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Eternal Atake

Eternal Atake is the second studio by American rapper and singer , released on March 6, 2020, through Generation Now and . The 18-track project features a single guest appearance from singer Syd of The Internet on the song "Urgency," with production primarily handled by collaborators including Maaly Raw, , Brandon Finessin, and others. It was surprise-released after years of anticipation and delays, marking a significant milestone in 's discography following his 2017 debut Luv Is Rage 2. The album's development began as early as 2018, with initially teasing a release for that December, but it faced multiple postponements due to creative refinements and personal events, including a publicized with label executive . The final version incorporates themes of and personal triumph, reflected in its futuristic artwork and track titles like "Baby Pluto" and "Venetia," drawing from 's affinity for motifs. Notable singles preceding the album included "Futsal Shuffle 2020" and "That Way," both appended as bonus tracks, which helped build hype through challenges and streaming success. Upon release, Eternal Atake debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, accumulating 288,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 400 million on-demand streams—the largest streaming week for any album since Post Malone's in September 2019. This achievement marked Lil Uzi Vert's second number-one album and underscored his enduring commercial dominance in . A deluxe edition, subtitled LUV vs. the World 2, followed on March 13, 2020, adding 14 new tracks and guest features from artists such as , , and , extending the project's narrative and boosting its total runtime to over two hours. Critically, Eternal Atake received widespread acclaim for its innovative blend of melodic singing, drill-influenced flows, and production, with reviewers praising its cohesiveness and Lil Uzi Vert's versatile performance. awarded it an 8.4 out of 10, highlighting how it "stretches 's trends to places both familiar and alien," while Rolling Stone declared it "Lil Uzi Vert's best album yet" for its conceptual slickness and hype fulfillment. The New York Times noted its "rowdy thrills," emphasizing Lil Uzi Vert's ability to transcend traditional gatekeepers through raw energy and accessibility. Standout tracks like "Baby ," "POP," and "Secure the Bag" exemplified the album's energetic pacing and lyrical introspection on fame and relationships. In the years following its release, Eternal Atake influenced subsequent trends in melodic rap and solidified Lil Uzi Vert's role as a genre innovator, paving the way for his sequel Eternal Atake 2, which debuted at number three on the 200. album remains a benchmark in his catalog, celebrated for capturing a pivotal in and fan engagement during the streaming era.

Background and development

Recording process

The recording of Eternal Atake commenced in 2018 following the release of Lil Uzi Vert's debut album and extended over approximately two and a half years, with the majority of sessions taking place in studios throughout , the artist's hometown. Kesha Lee, who has engineered all of Uzi's projects since 2015, handled the primary recording duties and described the collaboration as having grown more streamlined over time, allowing for efficient vocal captures despite the project's length. The production team drew heavily from the collective, with Brandon Finessin contributing to over half the tracks, alongside Oogie Mane, Supah Mario, , and emerging producer Bugz Ronin, who shaped the album's futuristic, trap-infused sound. Frequent leaks of demo material posed a major obstacle, compelling and the producers to discard compromised songs and generate replacements on short notice; Finessin noted that the team had to "make new music every time" due to the constant threat, including fake leaks that disrupted momentum. Sessions often involved spontaneous collaborations, such as a January 31, 2019, gathering in a studio above the Voltage Lounge venue, where worked with after a local performance—though the output from that night, including input from , ultimately appeared on the album's deluxe edition. Uzi declared the recording complete on May 12, 2019, during his set at , revealing he had finalized the final track just nights earlier after multiple prior delays tied to label disputes and creative revisions.

