The Perfect LUV Tape
{{Infobox album
| name = The Perfect LUV Tape
| type = mixtape
| artist = Lil Uzi Vert
| cover = The Perfect Luv Tape by Lil Uzi Vert.jpg
| alt = An anime-style illustration featuring four characters against a black background. A purple-haired figure in a yellow shirt hangs upside down, holding hands with a pink-haired character. Below, a blonde in a white jacket and a green-haired figure enter a door on a multicolored object, also holding hands.
| released = July 31, 2016
| recorded =
| studio = Means Street (Atlanta)
| genre = {{hlist|Cloud rap|trap}}
| length = 30:07
| label = {{hlist|Atlantic|Generation Now}}
| producer = {{hlist|Don Cannon {{small|(exec.)}}|DJ Drama {{small|(also exec.)}}|Leighton "LakeShow" Morrison {{small|(also exec.)}}|Cubeatz|DP Beats|Ike Beatz|Lyle LeDuff|Maaly Raw|Metro Boomin|Nard & B|Slade Da Monsta|XL Eagle|Germ Beatz|Zaytoven}}
| prev_title = Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World
| prev_year = 2016
| next_title = 1017 vs. the World
| next_year = 2016
| misc = {{Singles
| name = The Perfect LUV Tape
| type = mixtape
| single1 = Seven Million
| single1date = July 31, 2016
| single2 = Erase Your Social
| single2date = July 31, 2016
}}
}}
The Perfect LUV Tape is the fourth mixtape by the American rapper and singer Lil Uzi Vert. It was released through Generation Now and Atlantic Records on July 31, 2016. The mixtape features guest appearances from American rappers Playboi Carti, Offset, and Future. The mixtape's production was handled by Don Cannon, DJ Drama, Cubeatz, Maaly Raw, Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, Nard & B, and among others. The mixtape is considered a spiritual successor to Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World (2016) as it retains subtle references to the mixtape, as well as the graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim, on its cover art. The cover art was created by Eryck Sakutaro. The song "Do What I Want" has been featured in the soundtrack for the video game "NBA 2K18".
The album was supported by two singles, "Seven Millions" and "Erase Your Social". The Perfect LUV Tape received mostly positive reviews from critics, debuting at number 55 on the US Billboard 200. In February 2018, the mixtape was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined sales, streaming, and track-sale equivalents of 500,000 units.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-15 |title=Lil Uzi Vert's "The Perfect LUV Tape" Certified Gold |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/99181-lil-uzi-verts-the-perfect-luv-tape-certified-gold-news |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=www.hotnewhiphop.com |language=en}}
Background and release
In 2014, following the release of The Real Uzi, Lil Uzi Vert signed with Atlantic Records under the Generation Now imprint, led by DJ Drama, Don Cannon, and Leighton Morrison.{{Cite web |last1=Diep |first1=Eric |date=January 20, 2016 |title=Next Wave: Meet Lil Uzi Vert, the Next Phenom in Rap |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/01/next-wave-meet-lil-uzi-vert-the-next-phenom-in-rap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602032044/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/01/next-wave-meet-lil-uzi-vert-the-next-phenom-in-rap |archive-date=June 2, 2016 |access-date=April 6, 2016 |work=Complex}} In October 2015, Uzi released their debut commercial mixtape, Luv Is Rage, featuring production from rising producers like Sonny Digital, TM88, and Maaly Raw, alongside guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa and Young Thug. The mixtape received positive reviews and garnered attention from music outlets such as The Fader,{{cite news |title=Luv Is Rage |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-uzi-vert-luv-is-rage-new-mixtape.116096.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802041114/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-uzi-vert-luv-is-rage-new-mixtape.116096.html |archive-date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |work=HotNewHipHop}}{{cite news |title=Stream Lil Uzi Vert's LuvIsRage Mixtape |url=http://www.thefader.com/2015/10/30/lil-uzi-vert-luv-is-rage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818024755/http://www.thefader.com/2015/10/30/lil-uzi-vert-luv-is-rage |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |work=The FADER}} XXL,{{cite web |last=C.M. |first=Emmanuel |date=March 27, 2015 |title=The Break Presents: Lil Uzi Vert |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/the-break/2015/03/break-presents-lil-uzi-vert/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613192656/http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/the-break/2015/03/break-presents-lil-uzi-vert/ |archive-date=June 13, 2016 |access-date=June 4, 2016 |work=XXL}} and Vibe,{{cite news |date=November 5, 2015 |title=Streams Lil Uzi Vert's 'Luv Is Rage' Album |url=https://www.vibe.com/2015/11/lil-uzi-vert-luv-is-rage-album/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820235226/https://www.vibe.com/2015/11/lil-uzi-vert-luv-is-rage-album/ |archive-date=August 20, 2018 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |work=Vibe}} with HotNewHipHop naming Uzi a "breakout artist of 2015".{{cite news |title=Breakout Artists Of 2015 |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/breakout-artists-of-2015-news.19043.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821000516/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/breakout-artists-of-2015-news.19043.html |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |work=HotNewHipHop}}
