The five-year wait is over. Playboi Carti, one of the most influential names in contemporary rap, released his third studio album, I AM MUSIC, on Friday, March 14. Available on major streaming platforms starting at 1 a.m. Brasília time, the project marks the Atlanta artist’s return following the success of Whole Lotta Red in 2020. Featuring heavyweight collaborations and a sound that pushes beyond traditional trap boundaries, the album is already being hailed as a milestone in the 2025 music scene.
The official announcement came via an enigmatic Instagram video from Carti, which quickly went viral and set social media ablaze. For years, fans endured delays, title changes—from Narcissist to Music—and an intense marketing campaign that included mysterious billboards in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and London. Now, with the album’s arrival, expectations are sky-high that the rapper will deliver a work cementing his status as a genre innovator, blending rage rap, punk, and experimental soundscapes.
BREAKING: Playboi Carti fell asleep and forgot to drop the album pic.twitter.com/kSmP9DZUpX
— Daily Noud (@DailyNoud) March 14, 2025
At 29, Playboi Carti has built a career defined by bold choices and a unique aesthetic that extends beyond music into fashion and persona. I AM MUSIC isn’t just a long-awaited release for fans—it’s a cultural event poised to shape global hip-hop. With names like Future, Travis Scott, and The Weeknd on board, the album is already drawing comparisons to recent drops like Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal and Djonga’s Quanto Mais Eu Como, Mais Fome Eu Sinto.
A mystery-driven campaign that hooked fans
Playboi Carti spared no effort in keeping his audience on edge over the past few months. Billboards featuring cryptic phrases and geometric symbols began popping up in major urban centers in early 2025, sparking speculation about the album’s content. Influencers and music industry figures, like DJ Akademiks, fueled the hype further by dropping exclusive tidbits. Akademiks hinted at “flawless hits” and a collaborator lineup potentially featuring Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, Kendrick Lamar, and even a posthumous XXXTentacion feature.
The marketing strategy leaned heavily on social media, where Carti posted cryptic updates and visual teasers to sustain the suspense. One widely discussed video showed the rapper in a dimly lit studio, surrounded by equipment, with pulsating beats playing in the background. This approach has become a signature move for Carti, turning his releases into cultural moments that attract both longtime fans and newcomers intrigued by the phenomenon.
In the days leading up to the drop, the hashtag #IAMMusic took over platforms like X and TikTok, with millions of users sharing theories about the tracklist and the meaning behind the title. The blend of mystery and anticipation has positioned the album as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited releases, going head-to-head with other big names making waves in March.
What “I AM MUSIC” brings to the trap game
Unlike his earlier works, I AM MUSIC promises to stretch the boundaries of conventional trap. While Whole Lotta Red introduced aggressive beats and distorted vocals—paving the way for a generation of rage rap artists—the new project appears to venture even further. Insiders suggest the album explores experimental sound textures, layering production with elements of electronic music, punk, and even psychedelic vibes.
Among the standout features are collaborations with rap and R&B titans. Travis Scott, a frequent Carti collaborator, is expected to bring his melodic, high-energy flair, while The Weeknd could lend a polished pop edge to the tracks. Kendrick Lamar’s potential involvement, with his lyrical prowess, raises hopes for reflective moments amid the sonic intensity. A posthumous XXXTentacion feature, if confirmed, would serve as a poignant tribute to one of the last decade’s most iconic figures.
Production is another highlight. Names like Pierre Bourne, a longtime collaborator, and Kanye West, who worked with Carti on Donda, might have shaped the creative process. The mix of heavy beats, deep basslines, and Carti’s signature vocals should preserve the essence that made him an icon while showcasing significant artistic growth.
A defining moment in Playboi Carti’s career
Born Jordan Terrell Carter on September 13, 1996, Playboi Carti rose from Atlanta’s underground scene before breaking into the mainstream with his 2017 mixtape Playboi Carti. Tracks like “Magnolia” and “Shoota” established him as a rap force, but Whole Lotta Red solidified his visionary status. Released on December 25, 2020, that album polarized listeners with its chaotic production and experimental bent, yet it became a cult classic among genre fans.
With I AM MUSIC, Carti seems intent on exceeding expectations once again. The five-year gap between projects gave him time to refine his vision while keeping tabs on shifts in the music landscape. During this period, he featured on tracks by artists like Tyler, The Creator, and Kanye West, staying relevant despite not dropping a full album. Now, the new record arrives as trap searches for fresh directions, with artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Yeat pursuing similar paths of sonic innovation.
Carti’s influence extends beyond music. His aesthetic—designer clothes, tattoos, and a mysterious demeanor—has inspired a legion of fans and content creators online. The I AM MUSIC drop aligns with a renewal phase in hip-hop, with artists like Doechii and Djonga injecting new life into the genre in their respective markets. For Carti, the album’s global impact is undeniable, potentially reinforcing his role as a leader in this new era.
