Lil Uzi Vert: 7 Things to Know About the Grammys Best New Artist Nominee
He didn’t win, but he’s great. Here’s what you need to know
Tim Molloy | January 28, 2018 @ 4:49 PM
Last Updated: January 28, 2018 @ 10:50 PM
If the Grammy Awards just introduced you to the existence of someone named Lil Uzi Vert, it’s okay. You’re not alone.
Despite the weird name, he’s a very solid rapper who had a legitimate shot in two categories: Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance for his guest spot on the massive Migos hit “Bad and Boujee.” (Update: He didn’t win in either category, and that’s also okay.)
Here are a few quick things to know about the 23-year-old Philadelphia-based rapper, whose real name is Symere Woods.
He’s not big on branding. You know how some rappers, like Cardi B, are absolutely great at self-promotion? Lil Uzi Vert, as you can guess from his name, doesn’t worry about it much. One of his best songs, a dark and atmospheric ballad with the hook “push me to the edge/all my friends are dead,” has the not-that-memorable title “XO Tour Llif3.” It’s great though.
He counts Marilyn Manson among his influences. I guess I can see it? He embraces darkness the way Manson does, but his music is more nuanced. And hip-hop. But Manson says they’ve been in talks to make some music together.
He’s probably best known for “Bad and Boujee.” Here it is.
Oh, and also? Jumps. He takes the “vert” part of his name seriously, taking stage dives to new levels, including 20-foot drops.
Publicists have seized on this. In June, TheWrap received a press release that read in part:
LiLUziVert, the Leapin’ Lizzard Artist of Hip Hop, will be performing his extraordinary feats – practically flying into the crowd on June 10, 2017, at a major concert at the Wild Things Park in this Pittsburgh suburb. But the audience need not fear: extra security will be on hand, protecting all concert goers, even from someone who defies gravity. The audience is being advised that the Philly Rapper might be joining them in their seats. So be prepared, as they might be catching him.
During the Rolling Loud Music Festival in Miami, Florida last month, LilUziVert made international headlines again by jumping over 20 feet into the air into the crowd. He was doing his hit song ”Money Longer” for fans then climbed high for his leap.
Some people call him an emo rapper. Vice’s Noisey argues that he’s “just an emo kid with colorful braids,” adding “‘All my friends are dead,’ Vert croons. Emo! Someone get this guy a spot on the 2005 Warped Tour!” Adding on to that narrative, MTV opined that his Grammys look is “straight out of Hot Topic.”
His debut album, “Luv is Rage 2,” debuted last summer on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. That speaks for itself.
His post-Grammys plan includes “eating some Pop-Tarts,” he says. Emo rappers — they’re just like us.
Grammys 2018 Arrivals: From Lady Gaga to Reba McEntire (Updating Photos)
Lady Gaga arrives on the red carpet. She wore a white rose in support of Time's Up and gender equality.
Getty Images
Joy Villa wore a pro-life dress to the red carpet ahead of the 2018 Grammy Awards.
Getty Images
Patrick Starrr arrives to the red carpet.
Getty Images
Recording artist Liliana Saumet of Bomba Estero arrives on the red carpet.
Getty Images
Country singer Reba McEntire arrives on the red carpet, sporting a white rose to support Time's Up and gender equality.
Getty Images
Keltie Knight also wears a white rose as she arrives with Eve to the red carpet.
Getty Images
Recording artist Le'Andria Johnson arrives to the Grammy Awards.
Getty Images
Comedian Brendan Schaub arrives wearing his white rose of support.
Getty Images
Singer Zach Williams arrives on the red carpet.
Getty Images
Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet wearing a white rose in solidarity with Time's Up.
Getty Images
Giuliana Rancic carries a white rose as she walks the red carpet.
Getty Images
Ava Max on the red carpet with a unique take on the white rose.
Getty Images
The Chainsmokers' Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall both wear white roses on the red carpet.
Getty Images
Best New Artist nominee Lil Uzi Vert arrives on the red carpet.
Getty Images
Janelle Monae arrives at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
Getty Images
Lana Del Rey arrives on the red carpet. She wears a white rose on her wrist.
Getty Images
Host James Corden appears on the red carpet ahead of the show wearing a white rose in solidarity with Time's Up.
Getty Images
Kelly Clarkson carries a white rose as she arrives on the red carpet.
Getty Images
Comedian Sarah Silverman twirls down the red carpet.
Getty Images
Sam Smith on the red carpet, sporting a white rose.
Getty Images
Grammy nominee Camila Cabello walks the red carpet, white rose in hand.
Getty Images
Jaden Smith on the red carpet.
Getty Images
"Pitch Perfect 3" star Anna Kendrick wears a white rose on the red carpet.
Getty Images
Grammy nominee Cardi B carries a white rose on the red carpet ahead of the show. She's performing with Bruno Mars.
Getty Images
Singer and "Pitch Perfect" actress Hailee Steinfeld on the red carpet.
Getty Images
Grammy nominee Kesha walks the red carpet ahead of the show, where she'll perform her song "Praying."
Getty Images
Grammy nominee Khalid walks the red carpet wearing a white rose.
Getty Images
Childish Gambino on the red carpet before the 2018 Grammys. He's nominated for his album "Awaken, My Love!" and his song "Redbone."
Getty Images
Singer John Legend with wife and "Lip Sync Battle" host Chrissy Teigen on the red carpet.
Getty Images
SZA on the red carpet. She's nominated for Best New Artist.
Getty Images
1 of 30
Music’s best arrive to the Grammys in unique styles, with many wearing a white rose to show support of gender equality
Lady Gaga arrives on the red carpet. She wore a white rose in support of Time's Up and gender equality.