Carti Craze

Jamie Whitten ‘26

Lead Features Writer

After a long hiatus, Playboi Carti has returned to the music scene with Music, his first album since Whole Lotta Red in 2020. This new project features 30 tracks and collaborations with music giants such as Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd.

Fans were surprised by the sudden release, and the album has become one of the most talked-about moments in the rap world. Fan reactions to the album have been mixed. Junior Hayden Lenz commented, “This is one of the greatest things I’ve ever heard. I’m a huge Kanye fan (the music, not everything else), and I can really appreciate the greatness of this release. It was definitely worth the wait.” Another junior, Tyler Haun, had the opposite to say. “I’m not really a big ‘mumble rap/trap’ kinda guy, and I didn’t like it at all. I only kinda liked WLR, and that took some time to grow on me. I don’t think it was worth five years, and I’m disappointed we had to wait that long for that. Sure, it was 30 songs, but I mean come on.” These mixed reviews highlight how high expectations were for the rapper’s new work.

Just like the students, music critics also had mixed feelings about Carti's release. “Music isn't just an expansion of Carti's sonic world, but a refinement that spins his characteristic chaos into something cinematic,” writes Kyann-Sian Williams of British music magazine NME. Alphonse Pierre, who writes for another music magazine, Pitchfork, says that Music is a “flawed, contradictory, inflated, loud, exciting, mainstream-ified, uncomfortable, nostalgic event.”

Among the standout tracks, “Good Credit” featuring Kendrick Lamar and “Rather Lie” with The Weeknd have drawn particular attention. While many of the tracks are praised for their unique sound, others have been criticized for inconsistent production quality. With many tracks featuring the “SWAMP IZZO” ad-lib as well as ear-blasting shotgun effects, overproduction is a common theme throughout the album.

What’s next for Playboi Carti? Many hope for a major tour, but for now Music is making waves in the industry and ensuring Carti stays at the center of attention.

Playboi Carti's new album excites fans from surprised release.