have much more to say about this. I’m not urging anyone to listen but if you want something light, this gets the job done. – Daniel (5.3/10)
Cam: 8.3/10 | Alan: 8/10 | DeVán: 7/10 | Dominick: 6.8/10 | Hadley: 6/10 | Daniel: 5.3/10
Community Reviews:
These are legitimately Uzi's best tracks in a VERY long time. They sound hungry on these tracks and Uzi isn't afraid to be wilder with their deliveries. Sure, not every track is a hit and there are a couple awkward flows here and there but man, I'm excited to see a Uzi renaissance following these tracks. – @andre_vital_pardue (7.5/10)
