From serving Giuliana Rancic with the most awkward interview ever conducted on the Grammys red carpet to swagging out the Kardashian-West brood with Yeezy at his side, Philly-based rapper Lil Uzi Vert is quick to show fans that he never hesitates to speak his mind. From the 2016 debut of "Money Longer" to his mega-popular addition to Migos' "Bad and Boujee," which earned the rapper his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 title, Uzi's clout has risen in the industry in perfect juxtaposition to his viral fame.
Speaking to FADER in 2017, the rapper revealed that social media has lifted his career from that of a little-known Soundcloud artist to one scoring sought-after features and Grammy nominations. “Instagram did just as much for me as SoundCloud,” said Uzi. With the face tattoos, colored dreads and staccato rap style favored by the new wave of hip hop artists, the question stands-- how does Uzi separate himself from the pack? At a time when views and subscribers are nearly as important as fire bars and on-stage charisma, how does a rapper who cites Marilyn Manson as his biggest inspiration appeal to fans overwhelmed by an onslaught of wannabes who want nothing more than the money and the fame?
The answer is simple-- Uzi possesses an unadulterated realness to him that he carries everywhere from his social media feeds, to his performances and interviews. In a world of perfected, iced-out swag and sparkling exteriors, Uzi can still be awkward-- and for that, we love him.
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Uzi's Pre-Grammys Red Carpet Interview
There's no instance more deserving of the "Lil Uzi Vert hierarchy of awkwardness" than the rapper's recent interview with E! red carpet host Giuliana Rancic. Completely nonplussed both by his first nomination and his presence at the music industry's biggest night, Uzi forced Rancic to stumble and struggle for questions to ask when he offered little more than one-word answers. When asked about how he was feeling about the "big night," the rapper paused before replying "normal." After a follow-up question that prodded Uzi to elaborate on his excitement, he simply said, "Yep." The highlight of the interview came when Rancic asked the rapper what was "next" for him, clearly referring to his music career to which he responded that he was looking forward to "waking up and eatin' some Pop Tarts."
Shopping With A Smiling Kanye
Uzi was evidently proud of his shopping trip with Kanye West, and can we blame him, who wouldn't be? That's many a rapper dream. Unlike most, the rapper was able to snap a smiling Yeezy, while he himself posed awkwardly with two peace signs and pigeon-toed feet.
Rollin' Up To the Red Carpet In A Hoodie
Instead of a custom-fit Gucci tux, Uzi chose to roll up to the red carpet in a hoodie and his favored goth-styled Tripp pants. We're sure Manson would be proud. Posting a snap to his IG, the rapper said what most were thinking by alluding to the fact that he lives "on a whole different planet."
Carpet Boarding
A "high as f---" Uzi not only tried to skateboard on a board with no wheels, but did it on the carpet-- and then uploaded the video to Instagram for the viewing pleasure of his 6.1 million followers.
Fashion Gods
Remember when this Uzi moment went viral?
His Billboard Music Awards' look was equally an internet sensation in all it's blouse glory.
Moms And Grandmas Can Turn Up Too
Uzi loves to take to Twitter to retweet clips of mothers, grandmothers and all "old bitches" in general turning up to his songs. While he's not actually in the video, it's awkward nonetheless.
Awkward MTV Interview
When asked about the criticism he's received for using "satanic imagery" in his promotions and claiming the self-given title of the "666 god," Lil Uzi Vert strayed far from the point without ever answering the question. "I'm not 40 years old. It's not my fault I'm on camera-- what do they want me to do? They want me to be like Kirk Franklin or something. I'm sorry, but this is the industry-- it forces me to grow up fast. It's just lit." Then, when asked what his next project would sound like, the rapper simply stated that it will sound "like bubblewrap."
School Busses And Popsicles
Lil Uzi Vert took a break from a casual joyride on a 4-wheeler to stop and surprise a bus full of kids riding home from school. The best part of the clip? The rapper is as calm and collected as can be, almost oblivious to his status as a top-billed rapper who is seemingly content with nothing more than a green popsicle and a bit of conversation while he’s “out here ridin.’”
Interviews with MTV's Gaby Wilson
Ramping up the awkward factor once more while on the red carpet for the 2018 Grammy Awards, Lil Uzi Vert stopped engage in stilted conversation with MTV’s Gaby Wilson. After revealing that he was excited to see just how “old” the “old people look in person,” the rapper then added that he doesn’t know what’s going on because he “takes a lot of shrooms.”
In another interview with Gaby Wilson from this past summer's VMAs, Uzi casually swayed in front of the camera to accept his award for "XO Tour Llif3" winning Song of the Summer. He kept his acceptance speech brief, instead opting for some more of his trademark dance moves-- shoulder shrug and all, while Wilson watched on awkwardly. Okay, admittedly, it seems that Gaby Wilson is perhaps more awkward than Uzi in this one, but working together = awkward magic.