Conceptual origins

The conceptual origins of Eternal Atake stem from Lil Uzi Vert's fascination with extraterrestrial themes and UFO lore, particularly drawing inspiration from the cult, a founded by and that blended spirituality with beliefs in ascending to a higher level via . The cult's 1997 mass suicide in , where 39 members sought to board a trailing the , resonated with Uzi as a for and escape from earthly constraints, influencing the album's narrative of abduction and cosmic journey. Uzi articulated the core vision in a 2024 interview, stating, "I was really into Heaven’s Gate... It’s like a that believed they could leave on a ," which shaped the 's overarching story of personal abduction and interstellar exploration as a means of self-discovery and rebirth. This concept evolved during the 's development, with Uzi aiming to immerse listeners in a surreal, otherworldly experience: "I wanted it to feel like you’re in space." The theme extends Uzi's prior work, such as the spacey motifs in Luv Is Rage 2, but Eternal Atake formalizes it into a cohesive arc portraying the rapper's "mysterious vanishing" and return, symbolizing artistic evolution amid personal and professional pressures. Visual and narrative elements, including the original album artwork featuring a keyhole logo reminiscent of iconography, further embedded this inspiration, though it faced backlash from surviving cult members who viewed it as a misuse of their imagery, leading to alterations before release. Collaborators like visual artist Gibson Hazard reinforced the aesthetic by incorporating sci-fi influences, such as crashed UFOs and beaming abductions, to create an immersive "specific visual world" aligned with Uzi's cosmic . This foundation not only defined Eternal Atake but set the stage for its 2024 sequel, continuing the abduction-return motif as an ongoing saga.

Music and lyrics

Musical style

Eternal Atake is characterized by a genre-fluid approach that blends elements of , , , and within the broader framework of . Lil employs a mix of aggressive, drill-influenced and melodic crooning, creating a dynamic contrast between high-energy flows and introspective, auto-tuned melodies. This style draws from trap's booming 808s and Chicago 's relentless pacing, while incorporating emo and punk sensibilities for emotional depth and raw expression. The album's production, primarily handled by the Philadelphia collective , features layered synths, spaced-out samples, and futuristic, dystopian soundscapes that evoke a sense of otherworldliness aligning with its sci-fi theme. Tracks like "Baby " open with plinking, battle-cry synths and heavy , setting a tone of experimental , while "Silly Watch" maintains a breakneck pace with relentless hi-hats and booming . Other songs, such as "You Better Move," sample elements like Space Cadet 3D Pinball for a playful yet disorienting edge, and "Chrome Hearts Tags" utilizes a Chief Keef-produced beat layered with hallucinogenic vocal effects. Producers including Oogie Mane and Supah Mario contribute to this innovative , emphasizing melody and unconventional structures over traditional rap cadences. Influences from artists like , , and inform Uzi's surrealist rap tendencies, merging tough, boastful lyrics with dreamy, cloud-like vibes. and elements are evident in the nasal whine and angsty delivery reminiscent of and , as well as the digitally decaying style popularized by . This fusion pushes boundaries, reimagining trends into a cohesive, hour-long epic that prioritizes Uzi's persona—flamboyant, emotionally raw, and forward-looking—without relying on pop or rockstar tropes.

Lyrical content

The lyrical content of Eternal Atake primarily revolves around themes of opulence, romantic entanglements, and personal triumph, often delivered through Lil Uzi Vert's signature melodic flows and ad-lib-heavy style. Uzi's verses frequently boast about material excess, referencing high-end and purchases as symbols of his elevated status, such as in "Silly Watch," where he raps, "She look good, but she wear / Took her shoppin’, put her right in some ," illustrating a dynamic of attraction tied to wealth and transformation through consumerism. Similarly, "POP" amplifies this motif with an exuberant shopping spree narrative: "I went to the store and got me some / Pradas and Balenci’, Balenci’, Balenci’," emphasizing relentless brand obsession as a core expression of success. Relationships emerge as a recurring emotional anchor, blending vulnerability with bravado amid fame's pressures. In "P2," Uzi explores themes of loyalty and emotional numbness in romantic challenges, reflecting on fractured partnerships and substance use. Tracks like "Baby Pluto" extend this introspection, where Uzi positions himself as a "rockstar" navigating love's turbulence, incorporating lines that hint at self-doubt and relational strain beneath the surface glamour. This emotional layering aligns with Uzi's intent to prioritize authentic lyrical expression, as he sought to make his voice and words "shine more than the actual beats" during the album's creation, according to producer Supah Mario. A loose sci-fi undercurrent infuses the lyrics with otherworldly , tying into the album's abduction narrative without overt dominance. Songs like "You Better Move" contribute to this through playful pop culture puns (e.g., references to Yu-Gi-Oh!'s Blue-Eyes White Dragon) and futuristic flair in its production. Overall, these elements create a surrealist texture, blending traditional bluster with dreamlike distortion, as noted in analyses of Uzi's style within a broader movement alongside artists like .

