After a prolonged period of five years without new music, Playboi Carti finally released his latest album, MUSIC, on March 14, causing a stir on the internet as expected. The album received a mixed response from fans; some applauded its bold experimentation while others found it bewildering. To me, however, it felt like a natural progression for an artist who thrives on chaos and reinvention.
MUSIC represents Carti at his most unpredictable, characterized by its expansive, erratic, and sometimes perplexing nature. Despite its challenging aspects, the album exudes a deliberate artistic direction. I have not been a huge Carti fan, but I've always been curious to witness the evolution of his sound, particularly after the release of Whole Lotta Red which delved into a raw, vampiric aesthetic infused with punk and funk elements. Although not entirely resonating with me, it sparked my interest to observe his artistic development.
I have a soft spot for Carti's earlier works like Playboi Carti and Die Lit, where his playful and experimental flow alongside minimalist beats felt fresh and innovative. Tracks such as “Foreign,” “R.I.P.,” “FlatBed Freestyle,” and “Love Hurts” still hold a special place for me compared to those on Whole Lotta Red. Therefore, approaching the MUSIC album, I was intrigued to see if Carti would continue exploring the unique voice-change style introduced in Travis Scott's “FE!N.” While the track itself did not captivate me, the unconventional vocal technique intrigued me, prompting curiosity about its integration into Carti's music style.
From “FE!N” to “Carnival” and “Timeless,” it became evident that the voice modulation was not just a passing phase but a defining characteristic of his persona, which intrigued me further.
Upon listening to MUSIC, I anticipated Carti's signature punk-rage energy, yet the opening track “POP OUT” took me by surprise with its intense production and delivery, initially sounding like pure noise. However, as the album progressed, tracks like “EVIL JORDAN” revealed a smoother production style and a refined focus, showcasing a peculiar beauty amidst the chaos.
Despite initial skepticism, tracks such as “FINE SH*T,” “CHARGE DEM HOES A FEE,” and “FOMDJ” captivated me with their wild production and Carti's undeniable presence. A month post-release, I can confidently state that MUSIC has stood the test of time, growing on me with its intentional experimental nature, defining itself as a bold risk taken by an artist crafting his own distinct world.
Carti is not trying to replicate past successes but rather establishing a unique artistic identity. MUSIC caters to all types of Carti fans, blending elements from his previous projects while introducing new dimensions to his music. The album may not be easy to digest, with its bold and sometimes annoying aspects, but that is the essence of Carti's artistry. Whether you appreciate every track or skip a few, there is an undeniable pull to revisit the project, resonating with its evolving and daring nature.
Regarding its potential as a top album of 2025, it might be premature to make such a claim, but MUSIC is certainly a strong contender, holding significant artistic weight and reflecting Carti's continuous evolution and fearlessness in his musical journey.