Playboi Carti has made an impressive mark on the music industry with the release of his third studio album, MUSIC (I Am Music), which debuted on March 14, 2025. The album, arriving just in time for his performances at Rolling Loud, showcases a series of features from notable artists such as Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Travis Scott, and Young Thug. After a long five-year wait since his last album, Whole Lotta Red, Carti has proven that his unique style continues to evolve.
Carti's anticipation among fans reached a fever pitch leading up to the release, marked by several singles and social media teasings. The album's opening track, POP OUT, is noted for its controversial production featuring aggressive distortion that echoes the underground trap sound that has become prevalent in recent years. However, this tumultuous mixing may alienate casual listeners.
Among the standout tracks, K-POP — originally teased under the title KETAMINE — has emerged as a fan favorite, noted for its electric guitar riffs and deep vocals. Carti's flow on this track showcases some of his best lyrical work, including lines like, "I just been feelin' myself / I found Jesus, Christian Dior." Meanwhile, the track EVIL J0RDAN, a reference to Carti's real name Jordan Carter, dives deeper into his persona and artistic identity, revealing his evolution as an artist.
The album also features Kendrick Lamar on several tracks, though the collaborations have drawn mixed reviews. The song MOJO JOJO sees Lamar’s ad-libs enhance the energy of the track, but their potential goes largely untapped across the project. BACKD00R, featuring both Lamar and R&B artist Jhené Aiko, highlights a sultry blend of vocals, although the general consensus suggests the album lacks the narrative structure that fans expect from Carti.
On the business front, MUSIC has been breaking records since its release. It is set to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 chart with an impressive projection of 310,000 units sold in its first week. This astounding figure positions him right behind Taylor Swift, who holds the record for the most successful album streaming debut in the U.S. since her The Tortured Poets Department in 2024. Initially anticipated to sell only 250,000 units, the significant bump in numbers reflects the album’s major traction across streaming platforms.
In a surprising twist, Carti previously noted the confusion around his projected sales figures, commenting on social media, "IT IS ODD" to see such discrepancies in figures when his physical sales had yet to be counted. The album is now touted to have the most successful U.S. album streaming debut since Swift, demonstrating that Carti's influence has substantially grown.
From the look of it, MUSIC marks a game-changing moment for Carti, elevating him to commercial stardom. The album signifies more than just a collection of songs; it embodies the artist's journey and the evolution of his sound.
Though some critics argue that the album's structure feels chaotic or disorganized, Carti’s signature energy remains captivating throughout. Tracks such as OLYMPIAN showcase addictive glitchy synths combined with an engaging beat drop, providing listeners with a sense of nostalgia for his earlier work while still managing to feel innovative. This track stands out not only for its vibrant sound but also for its lyrical hook, which invites the listener to celebrate victories: “Too many chains / Yeah, like an Olympian.”
Despite the unevenness in the album's pacing, with several songs feeling like mere filler, Carti's raw energy continues to shape the current music landscape. Songs like HBA, released earlier this year, allow him to reflect on the hate he has faced, boldly declaring, “My wholе career, they bite / I just be pissin’, I don’t give a f*ck.” These lyrics resonate with listeners who have followed his evolution since the beginning.
Fans will find plenty to enjoy within the 30-song tracklist, although some critics argue that trimming down could have led to a more impactful album overall. Notably absent are extended contributions from many featured artists, with tracks like TWIN TRIM, featuring Lil Uzi Vert, feeling more like a brief interlude rather than a full-fledged collaboration.
Carti's recent success has elevated not just his career but potentially shifts the entire landscape of hip-hop. As he prepares for a robust promotional cycle following the album's release, the music world is undoubtedly bracing for the impacts of this new era defined by Playboi Carti. With STREAMING records in sight, the anticipation for what comes next in his journey has never been higher. The rapper's strategic moves and impressive debut show that he's positioned now firmly within the mainstream. The era of Carti is upon us—ready or not, the industry must adapt and respond to his artistic vision.
