'Uzi? Not again': Lil Uzi Vert's 'Eternal Atake 2' feels too familiar to previous works

Lil Uzi Vert's "Eternal Atake 2" is less of a reinvention and more of a déjà vu experience, drawing heavily on the sounds that made the original "Eternal Atake" such a hit, while offering only hints of new directions.

It's a project that feels too cautious, pulling elements from Uzi's own past, but lacking the full-throttle thrill that once set them apart. While there's enough here to satisfy longtime fans, "Eternal Atake 2" leans into nostalgia in ways that feel both rewarding and frustrating.

From the start, Uzi plays it safe, leaning on tried-and-true beats and familiar ad-libs like "Huh?" and "Yes!" — trademarks that spark nostalgia but don't quite ignite excitement. The track "We Good" opens with a sample from Alvvays' "Very Online Guy," blending pop-punk and emo-rap vibes in an attempt to mirror the emotional resonance of "XO Tour Llif3."

The song includes nods to Uzi's earlier sound, but it lacks the same emotional punch. The track is a solid effort to recreate the melancholic energy that made Uzi's earlier work so impactful, but it doesn't quite stick the landing. For fans hoping for another gut-punch anthem, "We Good" may feel flat, trading raw intensity for a sense of cautious familiarity.

The album has rare highlights that bring back the fire of Uzi's earlier work. "Chips and Dip" and "Mr Chow" are standout moments, diving into Uzi's Philly roots that were absent in the project's earlier entries. On "Mr Chow," Uzi's flexing is loud and raw, capturing the rowdy, rebellious edge that's become a core part of their persona. The production on these tracks brings out the best of Uzi's sound, pairing booming beats with punchy lyrics that remind listeners of their hard-hitting, unfiltered energy.

Throughout "Eternal Atake 2," Uzi revisits many themes and sounds that helped define their career. Tracks like "The Rush" show Uzi leaning into fan service, with familiar ad-libs and beats that echo past releases but lack the spontaneity that once set their music apart.

"The Rush" even opens with a cameo from Big Time Rush, which adds a playful, yet jarring layer to the track. While this callback is fun, it doesn't elevate the music in any meaningful way, and the lack of emotional depth leaves it feeling more like filler than a memorable highlight. Despite the song's catchy beat, it falls short of delivering the impact fans may expect from a sequel to "Eternal Atake."

One of the album's interesting experiments comes in "Goddard Song," devoted to their robot dog. The song opens with a sample from a decade-old interview with artist Kitty, who brushes off critics with a line about how "someone's gonna hate it, like, no matter what." It feels like Uzi is addressing the mixed reactions they've received over recent years, especially following the divisive "Pink Tape." The track is Uzi playfully acknowledging that not every listener will be satisfied. It's a moment that gives "Eternal Atake 2" a bit of personality, even if it's not musically groundbreaking.

But, a sense of repetition runs through much of "Eternal Atake 2," which may leave fans divided. Uzi's collaboration with producers Brandon Finessin and Cashmere Cat is a mixed bag, with tracks like "Conceited" revisiting emo-pop influences and attempting to bring back the energy of "Luv Is Rage," but ultimately left it feeling more like a remnant than a fresh track.

Even when Uzi's delivery is on point, the underlying production often feels predictable, as if the beats are stuck in a loop. Fans who loved Uzi's ability to experiment with genres may find this album a bit disappointing, as it rarely veers into the unexpected.

In the end, "Eternal Atake 2" feels more like a reflection of Uzi's journey than a leap into the future. It's filled with nods to Uzi's past, yet the spark of originality that once set them apart feels dimmed. For fans craving nostalgia, it's a walk down memory lane, but those looking for Uzi to break new ground may be left wondering if they're just aimlessly spinning their wheels.