Playboi Carti fans have been waiting for what feels like forever for a new album. Many have been refreshing his Instagram as if it were a school portal before grades dropped. Finally, after five years and hundreds of cryptic teasers later, I AM MUSIC is here. So, was it worth the wait?
To give some context, Playboi Carti dropped his last album on Christmas of 2020, and even this album had a whole lotta delays. Throughout the rollout of Whole Lotta Red, Carti became notorious for lying to his fans as a tactic for building suspense. With the release strategy of I AM MUSIC, he played into this notoriety heavily. Between 2020 and 2025, Carti teased three entirely different albums. His follow-up project was originally going to be titled Molly World. And then, it was supposed to be 16*29, in collaboration with Lil Uzi Vert. Lastly, Carti even announced an entire world tour, titled Antigonist Tour, to promote what would have been his next album, Narcissist, which he eventually canceled.
With all the confusion Carti stirred up, fans were desperate for new music — anything at all. He was operating like a true celebrity, rarely seen in public, barely speaking, and mastering the art of mystery. Personally, I admired this approach. In an era where the internet makes it effortless to know someone’s every move, especially someone famous, Carti did the opposite. He offered just enough glimpses into his life to leave people wanting more — his outfits, his hangouts, and even what he was eating became subjects of speculation.
So when the album finally dropped, it felt less like a release and more like an event — a rare moment from an artist who thrives on silence. If you’re expecting traditional rap or lyrical storytelling, you shouldn’t be. This album continues his signature chaotic energy — wild beats, distorted vocals, and Carti’s signature baby voice that turns every track into a high-energy anthem.
Personally, my favorite tracks are “LIKE WEEZY” and “K POP,” but I find myself listening to pretty much any song from the project at any given moment. The beauty of these songs is that they all sound completely different. “LIKE WEEZY” sounds like the bell on the last day of school and is a very playful and light-hearted track. But in contrast, “K POP” is a song I’d play at full volume and just let the beat do all the talking. Produced by buzzing hip-hop producer, CardoGotWings, this beat has one of the most fascinating drum patterns I’ve ever heard, featuring a rare open hat pattern, and a melody that sounds like a siren going off, paired with eerie strings and a powerful guitar that comes in and adds power to it. This song isn’t the only production highlight, though. Overall, the production on this album is next-level, with beats that make you feel like you’re in a video game, and of course, Carti’s legendary ad-libs and vocals gliding over them in an effortless yet complex manner. 
The wait of five years and the suspense every few months hoping Carti would finally drop was worth it. This album isn’t for everyone, though. If your playlist is full of lo-fi study beats, this might feel like a brain overload. However, if you’re a Carti fan, you’re going to love every second of this beautifully chaotic mess.
