After almost five years of delays and teasers, the wait is finally over.
Atlanta rapper Playboi Carti, 28, released his highly anticipated third studio album “MUSIC” on March 14 becoming Spotify’s most streamed album in a single day in 2025 so far. With 30 tracks and a run time of an hour and 16 minutes, the album features the artist’s signature vampiric rock sound, rap’s most popular voices and an impressive list of producers.
The album begins with “POP OUT,” the weakest song off the record, since it could only be enjoyed at one of Carti’s mosh pit-filled shows; however, the sound is no surprise. Though the track is filled with the rapper’s original style, the rage rap and boosted bass makes up two minutes and 41 seconds of noise, setting the tone for what’s to come later.
The first of four features from Travis Scott appears on “CRUSH,” with a variety of adlibs and no verse; however, the church choir sound carries this song, since Carti does not start rapping until two minutes in. Scott’s second feature on “PHILLY” has a smooth and catchy flow that makes the song sound like one of his own over a trap beat, heavily influenced by a Texas rap sound.
Scott is also featured on “WAKE UP F1LTHY” and “CHARGE DEM HOES A FEE,” two silly songs discussing getting rich and sexual ventures. Both tracks are catchy with a chorus that rolls off the tongue, but they don’t stand out on the album. Future’s verse on “CHARGE DEM HOES A FEE” reveals Carti’s vocal cadence inspiration, taken from the Atlanta rapper that came before him.
This mimic of Future’s cadence is also heard on “TOXIC,” “WALK” and “DIS 1 GOT IT,” where Carti clearly pays homage to the southern trap sound of Atlanta. Carti also pays his respects to New Orleans on “LIKE WEEZY,” where he samples “Bend Over” by Atlanta rapper Rich Kidz and pays homage to Lil Wayne, who has had the iconic “I Am Music” face tattoo for years.
Long—time Carti fans had their wish come true and were quickly let down on “JUMPIN” and “TWIN TRIM.” Carti and Lil Uzi Vert reunited as the self-proclaimed rap rockstar duo, attempting to bring back the same energy and style from 2016. These songs are nowhere close to matching the level of the iconic “wokeuplikethis*,” but the songs make for a great reunion.
Three of the album’s strongest tracks were previously released on YouTube and Instagram in 2024, taking away the excitement of hearing them fresh off the full album. “K POP” was originally released on YouTube as “Ketamine,” but it was added to the album with a dramatic production, video game-like synths and a new name.
“HBA” is another pre-release track that was added to the album, with fans originally hearing it on Instagram in 2024. Carti takes a moment to reflect on his early years as an artist in this song. Like “K POP,” the track features strings, heavy basslines and a classic Carti flow.
“EVIL J0RDAN” is another notable listen, with a newly added, yet long and cinematic instrumental intro. This 2024 pre-release has an intro ending with a one-liner sample of “Popular” by The Weeknd, Playboi Carti and Madonna, firing up listeners for one of the best delivered verses from Carti off the album.
Kendrick Lamar pulled a Travis Scott on “MOJO JOJO,” with the rapper only contributing to the song through adlibs. Carti’s iconic switch from his high-pitched, autotune voice to a deep, vocally-fried voice paired with Lamar’s unexpectedly blends together well. Lamar is also featured on “BACKD00R” and “GOOD CREDIT,” who was clearly having fun in both verses, especially when he calls Carti his “evil twin.”
“MUSIC” is loud, chaotic and psychedelic, with the potential of aging nicely like Carti’s last album “Whole Lotta Red.” There are only a few moments featuring Carti’s baby voice, showing his ever-evolving style by tapping into new sounds. The album is a whirlwind of distorted 808s and high energy that feels futuristic and completely unhinged, showing Carti’s attempt to push the boundaries in hip hop.
Many tracks off “MUSIC” begin to blend together as one, and the sound starts to feel rushed and lazy, making some of the album feel like it was not worth the wait. Like most of Carti’s discography, taking away the synths, heavy beats and brain rot production, you’re left with almost nothing. Though there are great songs off “MUSIC,” any album with 30 songs is bound to have many misses, making this a 5.5 out of 10.
