Playboi Carti’s “Music” album to return to number one in US

Playboi Carti’s “Music” Album Returns to No. 1 Again
Playboi Carti has done it again. The Atlanta-born rapper’s latest album, Music, is back at the top of the Billboard 200. After debuting at No. 1 and maintaining the position for two straight weeks, the project has now reclaimed the top spot in its third week, per Chart Data. With 65,000 units sold this past week, Music continues its powerful chart run, showing no signs of slowing down.
For fans, critics, and even casual hip-hop listeners, this album is more than just a comeback—it’s a cultural event. Released on March 14, this marks Carti’s first full-length release since Whole Lotta Red dominated the Billboard 200 back in 2020.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Streaming, Sales, and Hype
In its first week, Music pulled in a staggering 298,000 equivalent album units. Of those, 283,000 came from streaming alone. That’s over 370 million on-demand streams. It’s a figure that places Carti in rare company, even among rap giants. And with 14,500 pure album sales, fans clearly wanted more than just a quick listen—they wanted to own a piece of the experience.
That momentum has held strong. In week three, the album moved an additional 65,000 units. In a streaming-driven era, those kinds of numbers signify more than virality—they represent staying power.
A Star-Studded Tracklist Across 30 Songs
Playboi Carti didn’t just make a return. He made a statement. Music features a whopping 30 tracks. Each one contributes to the album’s chaotic yet captivating aesthetic—a signature Carti trait. But what really sets Music apart is its guest list.
This isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality. Carti brought together some of the biggest names in music:
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Future
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The Weeknd
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Travis Scott
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Kendrick Lamar
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Jhené Aiko
The collaborations are seamless. Rather than overshadowing Carti’s presence, each artist enhances the immersive vibe of the album. These aren’t filler features—they’re carefully curated to reflect the ever-shifting soundscapes of today’s rap.
All 30 Songs Charted—A Historic Moment
In an era where most albums are lucky to have one or two standout singles, Music did the unthinkable. All 30 songs charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
That milestone makes Carti the first rapper to chart every song from a 30-track album. It’s a record-setting feat that solidifies Music as more than just a release—it’s a movement.
These chart placements reflect the depth of engagement from fans. Whether through TikTok trends, YouTube breakdowns, or Spotify playlists, each track has found a space in the culture.
Playboi Carti’s Evolution: From Whole Lotta Red to Music
To understand why this album matters, you need to understand Playboi Carti’s arc.
Back in 2020, Whole Lotta Red dropped like a sonic grenade. Critics were split, fans were obsessed, and the album ultimately debuted at No. 1. It was raw, experimental, and influential in redefining the sound of underground hip-hop.
Five years later, Music picks up where that chaos left off—but it’s more polished, more expansive, and more intentional.
Carti is still experimental, still unpredictable, but he’s learned how to shape noise into narrative. The production is wild, but it’s controlled. The themes are cryptic, but they hit hard.
Why Music Resonates in 2025
Carti’s Music taps into something larger than the charts. It’s reflective of where rap—and culture—is right now:
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Fragmented attention spans = fast-shifting track styles
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Genre-blending = rap meets rage, punk, cloud, and trap
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Digital influence = songs born to trend, but built to last
The album’s pacing mirrors a social media scroll. It’s a playlist and a statement piece at once. Whether you’re here for the vibes, the lyrics (or lack thereof), or the features, Music delivers.
And that’s why it sticks.
Features That Deliver—and Expand the Audience
It’s hard to overstate how well the features on this album work. Each one draws in a different segment of the music audience:
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Future and Travis Scott bring the trap enthusiasts
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The Weeknd taps into the pop-rap crossover crowd
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Kendrick Lamar attracts the lyrical purists
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Jhené Aiko introduces a softer, more melodic element
Carti is known for his ad-lib-heavy, hypnotic style. But on this project, the contrast with collaborators brings out new layers in both Carti’s sound and the guest artists’.
The Carti Effect: Influence Beyond Music
Carti isn’t just making hits—he’s influencing aesthetics, fashion, and digital trends. His “vamp” persona and gothic style have infiltrated streetwear and online subcultures. You see his fingerprints on upcoming artists, on fan edits, even on runway looks.
Every era of music has artists who define a moment. Carti may be defining the aesthetic of this one.
Is Music a Classic in the Making?
The term “classic” gets thrown around easily. But with Music, there’s a real conversation to be had.
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It’s sonically innovative
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It’s packed with replay value
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It’s rooted in genre-bending creativity
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It’s breaking chart records left and right
The key to its longevity will be how it ages—and how artists and fans continue to reference it in the years to come.
What Comes Next?
Playboi Carti’s Music album is more than a return—it’s a revelation. Chart dominance, record-breaking streams, and a 30-track journey through sound, style, and substance have marked this moment in hip-hop history.
Whether you love him, hate him, or just want to understand what everyone’s talking about, one thing is clear: Carti’s Music is here to stay.
As we look ahead to festival seasons, deluxe editions, and potential tours, one question remains: how does Playboi Carti top this?