Entertainment

Playboi Carti's New Album 'Music': An Epic Journey Worth the Wait!

2025-03-17

Author: Ken Lee

Prepare yourselves for the musical event of the decade! Playboi Carti's highly anticipated third album, 'Music,' has finally dropped, and it has sent shockwaves through the rap world. After the seismic success of his previous album, 'Whole Lotta Red,' which was hailed by Pitchfork as the second-best album of the decade, expectations were sky-high. Fans have been in a frenzy, eagerly awaiting this release for over four long years filled with cryptic teasers and numerous delays.

Originally slated for release at a specific time, fans were met with disappointment as the album was further delayed, triggering a wave of anxious reactions on social media. But those jitters quickly transformed into exhilaration as listeners delved into 'Music,' which is shaping up to be a trap classic.

Unlike previous works that often delve into conscious themes, Carti's latest effort revels in brash bravado, with lyrics that incorporate a mix of provocative boasts, sharp threats, and even controversial remarks. Carti’s unique perspective as a self-proclaimed 'emo thug' shines through, making for an enthralling listening experience, even if some lyrics might draw a gasp for their rawness.

What sets Carti apart is not just the content of his lyrics but the distinctive way he delivers them. His voice offers a wide array of styles, from the soft and wispy pitches in tracks like 'I Seeeeee You Baby Boi' to deep, vocal-fried declarations in 'Mojo Jojo.' Unlike many contemporary rappers, Carti’s flow often dances outside the beat, adding an unconventional and engaging twist to his verses.

The production on 'Music' is equally impressive, featuring a blend of soundscapes that range from classic Atlanta trap to psychedelic influences. Tracks like 'Philly' showcase dainty chipmunk-soul, while 'Cocaine Nose' provides an intense ambiance with samples from Ashanti's classic ballad. Not to mention the contributions of DJ Swamp Izzo, whose enthusiastic interjections unify the project's eclectic sound, giving it the vibrant feel of a mixtape.

The star-studded roster of guest artists elevates 'Music' even further. Future's fierce delivery on 'Trim' is razor-sharp, and Travis Scott's pitch-modulated hooks on 'Philly' introduce a slick touch of complexity. The album also features the legendary Kendrick Lamar, who brings a playful yet deep energy to tracks like 'Mojo Jojo' and 'Backd00r,' continuously morphing his voice into different personas. And let’s not overlook The Weeknd, whose contribution on 'Rather Lie' is a heart-tugging cloud-rap masterpiece that is poised to become a chart-topping hit soon.

While some tracks might falter under the scrutiny of such lofty expectations—like 'Dis 1 Got It' and 'Walk,' which seem to echo Future a bit too closely—these moments are few and far between in a 77-minute odyssey of sound that largely lives up to the hype.

In summary, Playboi Carti's 'Music' is not just an album; it’s an event in the hip-hop calendar that redefines the boundaries of the genre. With its innovative sound and captivating lyrics, listeners will likely reflect on this project as a pivotal moment in Carti's career—and possibly in the evolution of rap itself.