Meek Mill

Even though Lil Uzi Vert spends about half of his performance with Meek Mill on The Tonight Show lying on his back on the floor, this somehow creates more energy when the duo trades their “Blue Notes 2” verses rather than draining it away. Perhaps it’s because of the way Uzi uses his position to build anticipation for his verses, lying in wait (literally) like a big cat ready to spring on its prey before he pops up to spit his aggressive bars.

Whatever it is, it’s something perhaps only Lil Uzi Vert — someone whose weirdness the audience is well versed in by now — could pull off. Meek, meanwhile, is only proverbially laid-back, giving a relaxed, confident performance that nevertheless does not lack intensity. The effect is like a yin-and-yang universal balance that also sort of reflects the height difference between the two Philly MCs. One is a compact bundle of sizzling energy, a five-foot stick of dynamite with a two-inch fuse, while the other is placid with hidden depth like an iceberg with legs.

The dynamic duo appeared on The Tonight Show to help promote Meek’s upcoming album Expensive Pain — which, like his onetime rival Drake, drew mixed reactions for its artsy cover. Perhaps the music, led by singles like “Blue Notes 2” and “Sharing Locations,” will get more fans on his side.

Watch Meek Mill and Lil Uzi Vert perform “Blue Notes 2” above.

Expensive Pain is out 10/1 via Maybach Music/Atlantic. Pre-order it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Philadelphian rappers Lil Uzi Vert and Meek Mill join forces to pop wheelies and flash cash in the video for their gritty new collaboration, “Blue Notes 2.” The latest addition to Meek’s growing collection of stylish collaborations over the past several weeks, the “Blue Notes 2” video taps into one of Philly’s favorite pastimes, with the two rappers and their cohorts racing ATVs through the streets at night while being trailed by a helicopter spotlight. The beat, produced by brothers Nick Papz and ​Xander, lays a moody, noodling guitar over roaring drums to reflect the gritty feel of the Philly rappers’ boastful, rapid-fire verses.

“Blue Notes 2” follows Meek’s prior releases “War Stories” and “Sharing Locations” with Lil Baby and Lil Durk, building momentum on his long-awaited follow-up to 2018’s Championships. In the interim, he’s complained about blogs only covering the “goofy sh*t” he does, so this string of releases may go a long way toward ensuring the focus returns to his music rather than the antics that have seemingly pursued him in the last couple of years.

Watch Meek Mill’s “Blue Notes 2” video featuring Lil Uzi Vert above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.