Lil Uzi Vert says their creative process has improved since becoming sober

Lil Uzi Vert took a different approach when recording their upcoming album, The Pink Tape: they did it sober. The rapper talked to TMZ about the process and Don Cannon‘s revelation that they recorded nearly 700 songs.

Uzi said it was initially challenging to create music during their sobriety journey, but notes they got used to it after a month.

“I thought that my creative process wasn’t going to be the same because I wasn’t on drugs no more,” they said. “It was the same. Even better. Because I could think more clear and I could actually, like, instead of my words slurring, which is kinda of cool, everything made sense. I didn’t just make random music … I didn’t play off the beat. I actually made song[s] with topics this time.”

Uzi’s now encouraging fellow artists to stop taking drugs: “It’s the best thing to do.”

“It will change your life. And you’ll look better,” they add.

Lil Uzi Vert’s attempted sobriety several times, most recently claiming to be drug free in August. “I’m a sober man, OK. Kids, it’s real good to be sober and it’s real good to live your life — not over the influence, but under the influence,” they said in a clip captured by No Jumper. 

Laughter at the end of the video led some to believe Uzi was joking, but Don confirmed their sobriety when he revealed the level of creativity Uzi’s substance-free life has unlocked.

“It’s different because we’re getting all kinds of songs out of him. Might get a rock song, a real rap song, because he really rap,” Cannon said on Math Hoffa‘s podcast. “Might get the melodic s*** that he do. That’s a fun thing.”

Uzi’s putting the final touches on The Pink Tape.