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Future And Lil Uzi Vert’s Low Stakes ‘Pluto X Baby Pluto’ Is Gratuitous Fun

Getty Image / Uproxx Studios Future releases yet another joint mixtape alongside another of his most immediate successors. …

Over the last few years, Atlanta trap trailblazer Future has become something of a savant of the collaborative joint mixtape. Beginning in 2015 with What A Time To Be Alive by Drake, Future has since gone on to repeat the process with a number of his indirect scions, including Young Thug (2017’s Super Slimey), Juice WRLD (2018’s WRLD On Drugs), and most recently, Lil Uzi Vert on this week’s Pluto X Baby Pluto. The latest constitutes each collaborator’s second project of 2020 (third for Uzi if you count the deluxe version of Eternal Atake, LUV Vs. The World 2, as a separate project) and delivers more of what their fans have come to expect, trading on the duo’s established chemistry from their 2016 crossover with DJ Esco, “Too Much Sauce.”

And yes, by now, both artist’s fans know exactly what to expect from either — and thanks to their trio of singles released at various points throughout the year, what to expect from both. The duo first teased their collaboration back in May with the deep-fake-featuring “Wassup” video, which appeared on LUV Vs. The World 2. The video not only established that their working chemistry remained intact, but also that fans would greedily devour anything these two put out together. They set out to leverage this tendency — well-cultivated by each artist’s well-evinced productivity — with the singles “Over Your Head” and “Patek” in July, stoking the flames of curiosity and turning expectation into all-out frenzy.

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How much mileage this tape gets from listeners will greatly depend on how much they like either artist. Neither is going to surprise anyone lyrically, as they tread similar territory to each of their solo releases this year. The 15-song set opens, fittingly enough, with the DJ Esco-produced “Stripes Like Burberry,” which smartly picks up where the duo left off four years ago on “Too Much Sauce.” It quickly establishes one of the benefits of Future’s propensity toward working with his stylistic offspring: It gives listeners the opportunity to compare the two and determine how they overlap and diverge from one another, spotlighting Future’s influence and Uzi’s innovation thereof.

“Bankroll,” “Bought A Bad Bitch,” and the standout single “That’s It,” which also received the video treatment upon the album’s surprise release Friday, are further examples of their stylistic convergence — as well of their thematic limitations. While both have proven highly capable of injecting introspection in their work (albeit mostly in passing), here most of their wordplay leans in service of their attraction to bling, their proficiency with firearms, and their delight in the carnal pleasures provided by willing female companions. In other words, there are no surprises here — which begs the question of why this collection needs to be 15 songs long when they pretty much cover all the subjects they care to by the end of “Marni On Me,” the second song of the tape.

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Yes, Uzi’s solo outing here touches on trauma (“See, I saw a n**** get killed back when I was a toddler / So how I’m ‘posed to love, girl? Now how I’m ‘posed to fear?”), but what could have been an opportunity to expand his range of topics and reveal more of himself quickly regresses back into generic brags about getting head and an ugly, glossed-over reference to domestic violence: “Why you tellin’ n****s about my stash spot? / She lucky I ain’t kill her, could’ve gave her an ass-shot.” This after nearly three months of calls to defend Black women in the wake of Megan Thee Stallion’s shooting by Tory Lanez, as well as the accompanying silence of Tory’s peers and non-female collaborators… it’s a bad look.

That isn’t to say this one reference ruins all the fun, but the hedonism on display wears thin. The beats run the gamut of the sort of cartoon trap favored by Uzi more than the gloomier fare beloved by Future, which gives the latter a boost in energy. The tempo remains high-spirited enough that a club DJ could drop the needle on track one and walk away from the booth, content that the club would rock for the next hour without any additional effort. But the clubs are all closed and the world is on fire; while some escapism is nice, there’s a difference between vegging out for a bit and fiddling while Rome burns. Pluto X Baby Pluto rides the line pretty closely and while it has the potential to grow on you with enough time and repeats listens, there isn’t much here to entice very many of the latter.

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Pluto X Baby Pluto is out now via Atlantic and Epic. Get it here.

Lil Uzi Vert is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

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Artist Spotlight

Exclusive Interview with Country Chart-Topper Ashley Puckett

Ashley, it’s great to have you here. Let’s start from the beginning. Can you share a bit about your journey into music and how your upbringing in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, influenced your musical path?

Hi! Thank you for taking some time with me today!
My musical journey started when I was only about 5 years old when I sang my first song from the Dixie Chicks. Sometimes I like to say it even started before, because my mother would sing to me all the time When I was little, and there was always country music playing.  Growing up, I had a great childhood. I was a happy child, always had my parents support for anything I wanted to do.  I didn’t want for anything.  Still to this day, my parents are my biggest fan.  I remember growing up I was writing songs on my swing set outside in the summer. Music was just part of me growing up all the way to where I am now.

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You mentioned being inspired by artists like Lee Ann Womack, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert. How have these influential figures shaped your style and approach to songwriting and performing?

I love traditional county music. And gals like Miranda allow me to still do what I do because a lot of this genre is moving to pop country, and there’s listeners out there that still want to hear some good ol’ country tunes.  My influences are those who I can follow a path of success and motivation no matter the set backs, and those who have paved ways for others.  These women, among others showed me at an early age that you can be yourself and stick to your roots, and more success will come from that.

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At age sixteen, you picked up the guitar and began writing songs. What was it about songwriting that drew you in, and how did you hone your skills as a songwriter over the years?

