Stream: Playboi Carti – “Music”

Playboi Carti drops highly anticipated “I Am Music” album

Playboi Carti fans have waited four years for a new studio album, and the moment has finally arrived. I Am Music marks his first major release since 2020’s Whole Lotta Red and represents a bold new chapter in his career. 30 songs appear on I Am Music, as plenty of huge features are included here as well, such as Travis Scott, Future, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, and more.

Carti confirmed the album’s title just days before its release, keeping fans on edge after years of speculation. Now that I Am Music is here, let’s dive into the details of its sound, collaborations, production, and the build-up that made this one of hip-hop’s most highly anticipated drops of 2024. 

A Long-Awaited Comeback: The I Am Music Rollout

For years, Playboi Carti has been teasing I Am Music through cryptic social media posts and scattered hints in interviews. The project first gained traction in 2023, when he dropped the single “Different Day”, fueling speculation that the album was near.

2024: The Year of Carti Features

Before the album’s release, Carti went on a massive feature run that kept him in the spotlight. Some of his most notable collaborations in 2024 included:

• The Weeknd’s “Timeless” – A track that blends Carti’s signature offbeat style with The Weeknd’s moody production.
• Camila Cabello’s “I Luv It” – Showcased his ability to cross over into pop music while maintaining his signature edgy energy【18】.
• Travis Scott’s “FE!N” – A hard-hitting verse that marked his return to the mainstream stage in 2023.

Carti’s presence on these songs built momentum for I Am Music and hinted at the experimental sounds he would bring to the album.

A Glimpse Into I Am Music

Playboi Carti has always been known for pushing musical boundaries, and I Am Music is no different. While official tracklists and features were kept secret until release, producer Cardo confirmed that the project had been in development for more than four years【18】.

Recording in Paris: A Unique Process

Carti revealed in an interview with Numéro Berlin that much of the album was recorded in a cave-like studio in Paris. This unconventional approach reflects his mysterious and avant-garde artistic vision.

He has also mentioned that this is his most important work to date, a bold statement considering how Whole Lotta Redredefined the punk-rap genre.

The Sound of I Am Music

Experimental Production

Carti’s music has evolved significantly since his early days of cloud rap and mumble-driven melodies. With I Am Music, he leans even further into industrial beats, distorted vocals, and unpredictable flows. Fans have compared the production to a mix of:

• Rage beats (heavy on synths and fast tempos)
• Electronic and punk influences
• Dark, moody, and bass-heavy sounds

Lyrics and Themes

While Carti is known for his abstract and ad-libs-heavy lyrics, I Am Music dives into themes of fame, personal struggles, and artistic reinvention. Given the long recording process, expect a mix of introspection and high-energy tracks.

Carti’s Influence and Evolution

Since his breakout self-titled mixtape in 2017, Playboi Carti has continually reinvented himself. From the viral hit “Magnolia” to the polarizing yet influential Whole Lotta Red, his ability to push musical boundaries has earned him a cult-like following.

The Whole Lotta Red Effect

When Whole Lotta Red dropped on Christmas 2020, it was met with mixed reactions. However, over time, it became a blueprint for a new wave of rap. Artists like Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely—who are signed to Carti’s Opium label—have carried on the album’s punk-inspired aesthetic.

With I Am Music, Carti is expected to expand on the aggressive, futuristic sound that made Whole Lotta Red a sleeper hit.

The I Am Music Tour & The Weeknd Collab

Along with the album, Playboi Carti will hit the road as a special guest on The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn 2025 Tour. This massive tour will kick off on May 9 in Phoenix, AZ, and wrap up on September 3 in San Antonio, TX..

This collaboration is significant because:

• The Weeknd and Carti’s chemistry – Their track Timeless showcased how well their styles blend.
• Carti’s live energy – He’s known for his high-intensity performances, making him the perfect fit for a stadium tour.
• Exposure to a wider audience – The Weeknd’s fanbase will get an up-close look at Carti’s unique artistry.

Why I Am Music Matters

Playboi Carti’s music isn’t just about sound—it’s about culture, fashion, and influence. He has shaped trends in:

• Streetwear and high fashion – His collaborations with brands like Balenciaga and Givenchy cement him as a fashion icon.
• Underground rap movements – His Opium label is cultivating a new generation of artists.
• Live performance energy – His mosh-pit-friendly concerts have redefined rap shows.

The Rise of Opium Artists

While fans are focused on I Am Music, many are also looking at Carti’s Opium label. Artists like Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Homixide Gang are carrying on Carti’s rage-infused sound and have been gaining serious traction.

With I Am Music, Carti is proving that he’s still at the forefront of the culture, setting the stage for what’s next in hip-hop.

Was I Am Music Worth the Wait?

Given the four-year wait, the hype for I Am Music was at an all-time high. Carti’s ability to keep his artistic evolution a mystery while still shaping the sound of hip-hop is what makes him so fascinating.

Whether you’ve been following since his SoundCloud days or just discovered him through his recent chart-topping features, I Am Music is a testament to why Playboi Carti remains one of hip-hop’s most enigmatic and influential figures.

With a new album, a huge tour, and an entire movement behind him, Playboi Carti isn’t just making music—he ismusic.

What’s Next?

• Expect I Am Music to dominate streaming charts.
• Keep an eye on Opium artists as they continue to rise.
• Don’t miss Carti’s live performances on tour with The Weeknd.