Timeline of the wait for “I AM MUSIC”
The road to I AM MUSIC was long and winding. Here’s a rundown of key moments:
- 2021: Post-Whole Lotta Red, Carti teases a new project, initially dubbed Narcissist.
- 2022: A tour announced under the same name gets canceled, fueling speculation.
- 2023: Rumors of collabs with Travis Scott and Future start swirling.
- 2024: Mysterious billboards appear across cities, reigniting fan hope.
- March 2025: Official announcement and release confirmed for March 14.
This timeline reflects the patience of fans, who are now celebrating the album’s arrival. Each twist turned the delays into part of Carti’s artistic narrative.
Numbers and expectations for the release
Expectations for I AM MUSIC are sky-high. Industry analysts predict the album could hit over 100 million global streams in its first week, surpassing Whole Lotta Red’s 126 million in seven days. The inclusion of stars like The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar, with their massive fanbases, should boost those figures further.
Social media impact is already evident. On X alone, the #IAMMusic hashtag appeared in over 2 million posts in the 48 hours before the drop. TikTok videos featuring official teaser snippets have racked up more than 10 million views, underscoring the hype’s reach. These stats highlight Carti’s relevance in a crowded market, where artists like Drake and Bad Bunny also vie for attention.
For Brazilian fans, the 1 a.m. release time promises a lively night, with many planning to stream it live. Carti’s influence in Brazil has been felt for years, with local acts like Matuê and Teto citing him as an inspiration. The new album is set to deepen that connection, bringing Atlanta’s sound to Brazilian ears.
Collaborations that raise the bar
The collabs on I AM MUSIC are a major draw. Here’s a look at speculated names and their potential roles:
- Travis Scott: A longtime partner, likely delivering energy and catchy hooks.
- Future: The king of melodic trap, possibly adding emotional depth.
- The Weeknd: A rap-pop crossover with standout vocals.
- Kendrick Lamar: If included, expect intricate, thought-provoking lyrics.
- XXXTentacion: A posthumous nod that could tug at heartstrings.
These artists, each with a distinct flair, hint at an album rich in sonic variety while staying true to Carti’s core. The diverse lineup also reflects his ambition to reach beyond the underground into the mainstream.

The five-year wait is over. Playboi Carti, one of the most influential names in contemporary rap, released his third studio album, I AM MUSIC, on Friday, March 14. Available on major streaming platforms starting at 1 a.m. Brasília time, the project marks the Atlanta artist’s return following the success of Whole Lotta Red in 2020. Featuring heavyweight collaborations and a sound that pushes beyond traditional trap boundaries, the album is already being hailed as a milestone in the 2025 music scene.
The official announcement came via an enigmatic Instagram video from Carti, which quickly went viral and set social media ablaze. For years, fans endured delays, title changes—from Narcissist to Music—and an intense marketing campaign that included mysterious billboards in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and London. Now, with the album’s arrival, expectations are sky-high that the rapper will deliver a work cementing his status as a genre innovator, blending rage rap, punk, and experimental soundscapes.
BREAKING: Playboi Carti fell asleep and forgot to drop the album pic.twitter.com/kSmP9DZUpX
— Daily Noud (@DailyNoud) March 14, 2025
At 29, Playboi Carti has built a career defined by bold choices and a unique aesthetic that extends beyond music into fashion and persona. I AM MUSIC isn’t just a long-awaited release for fans—it’s a cultural event poised to shape global hip-hop. With names like Future, Travis Scott, and The Weeknd on board, the album is already drawing comparisons to recent drops like Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal and Djonga’s Quanto Mais Eu Como, Mais Fome Eu Sinto.
A mystery-driven campaign that hooked fans
Playboi Carti spared no effort in keeping his audience on edge over the past few months. Billboards featuring cryptic phrases and geometric symbols began popping up in major urban centers in early 2025, sparking speculation about the album’s content. Influencers and music industry figures, like DJ Akademiks, fueled the hype further by dropping exclusive tidbits. Akademiks hinted at “flawless hits” and a collaborator lineup potentially featuring Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, Kendrick Lamar, and even a posthumous XXXTentacion feature.
The marketing strategy leaned heavily on social media, where Carti posted cryptic updates and visual teasers to sustain the suspense. One widely discussed video showed the rapper in a dimly lit studio, surrounded by equipment, with pulsating beats playing in the background. This approach has become a signature move for Carti, turning his releases into cultural moments that attract both longtime fans and newcomers intrigued by the phenomenon.
