Lil Uzi Vert has tantalized fans with news of an upcoming release and building upon the success of their Pink Tape which made history as the first rap album to claim the top spot on the Billboard 200 in 2023.
Reflecting on their achievement with an audacious and innovative album, Uzi subtly suggested that their next musical endeavor would take the form of the Barter 16 mixtape.
Engaging in introspection, Uzi shared their thoughts, stating, “As I sit here and contemplate my journey to number one with an experimental tape, I can’t help but anticipate the arrival of the Barter 16 mixtape. Stay tuned.”
In addition, Lil Uzi Vert paid tribute to Young Thug, a fellow artist, by expressing solidarity with the message “Free Slime.”
The true nature of Barter 16 remains uncertain, as it could either be a tribute to the imprisoned YSL leader or a collaborative effort with Young Thug.
Adding to the intrigue, Lil Uzi Vert included a reference to Barter 16 in their bio, hinting at its significance. Prior to this, the artist had already tantalized fans by teasing the highly anticipated third installment of their acclaimed Luv Is Rage series, further heightening anticipation and curiosity.
During a recent Call of Duty livestream, Lil Uzi Vert, hailing from Philadelphia, addressed the possibility of a deluxe edition of Pink Tape. However, the 27-year-old artist swiftly dismissed the idea and instead dropped a hint about an upcoming album.
“Nah, I’m actually going to release a completely new album,” they confidently declared in response to the question.
Fans who witnessed the livestream were understandably ecstatic upon hearing Uzi’s plans for another project. However, considering the three-year gap between Eternal Atake and Pink Tape, it might be wise for them to temper their excitement and exercise patience.
Irrespective of Uzi’s potential future release, they have exciting plans on the horizon. Lil Uzi Vert will embark on the Pink Tape Tour this fall, comprising 17 dates across various cities. Starting in Minneapolis on October 21, the tour will then make stops in Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Atlanta, New York City, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Denver, and more.
The tour will culminate with a final show in Uzi’s hometown of Philadelphia on November 22, bringing the journey to a fitting conclusion. This marks Baby Pluto’s first headlining tour in five years, following their 2018 Endless Summer Tour.
The success of Pink Tape cannot be understated, as it ended a significant drought in hip-hop by becoming the first rap album to reach the top of the Billboard 200. In its debut week, the album garnered 167,000 equivalent album units, securing Uzi their third No. 1 album.
This achievement was particularly noteworthy, as it marked the longest period without a rap album reaching the apex of the Billboard 200 since August 1993, when Cypress Hill’s Black Sunday claimed the top spot, according to Billboard’s records.
