Lil Uzi Vert’s Almost Forever Receives Brutal 1/10 Review From Anthony Fantano
Lil Uzi Vert has found himself at the centre of a new music debate following the release of his Almost Forever EP, with influential YouTube music critic Anthony Fantano delivering one of the harshest reviews of the project. The EP arrived this past week and quickly became a topic of conversation among Uzi fans and hip-hop listeners. While the Philadelphia rapper has built a reputation for experimenting with sound and embracing unconventional ideas, Almost Forever has not received universal praise. Fantano, known for his highly critical approach on TheNeedleDrop, went much further than simply pointing out weaknesses in the project. He awarded the EP a 1 out of 10 and described it as one of the worst and most pointless releases of Uzi’s career.
Fantano has developed a reputation for reviews that often challenge the opinions of mainstream music audiences. Over the years, his scores have sometimes differed significantly from those given by major publications and the general public. One of his most discussed reviews remains his assessment of Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, an album that Pitchfork famously awarded a perfect 10. Fantano gave the project a 6, demonstrating that he is willing to stand behind an unpopular opinion when he believes the music does not meet his standards. That history has made his reviews particularly influential online, because even a low score can trigger widespread discussion among fans and artists.
His review of Almost Forever has generated similar attention because of just how low the score was. A 1 out of 10 represents an exceptionally negative assessment, particularly for an established artist such as Lil Uzi Vert. Fantano did not simply argue that the EP was disappointing or inconsistent, but instead characterized it as one of the worst projects Uzi has released. He also called it some of the worst music he has heard in 2026 and questioned why the rapper chose to release the project in its current form. Those comments quickly became the central talking point surrounding the review, with fans debating whether Fantano went too far or accurately identified problems with Uzi’s latest material.
Fantano’s criticism extended beyond the production and songwriting on Almost Forever. He specifically took issue with what he described as homophobic bars appearing on the project, particularly in the context of Uzi’s public identification as non-binary. The reviewer questioned whether those lyrics created a contradiction with Uzi’s identity and argued that the approach felt unnecessary. He also criticized the rapper’s continued references to lean and the emo-trap style that has been part of Uzi’s musical identity for years. For Fantano, the issue was not simply that Uzi used familiar themes, but that the artist appeared to be returning to ideas that the reviewer believes should have been left behind.
The comments about Uzi’s queer identity became one of the most controversial parts of the review. Fantano questioned the use of a “no homo” bar while referencing Uzi’s non-binary identity, arguing that the lyric was difficult to reconcile with the rapper’s public identity. This criticism focuses on the relationship between an artist’s personal identity and the language they use in their music. Artists can explore different characters, attitudes and perspectives in their work, but those choices can still invite scrutiny from listeners. In Uzi’s case, Fantano clearly believed the lyric undermined the broader image the rapper has presented publicly.
Fantano also expressed frustration with Uzi’s continued focus on lean-related themes. His criticism suggested that the rapper is now 31 and should consider moving beyond some of the lyrical and sonic approaches that characterized earlier stages of his career. This does not necessarily mean that an artist must abandon their established sound as they get older, but it highlights the tension between artistic evolution and maintaining a recognizable identity. Uzi has spent much of his career building a distinctive style around melodic vocals, emotional themes, trap production and experimental sounds. Fantano’s review argues that Almost Forever does not demonstrate enough growth or reinvention within that framework.
The response from Uzi’s fan base is likely to be just as important as Fantano’s score. Lil Uzi Vert has developed a dedicated audience that often embraces the rapper’s unconventional choices, meaning a negative review from one critic does not automatically determine how the wider audience will view an EP. Music remains highly subjective, and listeners can connect with songs that critics dismiss for reasons that have little to do with technical quality. A 1 out of 10 from Fantano therefore represents his personal assessment rather than an objective measurement of the project’s value. The controversy surrounding the review may also bring additional attention to Almost Forever, particularly among listeners who want to hear the EP and decide for themselves.
The intense criticism also reflects the broader conversation surrounding Lil Uzi Vert’s recent music. The rapper has faced increased scrutiny as listeners compare his newer releases with earlier projects that helped establish him as one of hip-hop’s most distinctive voices. Expectations naturally become higher when an artist has already produced widely celebrated music and developed a large international following. Some fans want Uzi to return to the sound that made him famous, while others expect him to continue experimenting and avoid repeating previous formulas. Almost Forever has therefore entered a complicated conversation about artistic growth, nostalgia and whether Uzi is currently finding the right balance.
For Anthony Fantano, the EP appears to represent a particularly frustrating point in Uzi’s artistic development. His review did not focus on one isolated mistake, but instead presented Almost Forever as evidence of what he believes is a larger problem with the rapper’s current direction. The 1 out of 10 score ensures that the review will continue to attract attention because extremely low ratings tend to generate stronger reactions than moderate criticism. Whether listeners agree with Fantano or reject his assessment, his comments have added another layer to the conversation surrounding the EP. Uzi’s music will ultimately be judged by the audience over time, through streams, replay value and the lasting response to the songs.
Almost Forever has therefore become more than just another Lil Uzi Vert release. It has become the latest flashpoint in an ongoing debate about the rapper’s artistic direction, lyrical choices and ability to evolve while maintaining the qualities that made his music popular. Anthony Fantano’s 1 out of 10 rating has intensified that debate and given fans plenty to argue about, especially because of his comments about Uzi’s lyrics, identity and continued reliance on familiar themes. Whether the EP ultimately holds up over time remains to be seen, but Fantano has made his position clear. For now, Almost Forever is facing one of the harshest critical receptions of Lil Uzi Vert’s career, while listeners remain divided over whether the project truly deserves such a brutal verdict.