In the days leading up to the drop, the hashtag #IAMMusic took over platforms like X and TikTok, with millions of users sharing theories about the tracklist and the meaning behind the title. The blend of mystery and anticipation has positioned the album as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited releases, going head-to-head with other big names making waves in March.
What “I AM MUSIC” brings to the trap game
Unlike his earlier works, I AM MUSIC promises to stretch the boundaries of conventional trap. While Whole Lotta Red introduced aggressive beats and distorted vocals—paving the way for a generation of rage rap artists—the new project appears to venture even further. Insiders suggest the album explores experimental sound textures, layering production with elements of electronic music, punk, and even psychedelic vibes.
Among the standout features are collaborations with rap and R&B titans. Travis Scott, a frequent Carti collaborator, is expected to bring his melodic, high-energy flair, while The Weeknd could lend a polished pop edge to the tracks. Kendrick Lamar’s potential involvement, with his lyrical prowess, raises hopes for reflective moments amid the sonic intensity. A posthumous XXXTentacion feature, if confirmed, would serve as a poignant tribute to one of the last decade’s most iconic figures.
Production is another highlight. Names like Pierre Bourne, a longtime collaborator, and Kanye West, who worked with Carti on Donda, might have shaped the creative process. The mix of heavy beats, deep basslines, and Carti’s signature vocals should preserve the essence that made him an icon while showcasing significant artistic growth.
A defining moment in Playboi Carti’s career
Born Jordan Terrell Carter on September 13, 1996, Playboi Carti rose from Atlanta’s underground scene before breaking into the mainstream with his 2017 mixtape Playboi Carti. Tracks like “Magnolia” and “Shoota” established him as a rap force, but Whole Lotta Red solidified his visionary status. Released on December 25, 2020, that album polarized listeners with its chaotic production and experimental bent, yet it became a cult classic among genre fans.
With I AM MUSIC, Carti seems intent on exceeding expectations once again. The five-year gap between projects gave him time to refine his vision while keeping tabs on shifts in the music landscape. During this period, he featured on tracks by artists like Tyler, The Creator, and Kanye West, staying relevant despite not dropping a full album. Now, the new record arrives as trap searches for fresh directions, with artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Yeat pursuing similar paths of sonic innovation.
Carti’s influence extends beyond music. His aesthetic—designer clothes, tattoos, and a mysterious demeanor—has inspired a legion of fans and content creators online. The I AM MUSIC drop aligns with a renewal phase in hip-hop, with artists like Doechii and Djonga injecting new life into the genre in their respective markets. For Carti, the album’s global impact is undeniable, potentially reinforcing his role as a leader in this new era.
Timeline of the wait for “I AM MUSIC”
The road to I AM MUSIC was long and winding. Here’s a rundown of key moments:
- 2021: Post-Whole Lotta Red, Carti teases a new project, initially dubbed Narcissist.
- 2022: A tour announced under the same name gets canceled, fueling speculation.
- 2023: Rumors of collabs with Travis Scott and Future start swirling.
- 2024: Mysterious billboards appear across cities, reigniting fan hope.
- March 2025: Official announcement and release confirmed for March 14.
This timeline reflects the patience of fans, who are now celebrating the album’s arrival. Each twist turned the delays into part of Carti’s artistic narrative.
Numbers and expectations for the release
Expectations for I AM MUSIC are sky-high. Industry analysts predict the album could hit over 100 million global streams in its first week, surpassing Whole Lotta Red’s 126 million in seven days. The inclusion of stars like The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar, with their massive fanbases, should boost those figures further.
Social media impact is already evident. On X alone, the #IAMMusic hashtag appeared in over 2 million posts in the 48 hours before the drop. TikTok videos featuring official teaser snippets have racked up more than 10 million views, underscoring the hype’s reach. These stats highlight Carti’s relevance in a crowded market, where artists like Drake and Bad Bunny also vie for attention.
For Brazilian fans, the 1 a.m. release time promises a lively night, with many planning to stream it live. Carti’s influence in Brazil has been felt for years, with local acts like Matuê and Teto citing him as an inspiration. The new album is set to deepen that connection, bringing Atlanta’s sound to Brazilian ears.
Collaborations that raise the bar
The collabs on I AM MUSIC are a major draw. Here’s a look at speculated names and their potential roles:
- Travis Scott: A longtime partner, likely delivering energy and catchy hooks.
- Future: The king of melodic trap, possibly adding emotional depth.
- The Weeknd: A rap-pop crossover with standout vocals.
- Kendrick Lamar: If included, expect intricate, thought-provoking lyrics.
- XXXTentacion: A posthumous nod that could tug at heartstrings.
These artists, each with a distinct flair, hint at an album rich in sonic variety while staying true to Carti’s core. The diverse lineup also reflects his ambition to reach beyond the underground into the mainstream.