Visual and thematic elements

Album artwork

The official artwork for Eternal Atake depicts standing prominently in the center of a vast, adoring crowd, with fans extending their arms toward him in a of and . Many in the crowd hold signs reading "Uzi" and "Baby Pluto," emphasizing the rapper's stage names and his connection to his audience, while the conveys themes of and elevation. The image uses a vibrant, high-contrast color palette dominated by reds, blacks, and whites to create a dramatic, almost cult-like atmosphere surrounding the . Prior to finalizing this design, revealed three potential covers on March 3, 2020, allowing fans to vote on their favorite via , as a way to involve his supporters in the creative process. The selected artwork was the third option, created by one of three independent artists whom Uzi commissioned to provide fresh perspectives and opportunities in the industry. The other two designs included a jewel-themed graphic reminiscent of his single "Baby Pluto," featuring a multicolored raindrop diamond amid gold elements, and an intergalactic scene with three women on the moon waving at a above a technicolor . The album's visual rollout had earlier roots in controversy; an initial 2018 teaser artwork, featuring a keyhole emblem with "EA" initials, drew legal threats from surviving members of the Heaven's Gate cult for closely resembling their logo, leading Uzi to abandon that design. This incident highlighted ongoing scrutiny over the project's thematic inspirations, though the final cover shifted focus to celebratory fan devotion without direct cult references.

Thematic motifs

Thematic motifs in Eternal Atake revolve around imagery and , serving as a metaphorical framework for Lil Uzi Vert's personal and professional struggles. The album employs UFOs and abductions as central symbols, representing the artist's under his label's control and his subsequent quest for . This narrative is reinforced through skits depicting abductions and cosmic journeys, framing the project as a sci-fi where Uzi transcends earthly constraints. A key motif draws from the Heaven's Gate cult, a that believed in ascension to a higher plane via extraterrestrial spacecraft. An early 2018 teaser artwork featured a keyhole reminiscent of Heaven's Gate's , symbolizing a portal to otherworldly realms and tying into themes of and escape from mundane realities. The album unfolds as a concept piece divided into three acts (tracks 1–6, 7–12, and 13–18), each embodying a distinct that advances the thematic arc. The first act, under the "Baby Pluto" persona, evokes aggressive, interstellar aggression with tracks like "Baby Pluto," using pulsating synths to mimic alien encounters. The second act shifts to the playful "Renji" identity—inspired by the Bleach anime character —incorporating lighter, futuristic vibes that suggest evasion and adaptation. The final act reverts to Lil Uzi Vert's core self, culminating in themes of reclaimed autonomy, as seen in reflective cuts addressing fame, relationships, and substance use amid the cosmic backdrop. These motifs extend to lyrical content, blending bravado with vulnerability—wealth and stardom portrayed as a "" high, contrasted by and relational lows. The overarching motif, from to freedom, mirrors Uzi's real-life management deal with in 2019 amid ongoing disputes with his label, infusing the with autobiographical depth under its galactic veneer.

