Lil Uzi Confirms New Album
Lil Uzi Vert confirmed in a DAZED interview that a new album will drop this year, distinguishing it from recent releases as more representative of their "real drops." Uzi also gave a co-sign to rising star 2slimey, highlighting them as someone to watch. The announcement comes amid speculation about Uzi's creative direction after recent experimental projects.
The upcoming album is positioned as a return to form, following a period of sonic exploration that has divided some listeners. Uzi's 2023 album, *Pink Tape*, was a sprawling 26-track project that delved into rap-rock and metalcore, featuring collaborations with bands like Bring Me The Horizon and Babymetal. While it debuted at number one, becoming the first hip-hop album of 2023 to do so, its genre-bending and lengthy runtime received mixed reactions. This was followed by *Eternal Atake 2* in late 2024, a sequel to their critically acclaimed 2020 album. Reception for the sequel was lukewarm, with critics noting it felt rushed and lacked the creative focus of its predecessor, describing the production as generic and Uzi's performance as uninspired on many tracks. The distinction of a "real drop" likely signals a move away from these recent experimental sounds and a return to the melodic trap and emo-rap style that defined major successes like 2017's *Luv Is Rage 2*. That album was considered a magnum opus, spawning the diamond-certified hit "XO Tour Llif3" and solidifying Uzi's place in the mainstream. The co-sign of 2slimey is notable given the rising artist's own experimental style, which is described as avant-garde rap with heavily distorted instrumentals. 2slimey, real name Sergio Garcia, gained viral attention in 2024 with his song "shrimp" before releasing his debut studio album, *High Anxiety*, in late 2025. This endorsement could indicate the sounds and artists currently inspiring Uzi's new creative phase.
