“Friday”

One post on “X” is all it took for the internet to turn into a frenzy when rapper Playboi Carti posted on his X account for the first time in more than two years.

Playboi Carti’s “Music” is a dark trap album that gives fans what was promised with an epic 30-track run full of different styles and techniques along with exciting, featured artists to top it off. The album lacks songwriting and theme, making it feel like a giant mixtape of varying trap instrumentals and vocal deliveries Carti has developed over the years.

Despite not releasing an album in more than four years, the Atlanta-based rapper has kept his fanbase and the internet engaged and eager to hear his new music. 

Following the release of his second studio album, “Whole Lotta Red” in 2020 to mixed reviews, the album slowly grew on audiences and soon inspired an entire subgenre of hip hop known as ‘rage rap’.

Since 2020, fans have been eager to see another album from Playboi Carti.

After building up excitement for an album titled “Narcissist” in 2021, which never came to fruition, and we got our first taste of what Carti’s new project would sound like in 2023 when he was featured on Travis Scott’s “Utopia” album under the song “Fein”. Fans were enamored with the fresh voice and style Playboi Carti used on the new track. Today, “Fein” is Utopia’s most popular song with over 1.2 billion streams on Spotify.

Going into 2024, Playboi Carti began to release music of his own but never officially released on streaming services. In addition to singles posted on YouTube and Instagram, he was also featured on many more massive songs throughout 2024. Songs like “Timeless” with The Weeknd debuted at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

Throughout 2024, Carti teased his upcoming album titled “Music”. The consistent stream of singles and features kept fans engaged and wondering when he would drop the album.

Playboi Carti performed at Rolling Loud at Miami in December. In spite of playing new and unheard songs, Carti did not put out the album by the end of 2024, despite what many were led to believe.

This time, the Atlanta rapper did take advantage of the immense hype surrounding him and the album. 

On March 14, Playboi Carti finally released “Music”. 

To start the LP, “Pop Out” gives an explosive beginning to the album. Its production is a mix of grunge metal and hip-hop. Carti complements that with a harsh, raspy voice. The song seems to harken back to the “Whole Lotta Red” album with its in-your-face industrial production and passionate vocals.

Following “Pop Out” is “Crush”, which has a very different vibe. With a Travis Scott production credit and feature, “Crush” leans into more modern trap vibes while keeping it fresh with interesting but rather silly choir vocals. 

These two opening songs can give us an idea of what we are in for on “Music”—quick-hitting trap songs with varying new ideas and vocal deliveries. With so much time to develop the project, Playboi Carti brings together a variety of ideas and styles he’s worked on over the past few years.

“Radar’s” production stands out with its spooky brass Metro Boomin beat. “Rather Lie” is a song that will likely be heard on the radio for months with its catchy chorus from The Weeknd. Carti’s deep vocal performance stands out especially on songs like “Crank”. “HBA”, which was released on Playboi Carti’s Instagram over a year ago, is still a standout on “Music”. My personal favorite is “Like Weezy”– the bright sample used gives the song a more upbeat feel while Carti delivers another unique vocal performance.

All this is not to say there aren’t some disappointments on the 30-track album. “OPM Babi” is a mess. Its soul sample is wasted when tinny high hats and super distorted bass come in.

The number of different adlibs and effects that are thrown into the song are jarring and unpleasant to the ear. 

“Music’s” features have also created a lot of noise. Playboi Carti brought together some of the biggest names in trap music. From legends like Future and Young Thug, to fan favorite collaborators like Travis Scott and Lil Uzi Vert, the features mostly delivered on this album. One of the biggest surprises on the album was Kendrick Lamar showing up on three songs. Carti and Lamar’s rapping performances on “Good Credit” were some of the best on the entire 30 song album. UK rapper Skepta was also a refreshing performance that brought something different to the track “Toxic” with his signature fast-paced rapping and a British accent.

DJ Swamp Izzo is a consistent part of “Music”. He usually gives adlibs or gives short monologues before and after songs. The quality of his presence varies, from adding a lot to songs like “Evil Jordan” and “Crank” to ruining a song like “OPM Babi” with his excessive adlibs and effects.

The biggest issue I have with “Music” is the lack of theme and poor songwriting. Playboi Carti’s previous two studio albums felt more cohesive and had more of a consistent sound and theme. “Music” feels like a massive 30 song mixtape with no real overarching vision. There is not much to analyze on the songwriting side of “Music”. When Carti does try to express emotion or a message, it is often very surface level.

Overall, much of “Music” feels like a darker version of his first studio release “Die Lit.” The production is darker, and Carti’s vocals are usually deeper on “Music”.

The reception of “Music”, just like “Whole Lotta Red” has been very divisive.

For me, this album isn’t to the level of “Die Lit” and “Whole Lotta Red” but is still a very entertaining listen.

Shortly after the release of “Music”, the Atlanta rapper suggested there is a new potential album on the way, leading fans to wonder what’s next. The most interesting part of Playboi Carti’s music may not be the music at all, but rather the hype and anticipation he builds around it.