Lil Uzi Vert's recent release, Eternal Atake 2, dropped on November 1, 2024, and it marks a return to the themes and styles that defined Uzi’s earlier work. Serving as a sequel to the 2020 album Eternal Atake, this project was set up to recapture the energy and innovation that initially propelled Uzi to prominence. Did the album live up to expectations? Did it successfully reimagine the themes of Eternal Atake? Did it scratch the itch of longtime fans who have been waiting for Uzi to revisit past styles? Some would say yes, some would say no, but regardless of what opinion you may have, there is a conversation happening here.

The album opens with "We Good," a track that attempts to blend pop-punk elements with Uzi's signature flow. However, critics have noted that it lacks the uniqueness of earlier works, feeling more like a replication than an evolution. Tracks like "Not An Option" and "Paars in the Mars" showcase Uzi's delivery, but some listeners find the punchlines less compelling compared to previous releases. Some of the verses felt weak, and many of them may not have surpassed the bar that fans had set for this project.

A standout moment comes with "Chips and Dips," where Uzi recites a series of inventive one-liners over a beat that almost feels like an ode to vintage Chicago drill. This track captures the rowdy spirit that fans have come to expect, offering a glimpse of the creativity that has characterized Uzi's best works. A lot of the project was carried by the production, so if you are someone who pays little mind to the subject matter of the track, this project might still be something you will enjoy.

In terms of production, Eternal Atake 2 features contributions from producers like Cashmere Cat and Charlie Puth, adding a polished sheen to the project. Despite this, plenty of critics are arguing that the album lacks the bold experimentation that set Uzi apart in the past, opting instead for a safer, more familiar sound. Commercially, the album has made a significant impact, with early projections indicating a strong debut on the Billboard 200. That being said, it didn’t come close to touching the numbers that Eternal Atake was able to hit in the first week. To put it into perspective, in first week sales, EA2 fell short of EA by over one hundred thousand album sales. 

Overall, Eternal Atake 2 offers a mix of nostalgia and new material, aiming to please long-time fans by attempting to capture the spirit that once defined Uzi's work. Was it a success? That’s up for you to decide. Like a lot of his work, it will likely grow on people as they continue to play back tracks, and it may lead to the project becoming well regarded within Uzi’s discography. There were certainly glimpses of the Uzi that we all know and love, but fans across the internet have expressed that it didn’t quite hit the nail on the head. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, the album and the controversial conversation around it, serve as a testament to Lil Uzi Vert's continued influence in the hip-hop landscape and the underground scene at large.