Playboi Carti Album Review

After a prolonged period of anticipation and multiple delays, rapper Playboi Carti has finally released his fourth studio album, I AM MUSIC, on March 14th. The project, which succeeds his 2020 album “Whole Lotta Red”, has allegedly been in the making since 2021, undergoing several title changes and experiencing numerous postponements.

Carti’s journey to creating I AM MUSIC has been marked by significant creative evolution. Initially teased 4 years ago, the album’s production saw Carti experimenting with diverse sounds, blending elements of punk, rap, and experimental music. On top of his experimentation, unique collaborations played a pivotal role in shaping the album’s sound. While initially, the album was intended to be a solo project, he ultimately decided to welcome many high-profile artists to contribute. The 30-track album features appearances by Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Jhene Aiko, Skepta, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Ty Dolla $ign, and Young Thug. All of the featured artists play into Carti’s experimentation to elevate their respective tracks and the albums as a whole. 

I AM MUSIC offers a wide variety of tracks that showcase Carti's versatility and growth as an artist. Some notable experimental songs include: “POP OUT,” an energetic opener that sets the tone for the whole album. “CRUSH,” a high-energy collaboration with Travis Scott that blends both artists' signature styles. “MOJO JOJO”, a dynamic track highlighting Carti’s experimental approach, combined with Kendrick Lamar’s adlibs. “RATHER LIE,” a melodic fusion of Carti’s rap with The Weeknd’s angelic vocals. Finally, “TOXIC,” a gritty track that melds UK grime influences with Carti’s Atlanta roots. As a whole, the album’s production is characterized by its innovative use of industrial synths, classic Atlanta rap beats, and electropop elements, reflecting Carti’s willingness to push musical boundaries. 

Upon release, I AM MUSIC received mixed opinions from the audience. While many fans praised the album’s experimental nature and diversity of collaborations, others expressed disappointment over the delays and the fact that the final product did not fully meet their expectations. The project’s extensive promotion, including teasers and live performances, heightened anticipation and made the varying reactions more radical. To help promote his album, Carti headlined the Rolling Loud California 2025 festival, delivering performances that included new tracks from I AM MUSIC.

I AM MUSIC stands as a testament to Playboi Carti’s evolution as an artist, reflecting his willingness to experiment and collaborate with a diverse range of musicians. Despite the mixed reviews, the album contributes significantly to the contemporary rap landscape, offering listeners a blend of innovative sounds and high-profile collaborations.

Finally, in my opinion, the album was very disappointing in the way that Carti refused to release his known unreleased tracks like “Cancun” or “Kid Cudi.” He delivered a lazy, easy-to-mass-produce approach that is ultimately unoriginal in today's rap landscape. Many of his songs were carried by the featured artists, making his album as a whole very disappointing and not worth the wait.