In April 2016, Uzi released their second commercial mixtape, Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, which debuted at number 37 on the Billboard 200, marking their first chart entry. The project spent 55 weeks on the chart and earned gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The following month, Uzi and Kodak Black launched the "Parental Advisory" joint tour.{{cite news |title=Lil Uzi Vert & Kodak Black To Headline "Parental Advisory" Tour |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-uzi-vert-and-kodak-black-to-headline-parental-advisory-tour-news.21491.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709123330/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-uzi-vert-and-kodak-black-to-headline-parental-advisory-tour-news.21491.html |archive-date=July 9, 2018 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |work=HotNewHipHop}} In July 2016, Uzi announced The Perfect LUV Tape,{{cite news |title=Lil Uzi Vert Announces "The Perfect Luv Tape" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-uzi-vert-announces-the-perfect-luv-tape-news.22819.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821003526/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-uzi-vert-announces-the-perfect-luv-tape-news.22819.html |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |work=HotNewHipHop}} releasing it on their 22nd birthday, July 31. The mixtape, featuring singles "Seven Million" with Future{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Angus |date=July 31, 2016 |title=Stream Lil Uzi Vert's "The Perfect Luv Tape," Featuring Future & More |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-lil-uzi-verts-the-perfect-luv-tape-featuring-future-and-more-news.23182.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802153530/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-lil-uzi-verts-the-perfect-luv-tape-featuring-future-and-more-news.23182.html |archive-date=August 2, 2016 |access-date=July 31, 2016 |work=HotNewHipHop}} and "Erase Your Social," debuted at number 55 on the Billboard 200 and later achieved gold certification. In October 2016, Uzi joined the Weeknd as a supporting act on his tour.{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2016 |title=The Weeknd Announces Tour {{!}} Pitchfork |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/69369-the-weeknd-announces-tour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615135432/https://pitchfork.com/news/69369-the-weeknd-announces-tour/ |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |access-date=August 20, 2018 |website=Pitchfork}}
Composition
The Perfect LUV Tape continues the stylistic thread of Lil Uzi Vert’s earlier 2016 mixtape, Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, delivering a compact, 10-track project that blends syrupy trap beats with neon-tinged melodies and Uzi’s signature bratty, sing-song delivery.{{cite web |last=Pearce |first=Sheldon |date=August 4, 2016 |title=Lil Uzi Vert: The Perfect Luv Tape |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22201-the-perfect-luv-tape/ |accessdate=August 9, 2016 |work=Pitchfork}} Spanning under 40 minutes, the mixtape maintains a lean, cohesive sound, driven primarily by producers Maaly Raw, Don Cannon, Metro Boomin, and Ike Beatz, with additional contributions from Zaytoven, Nard & B, and DP Beats.{{cite web |last=Duricy |first=Sheldon |date=August 8, 2016 |title=Lil Uzi Vert: The Perfect Luv Tape |url=https://www.popmatters.com/lil-uzi-vert-the-perfect-luv-tape-2495420999.html |accessdate=August 9, 2016 |work=PopMatters}} AllMusic highlights the mixtape’s similarity to its predecessor, citing a lack of significant stylistic evolution due to the short gap between releases, but highlights its ability to preserve Uzi’s commercial momentum with tracks like the Future-assisted "Seven Million" and the hyperactive "Original Uzi (4 of Us)".{{cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |title=The Perfect Luv Tape – Lil Uzi Vert |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-perfect-luv-tape-mw0002971671 |accessdate=July 14, 2018 |publisher=AllMusic}} The production is characterized by bright, day-glo trap beats, with HotNewHipHop describing their "gooey melodies" and a structure that places more conventional tracks upfront and experimental ones toward the back.{{cite web |last=Lyons |first=Patrick |date=August 6, 2016 |title=Lil Uzi Vert's "The Perfect Luv Tape" (Review) |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-uzi-verts-the-perfect-luv-tape-review-news.23277.html |accessdate=August 9, 2016 |work=HotNewHipHop}}
Uzi’s vocal performance oscillates between melodic hooks and choppy, boastful flows, reflecting their persona as a rockstar-anime hybrid straddling materialism, romance, and youthful bravado. Pitchfork praises their knack for crafting earworm hooks and unconventional song structures, with some tracks featuring bridges that split verses or rely entirely on hooks, though it critiques the vocal dynamism as less adventurous than Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World. Standout tracks like "Canadian Goose" and "P’s & Q’s" showcase Uzi’s ability to mirror unorthodox beats with infectious melodies, while "Ronda (Winners)", a Metro Boomin and Cubeatz production, incorporates a faux-dancehall vibe with inventive double and half-time shifts, as highlighted by HotNewHipHop. However, songs like "Original Uzi (4 of Us)" are faulted for Uzi’s repetitive flow despite vibrant production, with HotNewHipHop suggesting he soars when he breaks from standard vocal structures, as on "You’re Lost".
