Beyond its individual tracks, The Liz 2 is a layered and personal artistic statement. Armani uses the figure of “Liz” not just as a persona, but as a symbol—drawing from women like Elizabeth Taylor (whose interview with Barbara Walters opens the album), fashion icon Liz Claiborne (referenced on Liz Claiborne Jr. 1 & 2), and wrestling manager Miss Elizabeth. These influences aren’t surface-level; they reflect Caesar’s exploration of femininity, power, and luxury on her own terms. “They tie so well into what I’m doing,” she told Pete Rosenberg—a sentiment that echoes throughout the project.

Confidence is a central theme, and it’s on full display from the jump. On Paula Deen, Armani asserts her love for money with unfiltered flair, setting up a dynamic entrance for Westside Gunn. The song’s title—referencing the controversial American chef—becomes a tool for clever metaphor and wordplay, showcasing Caesar’s sharp pen.

The Liz 2 thrives on contrast and reinvention. The standout single Diana radiates opulence, with Caesar seamlessly alternating between rapping and melodic vocals—a duality that many artists struggle to pull off. Kodak Black complements the track with his own rhythmic touch, adding texture without disrupting the tone.

This blend of elegance and grit runs through the entire album. From jazzy, soulful cuts like First Wives Club (a highlight that fully utilizes Caesar’s vocal range) to darker, harder-hitting tracks like Survival of the Littest and Hunnit Dolla Hiccup, Armani proves she can excel in any lane. While Westside Gunn’s influence is occasionally felt in the direction and sequencing—a natural result of his executive production—the project always centers Caesar’s voice and vision.

There are even moments of boom-bap nostalgia, especially when Conway the Machine makes his appearance. His lyricism is razor-sharp, but it’s Caesar who shines as she matches him bar-for-bar, effortlessly flipping between singing and rapping with control and charisma. It's a reminder that technical skill and stylistic range aren't mutually exclusive.

The production, handled by an impressive roster including Camoflauge Monk, Daringer, Sovren, Denny LaFlare, and BeatKing, enhances Caesar’s storytelling with rich, dynamic soundscapes. Each track feels intentional, never filler, adding weight to the project’s already cohesive feel. For many longtime fans, The Liz 2 is confirmation of what they already knew: Armani Caesar is a force in the booth. But this album might be the one to finally change the minds of skeptics.

Standout tracks include Queen City, First Wives Club, and Diana—all produced by Camoflauge Monk and each offering a distinct side of Caesar’s evolving artistry.

In sum, The Liz 2 isn’t just a solid sequel—it’s a sharp, personal, and empowering statement. Armani Caesar continues to carve her own lane within the Griselda universe and beyond, proving that she’s not just holding her own among rap’s elite—she’s expanding the definition of what it means to be one.

Armani Caesar Returns with Confidence and Craft on The Liz 2

After a steady stream of high-profile features following her 2020 Griselda Records debut The Liz, Armani Caesar makes a triumphant return with the long-awaited sequel, The Liz 2. Executive produced by Buffalo icon Westside Gunn, the album had been teased for months, with fans wondering if it would ever see the light of day in 2022. A teaser single titled Poker Night dropped in May, signaling that a full project was on the horizon—and the final product doesn't disappoint.

Spanning 17 tracks, The Liz 2 delivers a well-rounded body of work. Three singles were released ahead of the album, including Diana, a high-profile collaboration with Kodak Black that dropped just a day before the full release. Caesar’s rollout was notably more strategic this time around. As she explained in a Hot 96 interview, her original Liz release suffered from poor visibility due to its arrival during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With The Liz 2, she embraced a more deliberate and expansive approach, matching the ambition of the album itself.

The guest list reads like a Griselda family reunion: Westside Gunn, Stove God Cooks, Conway the Machine, and Benny The Butcher all make appearances. Given the star power involved and the delays leading up to release, expectations were high—and Armani delivered with a 38-minute project packed with versatility, attitude, and creative depth.

10/31/2022