Release and marketing

Announcement and rollout

Lil Uzi Vert first teased the title of his second studio album, Eternal Atake, on July 17, 2018, through a series of cryptic tweets on (now X), where he posted phrases like "eternal" and "atake" without further context. Two weeks later, on July 31, 2018, he shared potential album artwork on , featuring an image of a UFO that drew comparisons to the cult, prompting a cease-and-desist threat from the group on August 3, 2018. The project's rollout faced immediate setbacks due to ongoing disputes with his label, Generation Now. On September 18, 2018, Uzi released "New Patek" as the presumed , which sampled Playboi Carti's "" and peaked at number 24 on the Hot 100. By December 8, 2018, he announced during a concert in that the album was complete, but no release date was set. Tensions escalated on January 11, 2019, when Uzi posted on Stories that he was "done with music" and deleted his presence, citing frustrations with label clearances and payments; this tease halted momentum and led to fan speculation about the album's fate. In March 2019, amid leaks of several tracks, Uzi threatened to self-release the album on , further complicating the rollout. He signed with for management on March 26, 2019, which helped resolve some issues, leading to the official release of leaked singles "Sanguine Paradise" and "That's a Rack" on April 9, 2019; the former went and became a . Progress stalled again until 2019, when Uzi announced a December 6 release date on , only to delay it days later due to sample clearance problems. The album's promotion resumed in late 2019 with the December 12 release of "Futsal Shuffle ," a high-energy track with a viral dance challenge that debuted at number four on the Hot 100. On February 28, , Uzi tweeted that Eternal Atake would arrive in two weeks, targeting March 13. He followed with the single "That Way" on March 1, alongside a trailer and tracklist reveal on March 5. However, Uzi surprise-dropped the 18-track album on March 6, , midway through the day, catching fans off guard after over 19 months of anticipation and delays.

Singles and videos

Prior to the release of Eternal Atake, issued two promotional singles in April 2019. "That's a Rack," produced by Maaly Raw, was released on April 9, 2019, through , featuring trap-infused beats and lyrics centered on wealth and excess. An official , directed by Daps, followed on April 23, 2019, depicting Uzi performing amid a surreal scene of painted nude figures in an artistic homage to performance artist . Similarly, "Sanguine Paradise," produced by Stoop Kid and Earl on the Beat, dropped the same day, April 9, 2019, with a melodic flow and spacey production aligning with the album's extraterrestrial theme. Its , directed by Daps, premiered on July 3, 2019, portraying a horror-inspired narrative of Uzi in an underground vampire-like party, evoking -style visuals. The album's lead singles arrived closer to its March 6, 2020, launch. "Futsal Shuffle 2020," produced by Stoop Kid with samples from a 2018 interview with and a live performance of Tyler, the Creator's "," was released on December 12, 2019, emphasizing a danceable that inspired a TikTok challenge. The accompanying , directed by , debuted on January 6, 2020, showcasing Uzi and dancers performing the song's signature shuffle in vibrant, neon-lit settings. "That Way," produced by and sampling the ' "," followed on March 1, 2020, blending pop nostalgia with Uzi's auto-tuned delivery on themes of desire and relationships. Unlike the prior singles, no official was produced for "That Way," though its drew controversy for allegedly borrowing from another artist's design. In promotion of Eternal Atake, released the BabyPluto on March 3, 2020, co-directed by Uzi and Gibson Hazard. This two-minute visual narrative explores Uzi's Baby Pluto being abducted by a UFO, incorporating snippets from the album's "Baby Pluto" and tying into the project's sci-fi motifs, serving as a thematic prelude to the full release. No additional official for other album tracks were issued at the time of launch, though the singles' visuals contributed to building anticipation amid the album's surprise drop.

