Loaded with features by predominantly Atlanta-based rap all-stars, this bonus offering represents a windfall for Uzi’s base while contrasting with the largely guest-free original version. Not to be outdone, for the deluxe edition of* * Eternal Atake he appends an entire new album dubbed LUV vs. An obvious influence on Uzi’s discography, Chief Keef provides the woozy beat for “Chrome Heart Tags,” reminding that there are levels to Uzi’s artistry. He imbues the post-EDM aesthetic of “Celebration Station” and the video-game trap of “Silly Watch” alike with speedy, free-associative verses that run from gun talk to sexual exploits. Without relying on showy features-save for one memorable duet with Syd on the otherworldly “Urgency”-Uzi does more than most of those who’ve jacked his style in the interim.

With the wait finally over, the patient listenership that made do with running back 2017’s Luv Is Rage 2 again and again can take in his glittering opus. For nearly two years, fans eagerly anticipated the release of Eternal Atake, a maddeningly delayed project whose legend grew while tragedy befell some of the Philadelphia native’s emo rap peers, including Lil Peep and XXXTENTACION. One of the most heralded hip-hop artists of his generation, Lil Uzi Vert built no small part of his well-deserved reputation off of the promise of a record nobody had heard.

Lil uzi vert album cover