Playboi Carti’s Latest Album, Music, Marks a Bold Evolution

With 30 tracks stretching over an hour and 16 minutes, Playboi Carti’s highly anticipated album, Music, delivers a mix of fresh and previously released material. The Atlanta rapper’s last album, Whole Lotta Red from 2020, has become a seminal work, widely influencing a range of artists who attempt to replicate his distinctive vocal style and experimental sound. While many have tried to emulate Carti’s approach, few can match the creativity and innovation that define his work, even when he explores familiar themes such as drugs, relationships, and rivalry.

Awareness of His Musical Journey

Unlike the gritty rawness showcased on Whole Lotta Red, Carti’s new project reflects a heightened self-awareness concerning his talents and achievements. Much of the album’s material has been previewed on social media, during performances at festivals like Rolling Loud, or even leaked online. Notable tracks such as “Evil J0rdan” and “HBA” were released as singles prior to the album’s drop. An illustrative moment occurs in “Evil J0rdan,” where a new synthesized introduction evokes grandiose imagery, as if capturing a hero’s ascent and potential fall from grace, underscored by Carti’s reflection, “I’m working on dying” in “Dis 1 Got It.”

Collaboration and Contributions

At the helm of the album is DJ Swamp Izzo, an established figure in Atlanta’s music scene known for his early work with Young Thug. Collaborators including Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Lil Uzi Vert contribute guest appearances and ad-libs, signaling Carti’s influence continues to resonate within hip-hop’s elite. One standout feature is “We Need All the Vibes,” drawn from a Young Thug demo recorded before his incarceration. Carti’s lyrics often create a casual camaraderie, as illustrated in “Mojo Jojo” featuring Lamar, with Carti’s chant “Had a white bitch like (Yes) Julz, but she ain’t a model,” followed by Lamar’s teasing response, “But she a what?”

Vocal Versatility and Sonic Innovation

Playboi Carti has largely evaded the “mumble rap” label that critics often apply to his generation. His vocal versatility, characterized by dramatic shifts in tone and delivery, creates songs filled with unique aural textures. For instance, on “Jumpin’,” his raspy emissions paint a vivid picture of frenetic energy, while “Pop Out” sees him hoarsely exclaiming, “Every time we pop out got them bitches nervous!” His ability to fluidly adopt different vocal personas—from the craggy tone reminiscent of Future in “Dis 1 Got It” to his signature playful voice in “Fine Shit”—is a testament to his artistic prowess.

Diverse Soundscapes and Lyrics

The album’s production showcases a rich array of sonic influences, ranging from industrial beats in “Cocaine Nose” and 8-bit vaporwave in “Like Weezy” to nods to classic Dirty South sounds in “Radar.” These varied styles create a dynamic backdrop for Carti’s performances, resulting in an immersive listening experience. Although some tracks such as “Wake Up F1lthy” and “Charge Dem Hoes a Fee” may come off as less impactful, others, like “OPM Babi,” shine with an eclectic blend of funk.

Lyrical Themes

Conclusion and Future Directions

Despite its length, Music addresses both Carti’s celebratory highs and the underlying struggles he continues to navigate. On tracks like “HBA,” he touches on themes of fatherhood and his aspirations for generational wealth, reflecting on his challenging upbringing. The balancing act between exuberant expression and deeper emotional exploration poses a new challenge for Carti as he charts his career moving forward. DJ Swamp Izzo’s closing proclamation in “Walk,” “this gonna feel like the end of the world to a lot of you fuck niggas. To my day ones, it’s a new beginning,” encapsulates a sense of renewal and anticipation for what lies ahead.