On Dec. 25, 2020, Playboi Carti, also known as Carti, released “Whole Lotta Red,” an album that would go on to define a new wave in rap music. Now, five years later, the Atlanta rapper has built an even larger fanbase, thanks to his signature sound, enigmatic persona, and highly energetic performances. Despite having a relatively small discography compared to other artists under his record label, Opium, Carti has remained a dominant force in the industry.
Since March 2021, Playboi Carti has been teasing his next album, fueling one of the most highly anticipated releases in recent music history. The excitement surrounding the album was at an all-time high, with fans expecting nothing short of an amazing project.
After years of speculation, snippets, and cryptic messages, Carti finally dropped “MUSIC” on March 14, 2025, and this album rollout caused controversy. Originally scheduled to drop at midnight PST, “MUSIC” was delayed by five hours, leaving fans restless and flooding social media with speculation and frustration. This delay only heightened the tension, as listeners questioned whether the album would live up to the hype. The album features 30 tracks, a relatively large number of songs, but fans were justifiably more concerned about finding Carti’s next hit song in the tracklist. FHS sophomore Aadi Matha, a massive fan of Carti’s work, shared his experience staying up and waiting for the album.
“When the album didn’t release at midnight, I thought I was being tricked again,” Matha said. “But it was [actually released], and I was going to explode with happiness.”
When “MUSIC” finally arrived, reactions were mixed. On the internet, some fans like Matha praised the album, swearing by Carti’s unique style, while others felt it failed to meet the monumental expectations set over the past four years. Much of Carti’s reputation as a revolutionary artist in the rap industry comes from his ability to invoke a wide range of emotions into his rap music, exemplifying these emotions through the high tempo of his songs, blending the feeling of adrenaline with otherwise dull emotions.
‘Every track feels like a different vibe, a different world, and once I start listening, I get pulled right in.’ Matha said.
Supporters argue that “MUSIC” showcases Carti’s continued evolution, blending his raw energy with a more refined approach to his sound. Many listeners applauded his willingness to push boundaries rather than conform to industry norms. FHS junior Mitansh Dutta, a longtime Carti fan, has a great appreciation for Carti’s style of rapping.
“It’s hard to explain, but the music takes you to another dimension,” Dutta said.
Regardless of the debate, “MUSIC” made a remarkable impact on the industry. The album has quickly climbed up the charts, dominating streaming platforms and sparking endless discussions online. Whether it is seen as a triumph or a letdown, Playboi Carti has once again proven his ability to garner attention and influence culture. His latest release serves as yet another chapter in his mysterious career, leaving fans eager to see where he takes his journey next.