Critical response

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release on March 6, 2020, Eternal Atake received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised Lil Uzi Vert's energetic delivery, innovative production, and ability to blend , , and melodic elements into a cohesive project. The album holds a Metascore of out of 100 on , based on 9 critic reviews, indicating "universal acclaim" overall. Pitchfork awarded the album 8.4 out of 10 and designated it "Best New Music," hailing it as "Uzi’s greatest album to date, a scope-defying hour-long epic that couldn’t be made by anyone else." Reviewer Alphonse Pierre commended the "seamless blend of drill-influenced rapping, melodic crooning, and beats that are aware of ’s trends, but stretch them to places unimaginable," particularly highlighting the production work by the collective , which contributed to its futuristic, immersive sound. Pierre also appreciated Uzi's lyrical evolution, noting "richer detail" in tracks like "Bean (Kobe)" with vivid such as "She look good, but she wear /Took her shoppin’, put her right in some ." NME gave Eternal Atake a perfect five-star rating, describing it as a "dizzying of sound" inspired by and sci-fi themes, positioning Uzi as "this generation’s ." The review lauded its sprawling nature and creative sampling, such as the "dizzying brain-buster" in "P2" that reworks elements from Uzi's earlier hit "," while acknowledging it as a "rambling but enjoyable mess" due to clashing sounds like ominous hums in "Prices" and videogame effects in "." Critic emphasized Uzi's status as a "modern great" who delivers on years of hype with tonal shifts from aggressive to glassy melodies in tracks like "Baby Pluto" and "Urgency." Rolling Stone called the album "Lil Uzi Vert's best album yet," praising its cohesiveness, slick concept, and performance that justifies every ounce of hype. No numerical rating was assigned. portrayed Eternal Atake as providing "rowdy thrills," blending "old-fashioned bluster" with "flamboyant style exercise," and affirmed Uzi's role as a "tough talker and an in-the-clouds dreamer, a visual eccentric" who thrives beyond traditional gatekeepers in . highlighted its immediate chart success, debuting at No. 1 on the with 288,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, mostly from streams, underscoring its cultural impact upon arrival.

Critical rankings and awards

Upon its release, Eternal Atake was included in numerous year-end best albums lists for , reflecting its strong critical acclaim within the landscape. Complex ranked it third on their list of the best albums of , praising its fulfillment of high expectations through innovative production and cohesive energy. placed it at number eight on their list of the 50 best albums of , highlighting its genre-shattering moments and Lil Uzi Vert's creative torrent. included it at number 12 on their 50 best albums of and later at number 78 on their 100 best albums of the so far, noting its loose extraterrestrial concept and freer execution compared to prior works. Other prominent publications also recognized the album's impact. Billboard featured it among their 50 best albums of 2020, emphasizing Lil Uzi Vert's return with a project that resonated amid anticipation. NPR listed it in their 50 best albums of 2020, underscoring its place alongside diverse genre offerings. The Ringer and Uproxx both included it in their best albums of the year selections, while Time magazine named it among the year's standout releases. In terms of awards, Eternal Atake received a nomination for Favorite Album – Rap/Hip-Hop at the 2020 American Music Awards but did not win. The album was not nominated for any Grammy Awards in categories such as Best Rap Album.

Commercial success

Chart positions

Eternal Atake debuted at number one on the US chart, marking Lil Uzi Vert's second album to achieve this feat and earning 288,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. It also topped the chart for two consecutive weeks, with 17,000 units in its second week alone. The album reached number one on the ARIA Albums in , becoming Lil Uzi Vert's first chart-topping release there. Internationally, Eternal Atake peaked at number three on the , marking the artist's highest position in that market at the time. It entered the at number two and the Danish Albums Chart at number four, reflecting strong streaming performance in .
Chart (2020)Peak position
Australian Albums () 1
Canadian Albums () 1
US 200 1
Danish Albums () 4
UK Albums (OCC) 3
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) 2
: https://www.noise11.com/news/australian-albums-lil-uzi-vert-eternal-atake-debuts-at-no-1-20200316
: https://ca.billboard.com/fyi/charts-march-22-2020
: https://www.billboard.com/pro/lil-uzi-verts-eternal-atake-no-1-billboard-album-chart/
: http://hitlisten.nu/default.asp?w=13&y=2020&list=a40
: https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20200320/7502/
: https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Lil+Uzi+Vert&titel=Eternal+Atake&cat=a

