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LIL UZI VERT IS A ROCK STAR. Long before 2022’s “Just Wanna Rock” Jersey club-inspired hit (which exploded across all social media platforms, became a Billboard top 10 and four-time platinum smash, and even had Beyoncé incorporating it into her “Diva” dance break during last summer’s Renaissance World Tour), the Philadelphia native has been making (and breaking) their own rules in both music and fashion.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DANNY CLINCH

The artist began rapping in 2010 but officially made their industry breakthrough with their second mixtape, 2015’s Luv Is Rage. Vert was praised for their emotionally raw and sonically rowdy take on trap music, which they continued to amplify on “Money Longer”—the first single from 2016’s Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World mixtape.

That same year, Vert scored their first No. 1 with their catchy guest slot on Migos’ “Bad and Boujee” signature hit. What makes Vert unique is the balance they’ve found between cheerful and somber as they poured out both the darkest and brightest memories from their soul into the studio. The best example of this is 2017’s “XO Tour Llif3,” a song that shifted the trajectory of rap music.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DANNY CLINCH

The rapper revealed their heartache to the world. With a singular lyric—“Push me to the edge/ All my friends are dead”—Vert pushed emo-rap to the forefront.

“Lil Uzi changed the whole landscape of where music was starting to go. Ever since [its release], you started seeing more people, even producers use my [melodic] cadences,” producer TM88 explained to Billboard at the time. “I feel like the bigger the song got, it just made everybody want to be on that type of sound.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DANNY CLINCH

Vert continued to showcase their vulnerability through not only their music (the latest heard on 2023’s Billboard chart-topping Pink Tape album), but their sartorial choices as well. Refusing to be stuck in a box, the artist confidently sports gender-nonconforming outfits whose inspiration ranges from the dark goths of the ’80s to the vibrant scene kids of the early ’00s.

Their daring fashion choices over the years have caught the attention of fashion designers worldwide, most notably Marc Jacobs, who continues to celebrate Vert as a fashion trendsetter. It was only a matter of time before their two worlds collided, as both the namesake designer and Vert use fashion to celebrate their bold personalities. Vert became the face of the spring 2022 Marc Jacobs “The Monogram” campaign, whose logo-centric look was introduced during the fall 2021 runway show. The clothing featured oversize streetwear including balaclavas, tube shirts, luxe canvas Jacquard jackets and pant sets with matching bucket hats.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DANNY CLINCH

Vert has a keen sense of style individuality, from rocking vivid patterns and women’s clothing to experimenting with various hairstyles (magenta and azure blue-colored locs, punk- inspired spikes, low Caesar fades, cornrows and more). And, of course, the accessories provide the perfect finishing touches just like the artist’s viral choruses.

Jacobs continued to take note of Vert’s incredibly fun self-expression, calling upon them once again for the designer’s 40th anniversary campaign. Released earlier this year, the campaign also featured singer FKA Twigs and model Lila Moss.

Styled by Alastair McKimm, photographed by Juergen Teller and creative directed by Yulya Shadrinsky, the campaign featured Vert sporting a camouflage overcoat with a matching military green undershirt and Jacobs’ signature “The Tote Bag” in a similar camouflage print. And in June, Vert was all smiles in another Jacobs campaign in support of the label’s limited-edition Stephen Sprouse medium tote.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY DANNY CLINCH. Styled by Lil Uzi Vert All clothing, Vert’s own

Before taking a break from social media, Vert often used Instagram as their own personal mood board, showcasing a colorful range of outfits. From stacks of glimmering tennis bracelets to shots of their Dior sneakers, Vert showed just how much detail they put in their daily outfits.

But as of now, the artist continues to be silent as they work on their next project. Will it be a new album? A debut fashion line? Time will only tell, but what is evident is whatever they release will be a showstopping moment for the culture.