Lil Uzi Vert, born Symere Bysil Woods, is an American rapper from Philadelphia. They rose to fame with their mixtape "Luv Is Rage" in 2015. This success led to a record deal with Atlantic Records, under the Generation Now imprint led by DJ Drama.
July 31, 1995: Birth of Symere Bysil Woods
Symere Bysil Woods, known professionally as Lil Uzi Vert, was born on July 31, 1995, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1998: Musical Influences and Inspiration
Lil Uzi Vert's musical style, characterized by elements of emo rap, punk rap, and lo-fi, has drawn comparisons to rock music and Lil Wayne. They have cited Marilyn Manson, particularly the band's 1998 album Mechanical Animals, as a major influence.
2005: Early Musical Influences
Around 2005, Lil Uzi Vert developed his musical taste, influenced by artists like Mike Jones and Ying Yang Twins.
2010: Start of Rap Career
Lil Uzi Vert began rapping in 2010, inspired by a classmate's freestyle.
January 19, 2014: Release of Debut EP "Purple Thoughtz Vol. 1"
On January 19, 2014, Lil Uzi Vert released his debut EP, "Purple Thoughtz Vol. 1", which garnered attention for its psychedelic sound.
August 5, 2014: Signing with The Academy and Release of "The Real Uzi"
On August 5, 2014, Lil Uzi Vert signed with Don Cannon's The Academy imprint and released his mixtape "The Real Uzi".
2014: Relationship with Brittany Byrd
Lil Uzi Vert's relationship with Brittany Byrd began in 2014 and lasted until 2017. Byrd had relocated from California to New York to study at Parsons School of Design, where they met.
August 2015: Tour with Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa
In August 2015, Lil Uzi Vert joined Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa on their "Boys of Zummer" tour.
October 30, 2015: Release of Mixtape "Luv Is Rage"
Lil Uzi Vert released his second mixtape, "Luv Is Rage", on October 30, 2015, which received positive reviews and furthered his career.
2015: Release of "Luv Is Rage"
In 2015, Lil Uzi Vert released his commercial mixtape "Luv Is Rage", marking a significant step in his rise to fame.
2015: Young Thug's Barter 6 Influences Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Uzi Vert's Barter 16 mixtape, teased in August 2023, drew visual inspiration from the artwork of Young Thug's debut commercial mixtape, Barter 6, released in 2015.
January 2016: ASAP Mob Show Appearance
Lil Uzi Vert made an appearance at an ASAP Mob show in New York City in January 2016 to pay tribute to the late ASAP Yams.
March 2016: South by Southwest Riot
A riot broke out during Lil Uzi Vert's set at South by Southwest in March 2016, causing controversy.
April 15, 2016: Release of "Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World"
Lil Uzi Vert dropped his third mixtape, "Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World", on April 15, 2016, marking his first entry on the Billboard 200 chart.
May 2016: "Parental Advisory" Tour with Kodak Black
Lil Uzi Vert and Kodak Black embarked on their joint "Parental Advisory" tour in May 2016.
June 2016: XXL Freshman Class and "Money Longer" Success
In June 2016, Lil Uzi Vert was featured in XXL magazine's Freshman Class and gained further recognition. His single "Money Longer" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, achieving significant success.
July 12, 2016: Announcement of "The Perfect LUV Tape"
Lil Uzi Vert announced his fourth mixtape, "The Perfect LUV Tape", on July 12, 2016.
October 2016: Joining The Weeknd's Tour
Lil Uzi Vert was announced as an additional artist on The Weeknd's tour in October 2016.
October 28, 2016: Lil Uzi Vert Featured on Migos' "Bad and Boujee"
On October 28, 2016, Lil Uzi Vert was featured on the Migos' track "Bad and Boujee," which would later appear on Migos' album Culture (2017).
November 23, 2016: Release of "1017 vs. the World" and Announcement of "Luv Is Rage 2"
Lil Uzi Vert released his collaborative mixtape with Gucci Mane, "1017 vs. the World," on November 23, 2016. He also announced his highly anticipated project "Luv Is Rage 2", which faced several delays.
December 8, 2016: Lil Uzi Vert Arrested for Reckless Driving
On December 8, 2016, Lil Uzi Vert was arrested in Atlanta for recklessly driving a dirtbike without lights and helmets. After falling off the dirtbike while attempting to flee the police, Lil Uzi Vert was apprehended and released on a $6,500 bond.
