Album Review: Playboi Carti's MUSIC

Playboi Carti’s fourth studio album, MUSIC, marks a bold and experimental addition to his discography. Released after a four-and-a-half-year hiatus since Whole Lotta Red, this 34-track project (including the deluxe edition) blends mixtape-like spontaneity with high-energy production, showcasing Carti’s ability to explore diverse sonic landscapes.

The album thrives on its eclectic production, with contributions from heavyweights like Travis Scott, Metro Boomin, Kanye West, and Swamp Izzo. Tracks such as "CRUSH," "RADAR," and "FOMDJ" highlight Carti’s knack for pairing gritty beats with energetic flows. "CRUSH," featuring Travis Scott’s production, stands out for its grandiose synth-heavy introduction and dynamic interplay between Carti’s vocals and the drums. Meanwhile, "RADAR" channels Southern mixtape vibes reminiscent of Lil Wayne’s era, reinforcing the album's homage to Atlanta's musical roots.

Carti’s experimental approach shines in tracks like "OPM BABI" and "I SEEEE YOU BABY BOI," where he delves into synth-heavy soundscapes reminiscent of Die Lit and Whole Lotta Red. The inclusion of features from Kendrick Lamar, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, and others adds variety, though some collaborations feel more like guest-dominated tracks rather than Carti-led efforts.

Playboi Carti poses sideways with a black background.

While the album’s mixtape-like structure allows for creative freedom, it occasionally lacks cohesion. Tracks like "POP OUT" and "EVIL J0RDAN" feel misplaced or underdeveloped compared to the stronger cuts. Additionally, some songs suffer from Carti’s minimal vocal presence, leaving listeners waiting for his verses amidst extended intros or guest-heavy sections.

The sheer volume of tracks—34 in total—makes the album feel bloated at times. Although many songs are enjoyable, there are moments of filler tracks that dilute the overall product.

MUSIC debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and achieved historic chart success, with all 30 original tracks charting on the Hot 100—a first for any rapper. The album sold 320,000 units in its first week and maintained its top position for multiple weeks, solidifying Carti’s commercial dominance.

Playboi Carti delivers an energetic and ambitious project that balances experimentation with homage to Southern rap. While not without flaws in pacing and cohesion, MUSIC offers plenty of standout moments that showcase Carti’s evolution as an artist. It earns a solid 8/10 from its bold creativity and replay value and I think fans will find it a worthy addition to his discography after the long wait.