Playboi Carti’s highly anticipated third studio album, Music, has finally arrived after years of teasing and delays, marking a significant milestone in the rapper’s career. Initially expected to drop under the title I Am Music, the 30-track project features an impressive lineup of collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Skepta, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Ty Dolla Sign, and Young Thug. Fans were initially told to expect the album at midnight PT, but the release was delayed for several hours, finally becoming available around 4:45 a.m. Despite the wait, the album’s arrival has been met with immense excitement, as Carti’s devoted fanbase has been eagerly anticipating this project since his last studio album, Whole Lotta Red, dropped in 2020.
The album’s star-studded tracklist highlights Carti’s ability to bring together a diverse range of talents to create a cohesive and dynamic sound. Kendrick Lamar makes a memorable appearance on the track “Good Credit,” while Travis Scott contributes to three songs: “Crush,” “Philly,” and “Wake Up F1lthy.” The Weeknd adds his signature vocals to “Rather Lie,” and Skepta brings his unique energy to “Toxic.” Future collaborates with Carti on two tracks, “Charge Dem Hoes a Fee” and “Trim,” while Lil Uzi Vert is featured on both “Jumpin” and “Twin Trim.” Ty Dolla Sign and Young Thug also join forces on the track “We Need All Da Vibes.” The collaborations not only showcase Carti’s ability to work with a wide range of artists but also reflect his influence and standing within the music industry.
The journey to Music has been a long and winding one. Carti first began teasing the album shortly after the release of Whole Lotta Red, which debuted in December 2020 to critical acclaim and commercial success. That album, featuring guest appearances from Kanye West, Future, and Kid Cudi, solidified Carti’s status as a major force in hip-hop. Shortly after its release, Carti hinted at a follow-up project, tentatively titled Narcissist. However, as the months went by, the album seemed to evolve, with its title changing multiple times. At one point, it was referred to as I Am Music, before Carti eventually settled on the simpler title Music. Despite initial expectations of a 2021 release, the album was repeatedly delayed, leaving fans frustrated but still hopeful.
Over the years, Carti kept his audience engaged by previewing snippets of new music during live performances and on social media. Tracks like “Rockstar,” “Fuck on My DJ,” and “Pop Out” were debuted at festivals, while songs like “Different Day,” “Skinny Jeans,” and “Ketamine” were teased online, building anticipation for the album. In September 2024, Carti dropped “All Red,” which many believed was the first single from Music and a sign that the album was finally on its way. Last month, the rollout for Music began in earnest, with Spotify erected billboards across the country and sharing a cryptic teaser video on social media. The campaign culminated in a billboard in Times Square, further heightening the hype. Finally, on Wednesday, Carti confirmed the album’s release on Friday by posting an Instagram video featuring British performance artist Blackhaine, putting an end to years of speculation.
The release of Music is a testament to Carti’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to take his time to create a project that truly reflects his artistic vision. The album’s title, Music, suggests a focus on the art form itself, and the tracklist and collaborations indicate that Carti is pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds. The album’s release has been a long time coming, but for fans, the wait has been worth it. As the world dives into Music, it’s clear that this project represents a new chapter in Playboi Carti’s career, one that promises to be just as impactful as his previous work.
For fans of Playboi Carti, Music is more than just an album—it’s the culmination of years of anticipation, teasers, and speculation. The project’s release marks a moment of celebration for the rapper’s devoted fanbase, who have stuck with him through delays and uncertainties. With its impressive lineup of features and its highly anticipated release, Music is set to make waves in the music industry and further cement Carti’s legacy as one of the most innovative and exciting voices in hip-hop today.
