Playboi Carti, the Atlanta rap phenomenon, has triumphed with the release of his highly anticipated third studio album, MUSIC, which hit streaming platforms on March 14, 2025. The album—a culmination of years spent in the limelight—features a staggering 30 tracks and numerous guest appearances from hip-hop's elite, including Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott. Carti performed the album for the first time on March 16 at Rolling Loud California, igniting excitement among fans.
However, amidst the elation lies controversy, as Kanye West (Ye) has publicly expressed his discontent with Carti's latest endeavor. This was sparked by Kim Kardashian sharing a social media post showcasing Carti’s mention of her brand, SKIMS, in his new song "FINE SHIT." Ye took the opportunity to publicly request that his daughter, North West, collaborate with Carti, posting on his Instagram story, "@KimKardashian tell my niece North send me a song." To this, Ye vehemently declared on X, "NORTH WONT BE DOING ANY SONGS WITH CARTI," a testament to his ire.
The roots of Ye’s frustration stem from his exclusion from MUSIC, after Carti teased his involvement in the album's creation months before its release. Speculation suggests that Ye's recent controversies—including antisemitic remarks—could have played a role in his absence from the project. The fallout escalated on March 18, when Ye further drummed up drama by referencing Carti's ex, Iggy Azalea, and their son Onyx, posting: "I NEED TO GET ONYX VOCALS ON MY SONG THAT'S MY NEPHEW OH AND IMA RAP ABOUT ONE OF YOUR BUSINESSES THE F … I HELD MY TONGUE ABOUT NOT BEING ON CARTI'S ALBUM. HIM GOING TO MY EX TO ASK MY DAUGHTER TO BE ON A SONG TWO DAYS LATER WAS TOO FAR. NOBODY FINNA PLAY WITH ME."
Azalea quickly responded, urging Ye to keep her child out of their disputes, citing the long-lasting digital implications such comments could have for Onyx's future. "Please leave my child out of this," she cautioned, recognizing the potential fallout from such public exchanges.
Beyond the familial drama, MUSIC has also fueled discussions about the potential use of AI-generated vocals within its tracks. Some fans have taken to Reddit, dissecting the similarities in production and delivery that hint at AI's involvement in tracks like “RATHER LIE” and “FINE *.” Users have sparked a conversation around authenticity in music, with opinions divided. "Genuinely pathetic," one user declared, while another defended the music, stating, "who cares it’s mid either way?" The very notion of AI in music, particularly in a genre that traditionally celebrates authenticity, has raised eyebrows and ignited fiery debates.
Despite the controversies overshadowing his latest release, the music itself is a rich tapestry of sound that cements Carti's influential role within hip-hop. Opening track "POP OUT" racked up over 10 million streams on Spotify within days, showcasing Carti's ability to captivate in an era shaped significantly by digital consumption. Kendrick Lamar, who makes three guest appearances on the album, aptly notes Carti’s uniqueness, rapping: "I need that beep, beep, beep, beep, extraterrestrial Carti" on the track "MOJO JOJO." Clearly, the collaborations demonstrate the high regard in which Carti is held, even amidst the turbulence of his personal life.
Carti’s work has often lived on the edge of sound, blurring the lines between various hip-hop subgenres. Early in his career, he emerged alongside artists like Lil Uzi Vert and 21 Savage as one of the key players in the SoundCloud rap movement, known for its chaotic and experimental style. With MUSIC, Carti continues to push the envelope, maintaining his position as a genre-defying artist, yet his recent work evokes questions about the future direction of hip-hop and the stakes involved in maintaining artistic authenticity.
The direct implications of AI in music, along with controversies involving influential artists, challenge not only the industry’s integrity but also its future trajectory. In August 2024, over 1,000 musicians released a silent album to protest against the encroachments of AI in music creation, pushing back against policies that could undermine their creative rights. The societal significance of AI's role in artistic expression is becoming ever more essential, clashing with the old school’s notions of authenticity with this new digital age's possibilities.
Carti's MUSIC ultimately serves a dual purpose—it acts as an auditory experience along with a catalyst for conversations about the evolution of rap and the nature of artistic expression in a world increasingly affected by technology and digital manipulation. In an industry where the stakes are high, both in terms of artistry and social values, Carti's latest album reinforces his position as a key player in a rapidly changing landscape. As listeners and fans, the question remains: how will these controversies evolve, and what will they mean for the next generation of artists?
