Feature photo by: Kenny Nguyen- Senior Gagan Dhuarali watches the music video to XO Tour Llif3. Gagan described this song as “poetic”.
Luv is Rage 2 has been anticipated by fans ever since Lil Uzi Vert tweeted “Luv Is RAGE 2®” on December 13, 2016, building up tons of hype preceding the release of the album.
Uzi’s first single before the release of the album, XO Tour Llif3, made a wide impression on listeners worldwide. Produced by TM88, XO Tour Llif3 delivers an unforgettable sound upon its listeners; a bass-heavy, upbeat song which cements itself as one of the catchiest songs of 2017.
Senior Dahn Gyavira thinks that the song doesn’t add anything more to the album because, “it was already out months before, but it was the song of the summer. It was catchy, the bass has a nice kick and you don’t really need to understand anything but the chorus.”
The hard-hitting song has Uzi discussing a failed relationship with his ex-girlfriend, including dark undertones – such as suicide and drug abuse – despite the contrast of the catchy flow and beat.
Senior Uzziel Hernandez says, “XO Tour Llif3, I love the instrumental,” he says, “[Uzi’s] the commander, he runs the beat.” When asked about the lyrical content of the song, his response was, “I don’t really care. Honestly, the first time I heard the song, all I understood from the song was that all his friends were dead; it’s a nice song.”
The first song off of the album Two® starts off with a female voice, masquerading as Uzi’s ex-girlfriend, to wake up. This mirrors his intro to 7AM off of Luv is Rage. Discussing his fame and influence, Uzi claims that other rappers have been stealing his flow. Lil Uzi has proven that his music can catch on very quickly, and rappers are anxious to ride his wave.
Gyavira states that the accordion reminds the listener of Ps & Qs, so you know “you’re in for a good time.”
Pharrell Williams makes a guest appearance rapping and producing on Neon Guts, a song about the duo’s colorful aura. Pharrell comes into his iconic four-count intro with a quick, smooth rap boasting about his finesse.
A delicate chorus with lyrics like, “higher than Elon Musk,” and “I got neon guts,” helps the listeners understand that Lil Uzi and Pharrell are out of this world.
Hernandez claims, “Pharrell Williams is one of the greatest of all time in terms of production. He’s just a beast, you know?” Regarding the relationship between Uzi and Pharrell, Hernandez says,“they have good chemistry together. Their transitions are so smooth. It feels really cool.”
Pharrell’s spacey production sounds like something made on Mars.
Gyavira agrees, claiming that Neon Guts is, “the best song on the album,” due to the Pharrell production and feature.
In Dark Queen, Uzi speaks poetically about his relationship with his mother. This song shines another light on Uzi, a softer and more delicate side of him.
Throughout the song, Uzi’s relationship with his mother is established as he continues to speak about the care and nurture that she has provided him and difficulties throughout his life of acquired fame and money.
“She don’t want me locked up, Momma I’m gon’ wash up,” meaning that Uzi is going to adjust his life and change for the better.
This song lets the listener hear another song where Uzi is the one who has become more vulnerable and has let go of some of his ego.
Senior John Ponciano thinks that this is one of the best songs off of the album: “Dark Queen goes hard. I can relate, I feel like I’m myself and everyone should be hyped up.”
However, sometimes Uzi’s songs can be repetitive or uninspiring. 444+222, referencing 666 (the Devil’s number) is a good example of this; a large portion of the song are the same lyrics repeated over and over. Again, like many songs, Uzi talks about getting money and getting fame as well.
Ponciano disagrees, “I don’t really care about the numbers, but it’s a pretty heat song and I like it. The beat is nice and the way that Lil Uzi flows is different.”
However, the production of 444+222 is high quality, energetic, and reflects the vibes of the album as a whole.
Luv is Rage 2 is professionally and creatively produced, usually accompanied by darker undertones than what would otherwise appear to be a catchy, fun album. Main producer, Maaly Raw, never fails to surprise the audience with new, exceptional beats.
Many messages in the album may seem mainstream, but doesn’t always necessarily equal bad. However, Lil Uzi goes about it is differently and it is more than just what catches the eye. Lil Uzi is not afraid to be himself, from his unique flow to his addictive beats. Although the album falls short at times, Uzi has proven to his audience that he is ahead of the game.
Ponciano believes, “[Luv is Rage 2] could’ve been better for all the hype I was waiting for… I expected more heat, but it didn’t live up to the hype.”
You can listen to Luv is Rage 2 on YouTube here.
