After nearly five years of anticipation, Playboi Carti has finally released his sprawling new album, I AM Music. With 30 tracks stretching over 76 minutes, Carti’s latest project darts unpredictably across genres and moods, featuring a range of high-profile guests and experimental sounds.
Here are five key takeaways from Playboi Carti’s I AM Music:
1. An Unpredictable, Chaotic Listen
From the abrasive, glitchy opener “Pop Out,” I AM Music immediately signals that traditional structure and sequencing aren’t priorities for Carti. The unpredictable jumps between noisy chaos and melodic interludes like “K Pop” might frustrate listeners hoping for clarity. Yet, this intentional lack of cohesion creates an atmosphere of spontaneous discovery, rewarding those who embrace its chaotic flow.
2. A Star-Studded But Uneven Guest List
Carti enlists an A-list roster of collaborators, including Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Future, Skepta, Young Thug, Ty Dolla $ign, and Lil Uzi Vert. While some features soar—such as Travis Scott’s seamless integration on tracks like “Philly” and “Wake Up F1lthy”—others feel underdeveloped, notably Skepta’s brief appearance on “Toxic.” Future stands out on “Trim,” adeptly navigating Carti’s chaotic soundscape, reinforcing their established synergy.
3. An Unconventional Showcase for Kendrick Lamar
While Kendrick Lamar’s triple feature (“Mojo Jojo,” “Backd00r,” “Good Credit”) has generated extensive buzz, it’s noteworthy how Lamar’s performance varies from ad-libs to full verses. Lamar’s dynamic and lyrically sharp verse on “Good Credit” is an album highlight, but his presence on other songs varies in effectiveness. Though not all attempts fully gel, their collaboration reveals Carti’s desire to juxtapose his own chaotic style with Lamar’s meticulous lyricism.
4. Tribute to Atlanta’s Hip-Hop Roots
I AM Music explicitly pays tribute to Atlanta’s influential rap history and figures like Future, Young Thug, and Lil Wayne. Tracks like “Like Weezy,” which samples Rich Kidz, and “Walk,” inspired by classic Future cadences, underscore Carti’s commitment to celebrating his hometown’s legacy. While the homage is clear and respectful, I AM Music does more to affirm Carti’s place within this tradition than to innovate upon it.
5. Navigating Virality and Longevity
Carti smartly taps into internet culture by officially releasing fan-favorite snippets like “Evil J0rdan” and “HBA,” integrating viral popularity directly into his music. This approach ensures immediate relevance but risks sacrificing longevity and replay value. The staying power of these tracks beyond their initial online buzz remains uncertain.
Final Thoughts
I AM Music captures Playboi Carti’s hallmark unpredictability, blending moments of brilliance with stretches of disarray. It’s an ambitious project that, despite its inconsistencies, effectively showcases Carti’s commitment to experimentation. Fans will likely revel in the album’s chaotic energy, but casual listeners might find the sprawling nature and inconsistent collaborations somewhat overwhelming.