Thematically, The Perfect LUV Tape loosely explores "luv" through a lens of clout, romance, and millennial stunting, with Uzi referencing their rising fame, social media presence, and personal life, including their brief breakup and Snapchat preferences. PopMatters highlights meta moments, such as the opening lines of "Do What I Want", where Uzi interpolates their hit "Money Longer", signaling their growing confidence and self-awareness. Lyrically, Uzi prioritizes vibe over depth, delivering taunts, boasts, and catchy phrases like "Don’t want to fuck, I swerve her / That be that ‘Bye, bye, birdie’" on "Original Uzi (4 of Us)", which PopMatters highlights he sells with conviction. HotNewHipHop positions Uzi as a cultural bridge between reality TV drama and superhero swagger, appealing to a rabid fanbase with their blend of horniness, devotion, and approachability.
The mixtape’s sonic palette draws from trap’s springy, Atlanta-inspired sound, with influences from Chief Keef and Future, but infused with a youthful, posi-minded energy akin to Lil Yachty’s output. Tracks like "Seven Million" lean into traditional trap, while "Alfa Romeo AW30 (I Can Drive)" experiments with piano-led bass, and "Ronda (Winners)" ventures into tropical territory. Despite its consistency, Pitchfork and HotNewHipHop describe the mixtape lacks the adventurous highs of Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, with Uzi occasionally replicating past successes rather than pushing boundaries.
Critical reception
{{Music ratings
| title = The Perfect LUV Tape ratings
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|title=The Perfect Luv Tape – Lil Uzi Vert|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-perfect-luv-tape-mw0002971671|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=July 14, 2018}}
| rev2 = HotNewHipHop
| rev3 = Pitchfork
| rev3Score = 6.9/10{{cite web|last=Pearce|first=Sheldon|title=Lil Uzi Vert: The Perfect Luv Tape|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22201-the-perfect-luv-tape/|work=Pitchfork|date=August 4, 2016|accessdate=August 9, 2016}}
| rev4 = PopMatters
| rev4Score = 6/10{{cite web|last=Duricy|first=Sheldon|title=Lil Uzi Vert: The Perfect Luv Tape|url=https://www.popmatters.com/lil-uzi-vert-the-perfect-luv-tape-2495420999.html|work=PopMatters|date=August 8, 2016|accessdate=August 9, 2016}}
}}The Perfect LUV Tape received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its catchy melodies and cohesive sound while noting its lack of innovation compared to Lil Uzi Vert’s prior work. Andy Kellman of AllMusic described the mixtape as a "like-sized set of marginally lower quality" than Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, emphasizing its role in maintaining Uzi’s 2016 commercial presence despite minimal stylistic development, with standout tracks like "Seven Million" and "Original Uzi (4 of Us)". HotNewHipHop acknowledged the mixtape’s consistency and "gooey melodies", but felt it lacked the freshness and energy of Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, critiquing Uzi’s occasionally unadventurous vocal delivery, though tracks like "Canadian Goose" and "Ronda (Winners)" were highlighted for their infectious momentum.
Pitchfork’s review positioned The Perfect LUV Tape as a reaffirmation of Uzi’s talent for synthesizing rap trends into a "catchy melodic soup", praising their earworm hooks and unconventional song structures, but highlighted a dip in vocal dynamism and a tendency to replicate past successes, making it less impactful than Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World. Brian Duricy of PopMatters viewed the mixtape as a step forward in Uzi’s progression, calling it "more consistent than he’s ever been" and commending their confident delivery and meta references, such as interpolating "Money Longer" in "Do What I Want", though he acknowledged Uzi had yet to match the potency of peers like Young Thug or 21 Savage.
