We already told you about it last year. We even included it in our list of rappers to watch for 2022, and Uzi did not disappoint, to say the least. He even managed to surprise, even though he was eagerly awaited. And since he sent a lot of force to Project X Paris, we had to look back on this crazy year.
An album full of surprises
We had left Uzi in 2021, after an eventful year that saw him explode into the public eye with his single "A la fête", which went viral. His rapid success even earned him an invitation to the "Classico Organisé" party. But there were also questions: would he succeed in confirming his success? Because when you get that many views on a single track, you can quickly be labelled, and that can also encourage you to keep reusing the same recipe over and over again, just to keep things going. This has obviously not been the case with the rapper from 77, who has worked to diversify his artistic palette and show the public that he can do many things. He proved it with his second solo album, "Meilleur qu'hier". It's a 17-track project with a host of guest stars and a wide range of moods. We're obviously obliged to mention his feat with Booba, "Trophée", featured on the album. Uzi managed to get the Duke on his project, which isn't something just anyone can do. What's more, he went to the trouble of rapping without autotune, which has become a rarity on his part of late.
But he also invited Soolking, OBOY, ISK, Timal and Lynda. Overall, the project remains very much focused on melody, one of the rapper's trademarks since his early days. The prods are finely crafted, with beautiful, often clear notes, in both the more upbeat and the more melancholy tracks. The melancholy is just as present as on his first album, so fans won't be disappointed. In short, Uzi stays true to his music without trying to reproduce the same recipe as on his debut. A fine risk-taking on the part of the artist, and one that has paid off. Of course, Uzi's background is still firmly rooted in the street, with its rivalries, jealousies and illegal businesses, but also the determination and desire to succeed that he has seen everywhere in his home town of Noisiel. Inevitably, taking risks means sales won't be as staggering as in the past, but that's still more than enough for him to be satisfied with his second project.
Uzi on all terrains
It's all the more satisfying because the more things go, the more the rapper is validated by his colleagues in the rap game. Recognition is very important for an artist, and he is truly validated by his peers. The proof is in the large number of feats and collabs that Uzi has been able to make throughout the year. On his album, in the "Classico Organisé", but he was also invited to work on the projects of many other artists: notably the famous Kayna Samet. A cult singer on the French urban music scene, we remember her feat with Booba (again), "Destinée", in 2022. Yet another big name in the game to validate the young rapper, who also seems to have the elders in agreement, which again is not given to all new artists. He also recently released another original collab with a very good female rapper, Doria.
The freestyle is called "Changer", and the video was shot from the front of a car, with a black-and-white filter that adds a lot of intensity. What's even more original is the mode of distribution: the video was broadcast exclusively on TikTok and Instagram, where it was a hit. Finally, another big collab from Uzi, featuring Bosh Uzi, who has become a true FR rap star since his acclaimed role in the "Validé" series, where he plays a very brutal and aggressive character. But for their featuring, called "Militaire", Uzi successfully took Bosh into a musical universe rather outside his comfort zone. The result is a melodious track, which you can listen to on the "Redvolution vol.1" compilation, released at the end of October. By the way, at the rate Uzi has been making appearances in recent weeks, it wouldn't be surprising to see him announce something, perhaps for 2023, who knows? Stay tuned!
The Uzi & PXP collab
While we're waiting to find out more, we'll also take a look back at the collaboration between Uzi and Project X Paris. A collab' whose pieces remain as relevant as ever, like his checkered ensemble, which still looks incredible. A checkered overshirt with black and white and pants in the same colors, all worn with a white hoodie and a pair of glasses, the rapper's style is crazy, with an outfit that may seem difficult to wear at first glance. But the rapper isn't afraid of extravagant pieces or flashy styles, he dares, and you know us at PXP, we love it. A tracksuit and hoodie A futuristic tie-and-dye version of his signature, which he dons while enjoying a bowl of cereal, the rapper loves a good thing, and we love his attitude and energy.
As with all streetwise adventurers, we can sense that Uzi has a slight preference for our hoodies, whether they're fairly classic versions like the black sweatshirt hoodie. Or the red "Project X Paris Crew" hoodie, one of our recent success stories. Or hoodies with much more avant-garde, like the model from the "Graffiti" capsule, in red and white. In short, we invite you to see the shoot in its entirety, because we really did take some beautiful photos, in this luxurious residence hidden away in the heart of Paris. We're obviously keen to repeat the experience with Uzi, and wish him all the best for 2023, which is sure to be an exciting year for him!
