Playboi Carti has finally dropped his highly anticipated third studio album, I AM MUSIC, marking his first full-length release in over four years. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment since the rapper first teased the project in 2022. After a brief delay, the album officially hit streaming platforms on March 14, 2025, at 3 a.m. EST, and it has already set the music world abuzz.
The 30-track album is packed with collaborations featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Skepta, Ty Dolla $ign, and Young Thug all make appearances, adding their unique styles to Carti’s experimental sound. Notably, Travis Scott features on three tracks—“CRUSH,” “PHILLY,” and “WAKE UP F1LTHY”—while Kendrick Lamar lends his voice to “GOOD CREDIT,” and The Weeknd appears on “RATHER LIE.”
Fans were also surprised to see a mystery feature listed on the tracklist, which many speculate could be a posthumous collaboration with XXXTENTACION. DJ Akademiks hinted at this during a live stream, further fueling excitement around the project.
The road to I AM MUSIC has been long and filled with twists and turns. Originally announced in 2022 under the title Narcissist, the album underwent several delays and title changes as Carti experimented with its direction. At one point, he spent three months recording in a cave-like studio in Paris to achieve the unique sound he envisioned.
Carti’s last album, Whole Lotta Red, released on Christmas Day 2020, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and cemented his status as a trailblazer in modern rap. With I AM MUSIC, Carti aims to push boundaries even further.
While fans were initially expecting the album to drop at midnight EST on March 14, Carti announced a short delay just hours before its release. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he explained that the hold-up was due to waiting for Young Thug’s verse to be finalized. “HAD TO WAIT 4 THUG 2 SEND HIS VERSE,” Carti wrote. The delay only heightened anticipation among fans eager to hear what he had been working on for years.
I AM MUSIC is being hailed as one of Carti’s most ambitious projects yet. DJ Akademiks described it as an “instant classic,” calling it “all hits, no misses.” He also revealed that Kendrick Lamar played a significant role in shaping the creative direction of the album, adding another layer of intrigue.
The album showcases Carti’s ability to blend genres and experiment with soundscapes while still delivering tracks that resonate with his core audience. Songs like “JUMPIN” featuring Lil Uzi Vert and “CHARGE DEM HOES A FEE” featuring Future highlight his knack for creating infectious energy, while tracks like “TOXIC” featuring Skepta explore darker tones.
Fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on I AM MUSIC, with many praising its boldness and innovation. The collaborations have been particularly well-received, with listeners applauding how seamlessly each featured artist fits into Carti’s vision.
However, some fans expressed frustration over the last-minute delay and confusion about certain features that were rumored but didn’t make it onto the final tracklist. Despite this, the overwhelming sentiment has been positive, with many calling it Carti’s best work yet.
To celebrate the release of I AM MUSIC, Playboi Carti is set to perform tracks from the album live for the first time at Rolling Loud California this weekend. He will headline Sunday night at Hollywood Park, following performances by A$AP Rocky and Peso Pluma. This marks a significant moment for Carti as he brings his new music directly to fans in a live setting.
With I AM MUSIC finally out in the world, Playboi Carti is gearing up for what promises to be a monumental year. Before hitting the road for a tour with The Weeknd later this year, he will continue promoting the album through performances and interviews.
The release of I AM MUSIC not only solidifies Carti’s place as one of rap’s most innovative artists but also sets a high bar for future projects in the genre. As fans dive into this expansive record, it’s clear that Playboi Carti has once again redefined what it means to be an artist in today’s music landscape.
Playboi Carti’s I AM MUSIC is more than just an album—it’s an experience that showcases his growth as an artist and his willingness to take risks. With its star-studded lineup and experimental soundscapes, it’s poised to be one of 2025’s most talked-about releases. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, I AM MUSIC offers something for everyone—a testament to Playboi Carti’s enduring influence on modern hip-hop.
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