Playboi Carti’s “Music” heading for second straight week at number one in US

Playboi Carti’s latest album, Music, has been making waves in the music industry, with huge chart success and an impressive lineup of star-studded features. Debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, the album has already amassed 300,000 units in its first week and is on track to retain its position for a second straight week, with 120,000 units projected, per Chart Data. This massive success, combined with Carti’s electrifying performance at Rolling Loud California, has solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop.

Playboi Carti’s Massive Chart Debut

Music is Playboi Carti’s highly anticipated follow-up to his 2020 album Whole Lotta Red, which marked a significant shift in his sound and propelled him to stardom. The album’s success is no surprise, given Carti’s loyal fan base and ability to consistently push the boundaries of modern hip-hop.

Upon release, Music saw immediate success, moving 300,000 units in its first week. With a second-week projection of 120,000 units, the album is poised to stay at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. This is a remarkable feat for any artist, especially one who has built their reputation on experimental sound and unconventional approaches to music production.

What makes Carti’s success even more impressive is that he’s managed to achieve it without the traditional methods of mainstream promotion. Instead, his popularity stems from his unique approach to music, his online presence, and his ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist.

Why Music is a Game-Changer for Carti

Music is not just another rap album; it’s a statement of Carti’s evolution as an artist. The project features 30 tracks, showcasing his versatility and growth. The album incorporates elements of punk, trap, and experimental hip-hop, blending them into a sound that feels fresh and exciting. Whether you’re a long-time Carti fan or a newcomer to his music, Music offers something for everyone.

One of the most exciting aspects of Music is the star-studded list of features. Carti has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Kendrick Lamar, Future, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, and Jhené Aiko. These collaborations not only enhance the album’s appeal but also highlight Carti’s ability to work with artists across genres, further cementing his status as a major force in the music industry.

The diversity of the features on Music speaks to Carti’s adaptability as an artist. By working with such a wide array of talents, he continues to demonstrate his ability to cross musical boundaries, blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, and even pop into his signature sound.

Rolling Loud California: A Historic Performance

Carti’s headlining performance at Rolling Loud California in early 2025 further fueled the hype surrounding Music. The festival, known for showcasing some of the biggest names in hip-hop, provided the perfect stage for Carti to showcase his new album to a massive audience. His performance was nothing short of electric, with fans singing along to every word and soaking in the energy Carti brought to the stage.

Rolling Loud is often considered a career-defining moment for many artists, and Carti’s performance was no exception. The event proved that Carti is more than just a recording artist; he’s a live performer who knows how to engage with his audience. His charisma and ability to command the stage make him one of the most exciting acts in hip-hop today.

Features That Elevate the Album

The collaborations on Music are not just promotional moves—they’re integral to the album’s success. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout features:

1. Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick’s verse on Music brings a level of lyricism that only he can provide on multiple tracks. Known for his introspective and thought-provoking lyrics, Kendrick’s appearance on the album adds a layer of depth to the overall project. His collaboration with Carti creates a powerful contrast, balancing Carti’s more abstract style with Kendrick’s grounded, message-driven approach to rap.

2. Future: The chemistry between Carti and Future is undeniable. Future’s signature trap sound complements Carti’s experimental style, making their collaboration one of the most highly anticipated on the album. Future’s presence brings an added edge to Music, giving it the raw, unfiltered energy that fans have come to expect from both artists.

3. Travis Scott: When Carti and Travis Scott join forces, magic happens. The two have worked together in the past, and their connection continues to shine through on Music. Travis Scott’s spacey, atmospheric production style blends seamlessly with Carti’s unique vocal delivery, creating a track that feels both hypnotic and energizing.

4. The Weeknd: The Weeknd’s smooth R&B vocals provide a refreshing contrast to Carti’s grittier sound on “Rather Lie.” Their collaboration on Music brings a fusion of hip-hop and R&B, highlighting Carti’s ability to step outside of the traditional rap box and experiment with different musical textures.

5. Jhené Aiko: Jhené Aiko’s ethereal voice adds a touch of vulnerability to the album. Her contribution to Music serves as a perfect balance to Carti’s more energetic, hard-hitting tracks, creating moments of calm and introspection.

What’s Next for Carti? The After Hours Til Dawn Tour

Carti’s success with Music is just the beginning. In May 2025, he will be joining The Weeknd on the After Hours Til Dawn tour, which promises to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. The tour kicks off on May 9 in Phoenix, Arizona, and will see Carti performing in cities across North America. With Music continuing to dominate the charts, fans can expect Carti to bring his high-energy performances to arenas around the country.

The collaboration between Carti and The Weeknd makes sense on multiple levels. Both artists have a reputation for creating unique, genre-blending music, and their shared ability to captivate large audiences will likely make for an unforgettable live experience. The tour will give fans the opportunity to see Carti perform his latest tracks in a larger-than-life setting, further solidifying his position as a global superstar.

The Future of Playboi Carti

As Music continues to dominate the charts and Carti’s star continues to rise, it’s clear that he’s not just a passing trend. His ability to innovate and evolve his sound, combined with his remarkable live performances, has positioned him as one of the most exciting artists in the music world today.

Carti’s blend of experimental production, unique vocal delivery, and forward-thinking collaborations will likely keep him at the forefront of hip-hop for years to come. His influence on the genre is undeniable, and with Music performing as well as it has, it’s safe to say that Carti is here to stay.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his music, Carti’s ability to constantly push boundaries and deliver something new makes him one of the most exciting figures in contemporary music.

Playboi Carti’s Music album is shaping up to be one of the defining moments in his career. From its impressive chart performance to its star-studded features and unforgettable live performances, Carti is proving that he’s not just a flash in the pan—he’s here to stay. As he embarks on his upcoming tour with The Weeknd, there’s no doubt that his influence will continue to grow, solidifying his place in the pantheon of modern hip-hop legends.