Commercial performance
The Perfect LUV Tape debuted at number 55 on the US Billboard 200. In February 2018, the mixtape was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined sales, streaming, and track-sale equivalents of 500,000 units.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-15 |title=Lil Uzi Vert's "The Perfect LUV Tape" Certified Gold |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/99181-lil-uzi-verts-the-perfect-luv-tape-certified-gold-news |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=www.hotnewhiphop.com |language=en}} "Do What I Want" has been certified three-times platinum by the RIAA.{{Cite web |title=Gold & Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Lil+Uzi+Vert&ti=Do+What+I+Want&format=Single&type=#search_section |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=RIAA |language=en-US}}
Track listing
Credits were adapted from the album's liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=The Perfect Luv Tape|type=CD liner notes|others=Lil Uzi Vert|publisher=Atlantic Records|year=2016}}
{{Track listing
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 30:07
| title1 = Do What I Want
| writer1 = {{hlist|Symere Woods|Donald Cannon|Jamaal Henry}}
| extra1 = {{hlist|Don Cannon|Maaly Raw}}
| length1 = 2:55
| title2 = Of Course We Ghetto Flowers
| note2 = featuring Playboi Carti and Offset
| writer2 = {{hlist|Woods|Henry|Jordan Carter|Kiari Cephus}}
| extra2 = Maaly Raw
| length2 = 4:22
| title3 = Original Uzi (4 of Us)
| writer3 = {{hlist|Woods|Henry|Ivison Smith}}
| extra3 = {{hlist|Maaly Raw|Ike Beatz}}
| length3 = 2:46
| title4 = Money Mitch
| writer4 = {{hlist|Woods|Xavier Dotson}}
| extra4 = Zaytoven
| length4 = 4:07
| title5 = SideLine Watching (Hold Up)
| writer5 = {{hlist|Woods|Dotson}}
| extra5 = Zaytoven
| length5 = 3:11
| title6 = I Can Drive
| writer6 = {{hlist|Woods|Don Paschall}}
| extra6 = DP Beats
| length6 = 2:33
| title7 = You're Lost
| writer7 = {{hlist|Woods|Cannon|Marcus Slade}}
| extra7 = {{hlist|Don Cannon|Slade Da Monsta}}
| length7 = 2:38
| title8 = Erase Your Social
| writer8 = {{hlist|Woods|Cannon|Lyle LeDuff}}
| extra8 = {{hlist|Don Cannon|LeDuff{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length8 = 3:20
| title9 = Ronda (Winners)
| writer9 = {{hlist|Woods|Leland Wayne|Kevin Gomringer|Tim Gomringer}}
| extra9 = {{hlist|Metro Boomin|Cubeatz{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length9 = 3:36
| title10 = Seven Million
| note10 = featuring Future
| writer10 = {{hlist|Woods|Cannon|Nayvadius Wilburn|James Rosser Jr.|Brandon Rackley}}
| extra10 = {{hlist|Don Cannon|Nard & B|XL Eagle{{ref|b|[b]}}}}
| length10 = 3:02
| all_writing =
}}
Notes
- {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies a co-producer
- {{sup|{{note|b|[b]}}}} signifies an uncredited co-producer
Personnel
Credits were adapted from the album's liner notes.
Technical
- Kesha "K. Lee" Lee – recording {{small|(all tracks)}}, mixing {{small|(tracks 1–6)}}
- Don Cannon – mixing {{small|(tracks 7–10)}}
- Chris Athens – mastering {{small|(all tracks)}}
Additional personnel
- Don Cannon – album producer
- Carolyn Tracey – project manager
- Farris Knudsen – cover art design
- Matt Meiners – package design
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
| scope="col"| Chart (2016)
! scope="col"| Peak |
|---|
| {{album chart|Billboard200|55|artist=Lil Uzi Vert|rowheader=true|accessdate=October 25, 2016}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|20|artist=Lil Uzi Vert|rowheader=true|accessdate=August 23, 2016}} |
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
| scope="col"| Chart (2017)
! scope="col"| Position |
|---|
| scope="row"| US Billboard 200{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2017/top-billboard-200-albums|title=Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2017|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=December 12, 2017}}
| 110 |
| scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2017/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2017|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=June 28, 2020}}
| 86 |
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|artist=Lil Uzi Vert|title=The Perfect Luv Tape|award=Platinum|relyear=2016|certyear=2024|accessdate=February 12, 2018}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true | nosales=true | noshipments=true}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Lil Uzi Vert}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Perfect LUV Tape}}
Category:Atlantic Records mixtape albums
Category:Generation Now albums
Category:Albums produced by Don Cannon
Category:Albums produced by Nard & B
Category:Albums produced by Metro Boomin
Category:Albums produced by Zaytoven