2016: Critical Recognition and Style
Lil Uzi Vert started gaining recognition in 2016, with Complex highlighting them as an artist to watch. Spin praised their rapid delivery, and Noisey called them charismatic and a natural entertainer. Time described them as an "unlikely superstar" for defying conventions.
2016: Mainstream Breakthrough and "Money Longer"
Lil Uzi Vert gained mainstream attention in 2016 with the release of his hit single "Money Longer", which served as the lead single for his mixtape "Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World".
January 2017: "Bad and Boujee" Reaches Number One
In January 2017, "Bad and Boujee" topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, marking Lil Uzi Vert's first number one single as a lead or featured artist.
February 27, 2017: Lil Uzi Vert Releases "Luv Is Rage 1.5"
Lil Uzi Vert dropped the EP "Luv Is Rage 1.5" on February 27, 2017, while touring with The Weeknd.
April 2, 2017: "Luv Is Rage 2" Release Delayed
The release of Lil Uzi Vert's "Luv Is Rage 2" was delayed on April 2, 2017.
April 4, 2017: "XO Tour Llif3" Debuts on Billboard Hot 100
On April 4, 2017, "XO Tour Llif3" by Lil Uzi Vert debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 49.
April 7, 2017: Lil Uzi Vert Featured on Playboi Carti's "Wokeuplikethis"
Lil Uzi Vert was featured on Playboi Carti's single "Wokeuplikethis," released on April 7, 2017, and included on Carti's debut mixtape Playboi Carti (2017).
May 15, 2017: ASAP Mob Releases "Raf" Featuring Lil Uzi Vert
On May 15, 2017, ASAP Mob dropped "Raf," which featured Lil Uzi Vert, ASAP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Quavo, and Frank Ocean.
June 26, 2017: Breakup with Brittany Byrd
Lil Uzi Vert and fashion designer Brittany Byrd ended their relationship, which began in 2014, on June 26, 2017. Lil Uzi Vert marked the breakup with a song titled "Stole Your Luv". Byrd, who had been a recurring theme in their music, was also featured in the music video for "Money Longer".
August 2017: Satanic Imagery Controversy
Lil Uzi Vert sparked controversy in August 2017 by incorporating satanic imagery into their social media and using phrases associated with Satanism, such as "666". This led to their record label temporarily revoking their Instagram access.
August 24, 2017: Lil Uzi Vert Announces "Luv Is Rage 2"
Lil Uzi Vert announced the release of "Luv Is Rage 2" on August 24, 2017.
September 2017: Lil Uzi Vert Teases Possible Sequels
In September 2017, Lil Uzi Vert hinted at possible upcoming projects: a sequel to "Lil Uzi Vert vs The World" and a collaborative project with Playboi Carti called "16*29."
October 2017: "16*29" Tour Announced and Cancelled
A joint tour by Lil Uzi Vert and Playboi Carti called the "16*29 tour" was announced in October 2017 and subsequently cancelled.
November 9, 2017: Lil Uzi Vert Featured on Nav's "Wanted You"
On November 9, 2017, Nav released "Wanted You," featuring Lil Uzi Vert, which would appear on Nav's debut studio album Reckless (2018).
November 2017: Lil Uzi Vert's Reckless Driving Charge Resolved
In November 2017, Lil Uzi Vert's reckless driving charge from December 2016 was resolved with a sentence of community service.
December 4, 2017: "The Way Life Goes" Music Video Featuring Nicki Minaj Released
December 4, 2017, saw the release of the music video for "The Way Life Goes (Remix)," featuring Nicki Minaj.
2017: Viral Success of "White Shit"
Lil Uzi Vert's track "White Shit" gained viral popularity in 2017 after his rise to mainstream recognition.
2017: Debut Studio Album "Luv Is Rage 2"
Lil Uzi Vert released his debut studio album, "Luv Is Rage 2", in 2017, which topped the Billboard 200 chart.
2017: Collaboration with Gucci Mane and "XO Tour Llif3" Success
In 2017, Lil Uzi Vert collaborated with Gucci Mane on a mixtape and achieved a top-ten single with "XO Tour Llif3", which won an MTV Video Music Award.
