Playboi Carti's highly anticipated album "Music" dropped on March 14, 2025, after over four years since his last release, "Whole Lotta Red." The new album quickly made waves not just for its musical content but also for its shoutout to reality television icon Kim Kardashian's popular shapewear brand, Skims.
Kardashian herself took notice of the reference, reposting Carti's lyrics from the track "FINE SH*T" on her Instagram story on March 17, 2025. The lyrics go: "I bought the h- a lot of clothes, but she love her Skims.” This specific nod to her brand reflects the influence and recognition Skims has garnered since its launch, emphasizing body inclusivity and catering to women, though men also have options.
Carti's acknowledgment of Kardashian's brand is particularly noteworthy, as she played a role during his modeling career. Back in 2017, Kardashian helped him refine his style and modeling techniques for Kanye West's Yeezy Season 5, where Carti was cast as a model. His thoughts on Kardashian were evident back then when he stated, "She’s a real woman. She was showing me how to wear the clothes."
Despite any potential controversies surrounding his album, Carti continues to receive mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Following the release of "Music," the artist performed at the Rolling Loud California festival on March 16, 2025, where he wowed the audience, bringing out special guests such as The Weeknd and Skepta, making the event memorable as he performed past the curfew.
The excitement doesn't just end with celebrity shoutouts. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the new music, and early projections for first-week sales are promising. Estimates suggest "Music" could sell around 250,000 copies, with reports indicating close to 150,000 copies sold even before its official launch. The album itself features 30 tracks, collaborating with renowned artists including Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Future, Young Thug, Jhene Aiko, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Kardashian's connection to the world of music doesn't stop with Carti. Recently, she demonstrated her promotional savvy by using Tory Lanez’s music to market her bikini line for the summer of 2025, choosing to play his song "The Color Violet" during her photoshoot. This move, of course, stirred its own controversies due to Lanez's incarceration, igniting online debates, particularly among fans of Megan Thee Stallion, who has publicly criticized Lanez.
The interplay between Carti and Kardashian not only highlights the synergy between music and fashion but also showcases how personal connections can influence professional endeavors. Kardashian, managing her brand's image, and Carti, on the pulse of culture, exemplify how public figures navigate their respective industries.
Overall, "Music" has sparked conversations across social media platforms, not just for its songs but for the connections it brings forth within the entertainment industry. The substantial interest from fans and the media alike indicates it may well be regarded as one of the standout albums of the year, solidifying both Carti's artistry and Kardashian's influential presence.
While the world waits to see how Carti’s album will fare commercially, the bonds between stars are evidently thriving. There’s no telling where this relationship might lead next, whether it be more music collaborations or additional fashion moments linked to the truly inspiring personalities of both Playboi Carti and Kim Kardashian.