Sales and certifications

Eternal Atake debuted at number one on the US chart, accumulating 288,000 album-equivalent units in its first week of release on March 6, 2020. This total comprised 278,000 streaming equivalent album units, 9,000 in pure traditional album sales, and 1,000 in track equivalent album units. The album achieved rapid commercial success, reaching one million album-equivalent units in the United States by late June 2020. It was certified platinum by the (RIAA) on June 30, 2020, and later certified 3× Platinum in December 2024, recognizing shipments and streaming equivalents of 3,000,000 units. Internationally, the album has received several certifications, including 2× Platinum by (160,000 units) in 2021, Gold by (10,000 units) in 2020, Platinum by (15,000 units) in 2021, and Silver by the BPI (100,000 units) in the UK in 2023.

Track listing and credits

Standard edition tracks

The standard edition of Eternal Atake, released on March 6, 2020, through Generation Now and , comprises 18 tracks that showcase Lil Uzi Vert's signature blend of beats, melodic flows, and futuristic themes inspired by space and excess. The album opens with high-energy anthems like "Baby Pluto" and "Lo Mein," transitioning into introspective cuts such as "I'm Sorry" and "No More," before closing with collaborative highlights including "Neon Guts" featuring and "Urgency" featuring Syd.
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1"Baby Pluto" · · D. Perez Finessin · 3:30
2"Lo Mein" · · D. Perez Finessin · 3:15
3"Silly Watch" · PriesterSupah 3:15
4"POP" · · J. Finessin · Helluva3:47
5"You Better Move" · · J. · D. Finessin · Helluva · Gemineye3:16
6"Homecoming" · D. Jackson · M. WilliamsDayWazy · Maaly 3:33
7"I'm Sorry" · · D. Jackson · M. Williams Finessin · DayWazy · Maaly 3:31
8"Celebration Station" · · D. Jackson · M. Williams Finessin · DayWazy · Maaly 3:15
9"Bigger Than Life" · · D. Jackson · M. Williams Finessin · DayWazy · Maaly 3:12
10"Chrome Heart Tags" · D. Kosiba · M. WilliamsMaaly · Ooze3:32
11"Bust Me" · D. Kosiba · M. WilliamsMaaly · Ooze3:14
12"Prices" · D. Kosiba · M. WilliamsMaaly · Ooze3:53
13"Urgency" (featuring Syd) · K. Bertil · M. WilliamsMaaly · Kesha Lee · · 3:01
14"Venetia" · D. Kosiba · M. WilliamsMaaly · Ooze3:08
15"Secure the Bag" · D. Kosiba · M. WilliamsMaaly · Ooze3:58
16"P2" · D. Kosiba · M. Williams · C. MontgomeryMaaly · Ooze · 3:54
17"Futsal Shuffle 2020" · D. Kosiba · M. Williams · C. MontgomeryMaaly · Ooze3:18
18"That Way" · D. Kosiba · M. WilliamsMaaly · Ooze · Supah 3:32
The track listing reflects the album's thematic arc, drawing from Lil Uzi Vert's alter egos and a narrative of interstellar adventure, with production emphasizing synth-heavy beats and auto-tuned vocals.

