After a five-year hiatus, Playboi Carti returns with his third studio album, “I AM MUSIC,” a sprawling 30-track project. The album features artists with big names: Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, The Weekend, Jhene Aiko, Lil Uzi Vert, Ty Dolla $ign, Young Thug, Future and more. Following its release, fans were disappointed: For spending five years on the album, it seemed rushed. Fans complained that the album was full of skips.
Leading up to its release, Carti fueled anticipation with a cryptic billboard campaign that had fans speculating for weeks. The billboards, which appeared in major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta featured eerie, black and white images with phrases like “MUSIC,” “CARTI” and “SORRY FOR THE WAIT.”
Despite the album’s backlash, seven of the thirty tracks sit at the Top 50 USA Spotify Chart, “EVIL J0RDAN” taking number one. “EVIL J0RDAN” is also present on the Top 50 Global, taking fifth. Also on the Top 50 Global is “RATHER LIE (with The Weeknd),” sitting at eighth.
One of the album’s strengths lies in its diverse production. Tracks like “CRUSH” feature extended synth build-ups, highlighting Carti’s ability to merge genres seamlessly. His vocal versatility is also noteworthy—he employs a range of tones and styles, keeping listeners engaged throughout the extensive tracklist.
Unfortunately, the weaknesses of the album outweigh its strengths. Usually, fans don’t complain when an album is “too long,” but, when the album is full of repetitive beats and merely meaningless lyrics, it’s acceptable. The album is 77 minutes of garbage. Some tracks seem apparently unfinished or overly indulgent. Collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd add star power, but they noticeably overshadow Carti, which some may argue is for the best.
@rap asked on Instagram, “Describe Playboi Carti’s ‘MUSIC’ in One Word.” Some of the comments under the post were positive, with user @ncg.m3dia replying “Overhated.” The replies were, mostly though, negative: User @305.francoo commented, “Worst album of the year by far,” and another comment posted by user @noellich reads, “boring.”
Playboi Carti’s “I AM MUSIC” is a bold yet polarizing project that showcases his signature style while also revealing his artistic limitations. While the album boasts impressive production and high-profile collaborations, its excessive length and lack of lyrical depth make it seem more of an experimental mixtape than a polished masterpiece, what fans were expecting out of a five-year project. The album delivers the usual chaotic energy of Carti but proves to be an underwhelming experience.
Playboi Carti will visit Detroit to perform May 24-25 at 7 p.m.