Yes, learning to play guitar was a very big part of taking my songwriting to the next level.  For me, songwriting came early also.  It’s always been an outlet for me to express myself.  I’m a very good listener, but when it comes to talking,I usually say it better in song.  It’s a way to remember the good times and help me get through the bad. And the thing is, I’m not the only one who goes through those emotions, so it’s a way to share a way of healing for others, too.

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Your debut album, “Never Say Never,” was a lifelong dream come true. Can you tell us about the process of bringing this album to life and working with industry professionals like Bryan Cole and Doug Kasper?

It truly was nothing short of a dream come true!  I love being on stage, and writing songs, but the part where you get to work with like minded, talented individuals and see your work come to life and share a million creative moments together is by far my favorite part of making music. It’s been a while now since I’ve been in the studio, and I miss it very much!

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The first single from your album, “Medicine,” charted nationally and received widespread acclaim. What was the inspiration behind this song, and how did it feel to see it resonate with audiences?

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When I heard that song for the first time, it spoke to my heart because it was just so raw and beautiful.  There’s an innocence about that one that I felt could touch many different types of people just like it did me. I love acoustic love song, easy listening music, and this one was all of that wrapped in one.
I knew this song had to be part of my debut album because it was a perfect fit to my traditional style, my vocals, and love for beautiful melodies. I love how the audience has taken an immediate interest in me and this song and helped start my mainstream music career.

 “Bulletproof,” released on your birthday, became a #1 iTunes hit in South Africa, and a #1 Radio Hit in the US. What was your reaction to the song’s success, and did you expect it to have such a significant impact?

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Oh my gosh, it was such a surprise to me!  Honestly, when that happened, it gave me a whole new look on my accomplishments to that moment and made me realize that every little success until then had contributed to that very moment.  So I till this day appreciate the little things and the little successes a lot more because I know they will lead to much more.  I was also very surprised to learn about the culture in South Africa and how they outsource music and love country! That was very cool to learn!  I’d love to visit there sometime!

Your single, “What’s Her Name,” was also a radio hit. Can you give us a glimpse into the inspiration behind this track and what listeners should expect from it?

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This one was very fun to record!  It’s very “done me wrong, cheating song country” haha.  A lot of us have unfortunately been in that situation, and it was finally a moment to sing about it!  You put so much into something and give your all to someone who would just rather take it for granted and not show the decency to you that the relationship isn’t working out, they go out and cheat and then play at home like it’s all good and perfect. You’re blind sided. Naturally it makes you wonder who she is and what’s her name.

You mentioned that meeting Bryan and Doug reignited your passion for music and inspired you to pursue your dreams. What is it about your collaboration with them that makes it so special, and how has it influenced your creative process?

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In so many ways!  This opportunity when we all met and decided to move forward gave me my chance at country music.  So I knew my life was changing I just didn’t know how or what to expect.  Throughout the process of making the album, I leaned a lot about the industry and a lot about myself.  I think this project made me a better artist both creatively and professionally.  As I mentioned earlier, when I have the chance to be in the studio, it became my favorite part of my entire career. Just getting to create music from nothing and see it turn into a masterpiece with a bunch of talent in the room making it possible is just beyond amazing.  It also inspired me to keep writing – not that it was going away, but because I saw that the words I put on paper were not just words anymore with an A-cappella melody,  it was a radio hit. That people liked!

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With your new single, “Anchor,” on the horizon, what can fans anticipate from this latest release, and how does it fit into the larger narrative of your musical journey?

I’m very excited to share this one!  I wrote this song on a birthday vacation in Florida. I love the sea and I get most my inspiration lately it seems from the ocean.  This song is a pretty melody, vocal and simple yet story telling song.  My favorite instrument you don’t hear much anymore is steel guitar, so we brought that back here for sure!  After my debut album, I wanted to start sharing my original work, and “Anchor” is going to be a follow up to my first written debut back in 2022, “Tequila”

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That song was accepted very well and made it into the top 80 on the Music Row charts, so I’m hoping this one can set a huge stage for me and my writing and overall career showing that I didn’t just write and sing one song, I’m a songwriter, too, and I have a lot to say and share!

Finally, where can listeners find your music and stay updated on your upcoming releases and performances?

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All major platforms, wherever you listen. Amazon music, Apple Music, pandora, Spotify, or if you’re out and about on the town having a drink, play a song on any AMI Jukebox!  I’m also really big on Facebook and instagram for all things Ashley including upcoming events and performances. You can also check out my website at www.AshleyPuckett.com

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Music

Aubryanna’s “CoverGirl” Captures the Essence of Self-Discovery and Empowerment in Electrifying New Single

Aubryanna’s latest single, “CoverGirl,” is a technical masterpiece that showcases her expertise in producing music with infectious beats and empowering lyrics. The song’s pulsating rhythms and dynamic production create an electrifying atmosphere that is impossible to resist.

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With “CoverGirl,” Aubryanna takes listeners on a journey of self-acceptance and empowerment, urging them to shed the masks society imposes and embrace their inner beauty. The song’s catchy hooks and undeniable energy are a testament to Aubryanna’s mastery of music production, as she expertly blends elements of pop and electronic music to create a unique and captivating sound.

Aubryanna’s powerhouse vocals are supported by the dynamic production, which features a mix of electronic and acoustic instruments and a carefully crafted arrangement that enhances the song’s energy and impact. From the moment the first notes hit, “CoverGirl” commands attention with its technical precision and undeniable appeal, making it a standout track that is sure to resonate with audiences seeking a message of confidence and resilience.

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