Deluxe edition additions

The deluxe edition of Eternal Atake, subtitled LUV vs. The World 2, was released on March 13, , just one week after the standard version, expanding the project with 14 additional tracks. These new songs form a standalone to Lil Uzi Vert's 2016 mixtape Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, shifting from the original album's largely solo effort to include prominent collaborations that amplify its and melodic style. The additions were announced via social media and positioned as a direct follow-up, blending high-energy beats with Uzi's signature auto-tuned flows and introspective lyrics on themes like success, relationships, and street life. Unlike the standard edition's minimal features—limited to Syd on "Urgency" and on "Neon Guts"—the deluxe tracks incorporate eight guest artists, marking a collaborative pivot that enriches the project's diversity and replay value. Standout inclusions feature on the aggressive "Bean (Kobe)", on the bouncy "Yessirskiii", on the atmospheric "Wassup", and and on the brief, vibe-heavy "Strawberry Peels". Other notable collaborations include on "No Auto", on "Money Spread", solo on "Got the Guap", and on "Leaders", showcasing Uzi's connections within Atlanta's rap scene and beyond. These features were teased in the days leading up to release, building anticipation after the surprise drop of the base album. The added tracks maintain Eternal Atake's futuristic, space-themed aesthetic while introducing more varied production, with shorter runtimes for several cuts to emphasize hooks over extended verses. Tracks like "Myron" and "Lotus" open the section with solo Uzi performances, setting a confident tone before diving into the ensemble pieces. This expansion not only doubled the album's length to 32 tracks but also boosted its commercial momentum, contributing to sustained chart dominance in its second week.
No.TitleFeatured Artist(s)Duration
1Myron3:45
23:13
3Bean (Kobe)3:58
4Yessirskiii3:39
5Wassup3:13
6Strawberry Peels, 1:55
7I Can Show You2:00
8Moon Relate3:01
9Come This Way2:52
10Trap This Way (This Way)3:05
11No Auto2:15
12Money Spread3:37
13Got the Guap2:56
14Leaders3:15

Production personnel

The production of Eternal Atake involved a collaborative team of producers, engineers, and other personnel, primarily assembled during Lil Uzi Vert's recording sessions in and elsewhere in 2019. Key producers included Brandon Finessin and Bugz Ronin, who contributed to multiple tracks, emphasizing trap-influenced beats with melodic elements characteristic of Uzi's style. Other notable producers were on "P2," and on "Urgency," and on "Chrome Hearts Tags," bringing diverse influences from Southern trap to drill aesthetics. Mixing and recording were led by Kesha "K. Lee" Lee, who handled much of the album's audio engineering and beat curation process, working closely with Uzi to refine the project's sound amid a large volume of material. Brendan Morawski served as the primary mixing engineer for several tracks, including "Baby Pluto," "Lo Mein," "I'm Sorry," "Chrome Hearts Tags," "Bust Me," "Urgency," "Secure the Bag," "P2," and "That Way," while Gina Vosti contributed mix engineering on select songs like "Baby Pluto." Chris Athens mastered all tracks, ensuring a polished, cohesive final product suitable for streaming platforms. Additional production support came from figures like Oogie Mane on "POP" and "Bigger Than Life," Supah Mario on "Silly Watch" and "That Way," and Outtatown on "Celebration Station" and "," highlighting the album's reliance on up-and-coming beatmakers in the scene. The album's A&R was managed under Generation Now and , with no specific individual credits publicly detailed beyond the core team.
RoleKey PersonnelNotable Contributions
ProducersBrandon Finessin (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9)Co-produced multiple foundational tracks with and melodic elements.
Bugz Ronin (tracks 6, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15)Handled beats for introspective and high-energy songs; discussed creative process in interviews.
TM88 (track 16)Produced "P2," incorporating signature patterns.
Mixing EngineersBrendan MorawskiMixed 10+ tracks, focusing on clarity in layered vocals and production.
Kesha "K. Lee" LeeOversaw recording and mixing; key in beat selection and session management.
Mastering EngineerChris AthensMastered entire album for consistent dynamics across 18 tracks.

Cultural impact and legacy

Influence on hip-hop

Eternal Atake played a pivotal role in expanding the boundaries of by seamlessly blending elements of Atlanta trap, Chicago , , and , creating a genre-agnostic sound that challenged traditional rap conventions. Lil Uzi Vert's approach on the album, featuring -influenced alongside melodic crooning and trend-stretching beats, demonstrated 's limitless potential without needing to shatter established barriers for success. This fusion not only highlighted Uzi's familiarity with structural predecessors like , , and but also positioned the album as a surrealist evolution within rap, blending old-fashioned bluster with flamboyant, disorienting style exercises. The album's production innovations, including futuristic beats, spaced-out samples, and heavy use of auto-tuned vocals, influenced subsequent trends in melodic rap and subgenres. As a cornerstone of rap's transition to polish, Eternal Atake solidified Uzi's status as a , evolving the DIY into high-impact, event-driven releases that prioritized flex raps and root-building . Its debut at No. 1 on the , driven by over 400 million first-week streams, underscored this shift, bypassing traditional gatekeepers and amplifying the era's role in rap's . Culturally, Eternal Atake contributed to redefining black masculinity in through Uzi's gender-fluid and direct fan engagement, drawing comparisons to innovators like and for creative versatility. The album's legacy endures as a landmark project, shaping the rap landscape that newer artists like navigate, with its experimental blueprint studied for its role in fostering emotional honesty and stylistic boundary-pushing in the genre. By 2024, reflections on the album affirm its status as a in 2020s , combining futuristic production with introspective themes that continue to inspire genre evolution.

Sequel and follow-ups

announced Eternal Atake 2 on October 24, 2024, via and a teaser video depicting an theme, positioning it as the direct to the 2020 album Eternal Atake. The project serves as the rapper's fourth solo studio album and follows the 2023 release , marking a return to the space-inspired aesthetic of the original Eternal Atake. The album was released on , , through Generation Now and , comprising 16 tracks with production primarily handled by and Brandon Finessin, among others. It features a single guest appearance by pop group on the track "The Rush," emphasizing Uzi's experimental pop-rap fusion. Lyrically, the record explores themes of fame, relationships, and , with tracks like "Meteor Man" and "Paars In The Mars" evoking the futuristic sound of its predecessor. Critically, Eternal Atake 2 received mixed reviews, praised for its high-energy beats and bold production but critiqued for lacking narrative depth and cohesion compared to Uzi's earlier work. noted the album's vibrant energy and collaborations, such as with on select cuts, but highlighted repetitive elements and underdeveloped ideas as weaknesses. Commercially, it debuted at No. 3 on the with 59,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking Uzi's first studio album not to reach the top spot. Following Eternal Atake 2, Lil Uzi Vert shared new music snippets, including "WASSUP MAALY" on November 11, 2024, signaling ongoing activity amid contract discussions. By mid-2025, Uzi began teasing a forthcoming project, potentially Luv Is Rage 3—previously announced in 2023 as a return to early sound and possible final album—with summer release hints and social media previews. In October 2025, celebrations marked the 10-year anniversary of Uzi's mixtape Luv Is Rage, reigniting fan interest in a potential Luv Is Rage 3. However, in September 2025, Uzi stated they would not release new music that year. As of November 2025, no official follow-up album tied directly to the Eternal Atake series has materialized.

References

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    Lil Uzi Vert Surprise-Releases New Album 'Eternal Atake' - Forbes
    Mar 6, 2020 · Rapper Lil Uzi Vert shocked his fans all around the world by surprise-releasing his new album Eternal Atake almost halfway through Friday, March 6.
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    Lil Uzi Vert: Eternal Atake Album Review | Pitchfork
    Mar 10, 2020 · It's a seamless blend of drill-influenced rapping, melodic crooning, and beats that are aware of hip-hop's trends, but stretch them to places ...
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    Lil Uzi Vert Drops New Album Eternal Atake; See Tracklist - Vulture
    Mar 6, 2020 · ” The record also features guest vocals from the Internet's Syd on “Urgency.” Eternal Atake is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2017's ...
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