2017: Pink Diamond Forehead Implant Plan
Lil Uzi Vert's idea to implant a pink diamond in their forehead originated in 2017, finally coming to fruition in February 2021.
January 2018: Lil Uzi Vert Announces Mixtape with Wheezy
Lil Uzi Vert revealed they had finished a mixtape with producer Wheezy in January 2018.
January 2018: Altercation with Reese LaFlare
Lil Uzi Vert's feud with rapper Reese LaFlare continued into January 2018 when Lil Uzi Vert punched LaFlare and boasted about it on Twitter, later deleting the tweet.
February 6, 2018: Lil Uzi Vert Performs on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"
Lil Uzi Vert performed "The Way Life Goes" on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on February 6, 2018.
March 2018: Lil Uzi Vert Feud with Rich the Kid
In March 2018, the feud between Lil Uzi Vert and Rich the Kid escalated when Rich the Kid released a diss track titled "Dead Friends", directed at Lil Uzi Vert.
May 3, 2018: Travis Scott Releases "Watch" Featuring Lil Uzi Vert and Kanye West
Travis Scott dropped "Watch," featuring Lil Uzi Vert and Kanye West, on May 3, 2018.
June 2018: Lil Uzi Vert and Rich the Kid Altercation
In June 2018, the ongoing feud between Lil Uzi Vert and Rich the Kid resulted in a physical altercation at a Starbucks, where Lil Uzi Vert attempted to attack Rich the Kid but was stopped by security.
July 10, 2018: Lil Uzi Vert and Juice Wrld Release "Wasted"
On July 10, 2018, Lil Uzi Vert and Juice Wrld collaborated on the track "Wasted."
July 2018: Satanism Accusations and Statement
Lil Uzi Vert faced accusations of Satanism, fueled by battle rapper Daylyt's claims and the phonetic similarity between their stage name and "Lucifer." In July 2018, they told fans at a show that they were "going to hell" with them.
September 18, 2018: Lil Uzi Vert Releases "New Patek"
On September 18, 2018, Lil Uzi Vert released "New Patek."
October 5, 2018: Lil Uzi Vert Featured on Lil Pump's "Multi Millionaire"
Lil Uzi Vert appeared on Lil Pump's "Multi Millionaire," released on October 5, 2018, from Lil Pump's album Harverd Dropout.
2018: Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist
In 2018, Lil Uzi Vert received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
2018: Responses to Deaths of Lil Peep and XXXTentacion
Following Lil Peep's death from an accidental fentanyl overdose, Lil Uzi Vert announced their decision to quit drugs. After XXXTentacion's murder in 2018, they used social media to call on fellow rappers to create a foundation to combat gun violence and support XXXTentacion's family and unborn child.
April 2019: Lil Uzi Vert Signs with Roc Nation
Lil Uzi Vert signed with Roc Nation in April 2019.
December 13, 2019: Lil Uzi Vert Drops "Futsal Shuffle 2020"
Lil Uzi Vert released "Futsal Shuffle 2020" on December 13, 2019, as the lead single from Eternal Atake.
2019: Relationship with JT
Lil Uzi Vert began dating JT, a member of the hip hop duo City Girls, in 2019.
March 1, 2020: Lil Uzi Vert Releases "That Way"
"That Way," the second single from Lil Uzi Vert's Eternal Atake, came out on March 1, 2020.
March 6, 2020: Lil Uzi Vert Releases "Eternal Atake"
Eternal Atake, featuring Syd, was released on March 6, 2020.
March 12, 2020: Lil Uzi Vert Teases Deluxe Edition and Sequel
Lil Uzi Vert teased a deluxe edition of Eternal Atake and the sequel to July 2016's Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, titled Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World 2.
April 24, 2020: "Sasuke" Release
On April 24, 2020, Lil Uzi Vert released "Sasuke", their first single since the deluxe version of Eternal Atake. The song's title references a character from the anime Naruto.
July 21, 2020: Pluto x Baby Pluto Teased
On July 21, 2020, Lil Uzi Vert and Future hinted at a collaborative project called Pluto x Baby Pluto on social media.
October 2020: Lil Uzi Vert Arrested for Paintball Gun Fight
In October 2020, Lil Uzi Vert was arrested in Philadelphia along with several others for their involvement in a paintball gun fight that was shared on Instagram.
