Lil Uzi Vert shows promise on his ultra-lux single “New Patek.” Still, it has its flaws, including a long run time, misogynistic overkill, and rap clichés.   

If you haven’t already checked out Ultra-Lux: 17 Rap Songs with Lyrics Referencing Patek, you totally need to get on that.  Yeah, that was an awkward introduction, but fitting given that Lil Uzi Vert named his first new single of 2018 “New Patek,” after the ultra-lux Swiss watch.  Honestly, the fact that the rapper joins the bandwagon of other hip-hop artists referencing their wrists and specifically their watch should totally disqualify “New Patek.” Surprisingly, that doesn’t necessarily seem to be the case – there’s definite replay value, “flaws and all.”

“Hmm / New Patek on my wrist / White diamonds, them shits hit pink / I’m ready.” Following the mumbled intro, Lil Uzi Vert wastes no time getting to work.  Throughout the course of the nearly six-minute record, Uzi delivers agile flows with some compelling moments.  The chorus, among the best moments, finds him flexing hard:

“New Patek on my wrist (gang)

White diamonds, them shits hit pink (gang, gang)

Got cold, had to go get a mink (gang)

New finger ring sit like a sink (gang, gang)

You a bad b*tch, then we can link (what?)

Hit the shower, you might stink (gang, gang)

B*tches bad, yeah, they all migrate (uh)

And she said Lil Uzi so great, (uh, uh)

How you deal with all that hate?’ (uh-uh)

Shut up, b***h, don’t give me migraine…”

Interestingly, a ‘refrain’ of sorts follows the chorus:

“Okay, and your girlfriend like my drip

Happy birthday to that b*tch

Yeah, the one that suck my dick

Triple S got that extra grip

So, you know I cannot slip.”

Too often, Lil Uzi Vert spends time referring to women as ‘bitches’ and objectifying them. On the first verse, he asserts, “F**k that b*tch in my new whip / Her ass so fat, can’t fit…” Besides being shallow in regards to sexual endeavors, He also references Franck Mueller, shooters, hustling, luxury clothing to go with that watch (Burberry pants, Burberry tennis shoes), gang references, and of course diamonds. Following the second chorus and refrain, there’s a bridge, partially excerpted from the first verse, once more referencing Frank Mueller before adding:

“New Rollie made me proud of my wrist

AP make me proud of my wrist

New Richard on my wrist

Got a milli that’s all in my bank.”

Later on the second verse, Lil Uzi Vert references Naruto, nose piercings, Saint Laurent, women, and all things money. The third verse follows, with more of the same (conquests, swagger, money), while the fourth verse is excerpted from the second verse. A big takeaway is that the form of “New Patek” is all over the place – not really traditional in the least, and utilizes ample repetition.

Final Thoughts

All in all, there are things to like about “New Patek.” Anchored by a hard beat, the record features relatively smooth production otherwise, which is an interesting contrast.  Again, Lil Uzi Vert’s flow is notable.  That said, “New Patek” has a lot to take in and definitely lasts too long.  Also, Uzi invests too much into misogynistic culture and of course rap clichés, which takes away from “New Patek.”  Nonetheless, there’s something here.

Lil Uzi Vert • New Patek – Single • Atlantic • Release: 9.18.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic