In a revealing new interview, Lil Uzi Vert has paid heartfelt tribute to one of his biggest inspirations in music and life — rap legend Lil Wayne. The Philadelphia-born rapper, known for his genre-bending style and fearless approach to fashion, spoke candidly about how Wayne’s career, creativity, and attitude have shaped his own path.

“Wayne’s been like a blueprint for me,” Uzi admitted. “Not just musically, but in how he moves, how he stays himself no matter what. I learned from him that you can be different and still be great.”

Uzi’s comments come in the wake of a headline-grabbing moment earlier this year when Fat Joe, during an interview, referred to Uzi as a “bad version” of Lil Wayne. The remark initially sparked debate among fans, with some taking it as a slight. However, Fat Joe has since stepped forward to clarify his words, saying they were meant as a compliment highlighting Wayne’s enormous influence on Uzi’s artistry.

“When I said ‘bad version,’ I didn’t mean it in a negative way,” Joe explained. “What I meant is, Wayne’s influence is so deep in hip-hop that you can see pieces of him in Uzi’s style. And that’s a good thing — it means Wayne set the bar.”

Rather than take offense, Uzi embraced the comparison with humility. “Honestly, I’m honored,” he said. “Wayne is one of the greatest to ever do it. If someone sees parts of him in me, that just means I’m learning from the best. I’ll take that all day.”

During the conversation, Uzi shared personal anecdotes about his admiration for Wayne, recalling moments when he studied Wayne’s delivery, lyrics, and even his fearless aesthetic. “I remember watching Wayne wear whatever he wanted, rap however he wanted, and not care what anybody thought,” Uzi said. “That told me, ‘Yo, I can be myself, and if I work hard enough, people will respect it.’”

Industry observers have long noted the parallels between the two artists. Both are known for their eccentric style choices, genre-crossing collaborations, and relentless work ethic. Like Wayne in his prime, Uzi has carved out a unique lane in hip-hop, appealing to both mainstream audiences and experimental listeners.

Fans have been quick to weigh in online, with many praising Uzi for responding with grace rather than defensiveness. Social media threads filled with side-by-side photos of Wayne and Uzi at different stages of their careers, highlighting similarities in fashion, stage presence, and even lyrical cadence.

As for Fat Joe, he seemed pleased that his clarification was received in the spirit it was intended. “Hip-hop is a family,” he said. “We might tease each other, but at the end of the day, we’re giving flowers to the ones who deserve them.”

With Lil Wayne’s legacy firmly cemented and Lil Uzi Vert continuing to push creative boundaries, the connection between the two artists serves as a reminder of how influence flows through generations — inspiring new voices while honoring the legends who came before.