The wait is finally over for fans of Playboi Carti, as the rapper's highly anticipated album, I Am Music, dropped today, March 14, 2025. After years of cryptic teasers, unexpected delays, and rising expectations from his fanbase, the new project is now available on all major streaming platforms. This marks Carti's first full-length offering since his acclaimed 2020 release, Whole Lotta Red.
Carti first began teasing I Am Music back in 2022, leading to mounting anticipation among his listeners. The album features big-name collaborations with the likes of Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Ty Dolla $ign, Skepta, Young Thug, Future, and The Weeknd. Notable among them is DJ Akademiks, who hinted at the possibility of Kendrick Lamar not only being featured but also serving as the creative director—creating significant excitement within the hip-hop community.
Initially set for midnight, the release time was shifted to 3 am EST, causing frustration and chaos among fans waiting to hear the album. Despite Carti's earlier promises, many woke up disappointed to find the album unavailable on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Live streams, including one with popular streamer Kai Cenat, left over 300,000 viewers eager to listen as Carti assured them the wait would be short. Even DJ Akademiks expressed his frustration, stating he had delayed his travel plans just to be available for the album's launch.
The initial reactions on social media to the leaks and song snippets have already confirmed the project is polarizing—similar to how Whole Lotta Red was received initially before it gained cult status. With over four years since Carti's last album, fans had high hopes for another groundbreaking project. Carti emphasized the collaborative nature of I Am Music, where each feature contributes to the album's narrative.
Adding to the hype, DJ Akademiks has described I Am Music as potentially being the "most complete album" with "all hits no misses." He indicated Kendrick Lamar's involvement could lead to changes within the tracklist, hinting at the possibility of the criticized removal of collaborations, including one with Drake.
Despite these delays, the star-studded features like Future, Travis Scott, and the much-anticipated surprise collaboration with XXXTentacion—also hinted at by Akademiks—have kept the eager anticipation alive. The response on social media suggests mixed feelings: excitement for new music coupled with skepticism due to past delays and the rapper's erratic release patterns.
Remaining optimistic, fans are preparing for Carti’s live performance of I Am Music this weekend at Rolling Loud California. Scheduled for March 15-16, this performance will allow fans to experience the album's energy live and is expected to set the tone for how this new project will be received across live venues.
It's clear Playboi Carti is not just trying to follow trends but instead aims to set new ones, and this album could solidify his influence over the current hip-hop scene. With every expectation, the project stands as a significant part of his musical evolution—whether it is another definitive moment or just another step for Carti to mature artistically. One thing is certain, Carti has officially returned with I Am Music, which is now streaming on all major platforms. Regardless of whether you have been waiting for this moment for years or are engaging with Carti for the first time, this is clearly not your ordinary musical offering.