November 13, 2020: Pluto x Baby Pluto Release
Lil Uzi Vert and Future released their joint album, Pluto x Baby Pluto, on November 13, 2020. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.
2020: Release of "Eternal Atake" and Collaboration with Future
Lil Uzi Vert released his highly anticipated second studio album, "Eternal Atake," in 2020. The same year, he collaborated with Future on the album "Pluto × Baby Pluto".
2020: New Music with Early Career Sound
In late 2020, Lil Uzi Vert started promoting new singles that had a similar sound to their earlier work.
February 2021: Pink Diamond Forehead Implant
In February 2021, Lil Uzi Vert revealed they had a 10-carat pink diamond, valued at $24 million, implanted in their forehead. This decision, inspired by the animated series Steven Universe and rapper Lil B, had been planned since 2017.
July 2, 2021: Lil Uzi Vert Confrontation with Saint Jhn
On July 2, 2021, Lil Uzi Vert was involved in a confrontation with Saint Jhn and their ex-girlfriend Brittany Byrd, which escalated into a physical altercation. Lil Uzi Vert reportedly flashed a gun at the two and held it to Byrd's stomach, though no injuries were reported.
July 6, 2021: Allegations of Assault Against Lil Uzi Vert Surface
On July 6, 2021, XXL reported allegations made by Brittany Byrd claiming Lil Uzi Vert physically assaulted her by punching her in the face and threatening her with a gun. Lil Uzi Vert and their team did not respond to these allegations.
July 16, 2021: The Pink Tape Announced
Lil Uzi Vert revealed the title of their upcoming album as The Pink Tape on July 16, 2021.
October 29, 2021: "Demon High" Release
On October 29, 2021, Lil Uzi Vert released the single "Demon High".
February 2, 2022: Lil Uzi Vert Accepts Plea Deal in Assault Case
On February 2, 2022, TMZ reported that Lil Uzi Vert pleaded no contest to charges of felony assault with a firearm and misdemeanor injury. They accepted a plea deal that included three years of probation, mandatory treatment for mental health and substance abuse, domestic violence counseling, restitution, and a criminal protective order.
July 12, 2022: Red & White EP Announced
On July 12, 2022, Lil Uzi Vert announced an EP titled Red & White, intended as a precursor to their album Pink Tape.
July 2022: Pronoun Usage Announcement
Lil Uzi Vert announced on Instagram in July 2022 that they use they/them pronouns, a decision later confirmed by their spokesperson to Pitchfork.
October 2022: "Just Wanna Rock" Release and Success
In October 2022, Lil Uzi Vert released "Just Wanna Rock", a Jersey club-inspired song that became popular on TikTok. The single, produced with Synthetic and McVertt, reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
March 2023: Clarification on Satanic References
Lil Uzi Vert addressed the controversy surrounding their satanic references in March 2023, stating that they use such imagery figuratively and do not believe in Satan's existence.
June 30, 2023: Pink Tape Release and Chart Success
Lil Uzi Vert released their third studio album, Pink Tape, on June 30, 2023. The 26-track album, featuring Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Bring Me the Horizon, Don Toliver, and Babymetal, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This achievement made Lil Uzi Vert one of only three 21st-century hip-hop artists, alongside Drake and J. Cole, to have their first three studio albums reach the top spot.
August 16, 2023: Barter 16 Artwork Teased
Lil Uzi Vert teased the artwork for their mixtape Barter 16 on Instagram on August 16, 2023, after promising its release if Pink Tape topped the Billboard 200. The artwork was noted to be similar to Young Thug's Barter 6 mixtape cover.
August 19, 2023: Barter 16 Leaks and Shift to Luv Is Rage 3
Several songs from Lil Uzi Vert's planned Barter 16 mixtape were leaked online on August 19, 2023. As a result, the project was scrapped, and Lil Uzi Vert shifted their focus to Luv Is Rage 3.
2023: Release of "Pink Tape"
After much anticipation, Lil Uzi Vert released his third studio album, "Pink Tape," in 2023, which topped the Billboard 200 chart and featured the hit single "Just Wanna Rock".
2023: Gender Identity Confirmation
Lil Uzi Vert confirmed their gender-nonconforming identity in 2023.