Album Review: Was Playboi Carti's I AM MUSIC Worth the Five-Year Wait?

BY: VINCENT MENDOZA / CO-NEWS EDITOR

Photo via Spotify

1,541 – the number of days between Playboi Carti's long-awaited studio album, "I AM MUSIC," and “Whole Lotta Red”, released on Christmas Day 2020. Issued on March 14, this sprawling 30-track composition, clocking in at just over 76 minutes, is a testament to Carti's artistic evolution and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary hip-hop.

From the moment the album begins, listeners are thrust into a psychedelic landscape that defies easy categorization. The production, navigated by a veritable who's who of industry heavyweights including Ojivolta, Cardo, F1lthy, Ye, and Metro Boomin, is nothing short of breathtaking. Each track pulsates with a unique energy, seamlessly blending trap's thunderous bass lines with ethereal, almost otherworldly synths that create an atmosphere both familiar and alien.

The album's introductory track, "POP OUT," along with “CRANK”, which comes later on in the soundtrack, effectively set the tone for the overall aesthetic of the album. This intense, rage-filled anthem highlights Playboi Carti's new vocal style, marking a significant departure from his iconic "baby voice" of earlier works. 

Instead, he employs a deeper, raspier tone, which lends depth and seriousness to his frequently enigmatic lyrics. This transformation in Carti's vocal approach is arguably the most notable feature of "I AM MUSIC," showcasing his artistic growth and his readiness to defy listener expectations.

As the album progresses, it becomes clear that Carti is not content with resting on his glory. Tracks like “EV1L JORDAN” and “MOJO JOJO” further exemplify his vocal experimentation, with Carti adopting a more aggressive, punk-inspired delivery that perfectly complements the chaotic, distorted production. These moments of uncontrolled energy are adjacent to more introspective cuts, creating a dynamic listening experience that keeps the audience engaged throughout the album's considerable runtime.

The guest appearances on "I AM MUSIC" showcase a distinguished lineup of some of the most popular and well-respected figures in music. Future's appearances on “CHARGE DEM HOES A FEE”, “TRIM” and “DIS 1 GOT IT” inject a dose of Atlanta trap royalty into the mix, while collaborations with Travis Scott on “CRUSH”, “PHILLY”, and “WAKE UP F1LTHY” provide memorable moments for enjoyers of both Carti and Scott. The Weeknd's contribution on “RATHER LIE” adds a touch of R&B-infused mournfulness, showcasing Carti's ability to navigate multiple genres with ease. 

Perhaps the most surprising and impactful feature comes from Kendrick Lamar on “GOOD CREDIT”. The pairing of Carti's cutting-edge approach with Kendrick's lyrical proficiency results in a track that stands out as a highlight of this album. It's a testament to Carti's growth as an artist that he can hold his own alongside one of hip-hop's most revered lyricists.

“OPM BABI” stands out as THE polarizing track on Playboi Carti's album, primarily due to its unconventional and provocative elements. The song's erratic production, punctuated by random gunshots, combined with Carti's distinctive baby-like vocal delivery, has ignited a firestorm of discussions across social media platforms. This blend of chaotic sounds and unorthodox style has divided listeners sharply. 

On one hand, some fans appreciate the sheer audacity and unpredictability that “OPM BABI” offers, embracing its unbridled energy as a refreshing departure from traditional hip-hop norms. On the other hand, many critics find the track's disjointedness and experimental nature off-putting, leading to heated debates about its artistic merit and appeal. 

This lyrical inconsistency is perhaps the album's most glaring weakness. While Carti's vocal performances are undeniably impressive, with his ability to shift tone and delivery from track to track, the actual content of his verses often falls short of the production's ambition. This disparity is most noticeable on the album's longer tracks, where the lack of lyrical substance can make the songs feel overlong and indulgent.

Along with lyrical inconsistency, the album falters notably with the tracks “JUMPIN” and “TRIM TWIN,” featuring Lil Uzi Vert. Historically, collaborations between Playboi Carti and Uzi have resulted in celebrated hits such as “Lookin” and “wokeuplikethis” from Carti’s 2017 self-titled mixtape, as well as “Shoota” from “Die Lit”. 

These songs showcased the duo's undeniable chemistry and captivated millions of fans. Unfortunately, the same magic is absent in their latest efforts on “I AM MUSIC”. Both tracks feel more like solo showcases for Uzi, with Carti offering minimal contributions, leaving listeners yearning for the dynamic synergy they once delivered.

The album's sequencing is another point of contention. At 30 tracks, “I AM MUSIC” is a daunting listen, and there are moments where the pacing feels off. While individual songs may be strong, the album as a whole can feel bloated and overwhelming. This is particularly noticeable in the middle section, where a string of similarly structured tracks can blur together, making it difficult to distinguish one from another outside of beat selection. 

Finally, many fans are questioning why other members of Carti’s collective OPIUM were left off the entire album, and rightfully so. For instance, Ken Carson, the second most popular member of the group who has recently risen to superstardom after releasing his third studio album “A Great Chaos” in October 2023, could have been a great addition on “I SEEEEEE YOU BABY BOI” and “COCAINE NOSE”. 

Despite Carti’s lyrical shortcomings, the production on “I AM MUSIC” is where the album truly shines. The beats are a masterclass in modern hip-hop production, blending elements of trap, rage, and even electronic dance music into a cohesive whole. “MUNYUN” and “FINE SHIT” showcase this perfectly, with the production team crafting a soundscape that is at once familiar and entirely new. The attention to detail is staggering, with each listen revealing new layers and nuances in the instrumentals.

Alongside pristine production, Swamp Izzo played a fascinating and significant role on this tape. As a collaborator and DJ, Swamp Izzo was instrumental in promoting the album, frequently mentioning it in interviews and public appearances. His involvement extended beyond promotion, as he was featured on the album itself, contributing to its sound and overall aesthetic, one that also pays homage to early 2000s mixtape culture from legends like Lil Wayne and Hot Boys.

We see this inspiration most prevalently within the “I AM MUSIC” title, a phrase Wayne acted on during the peak of his music career. Wayne can be seen wearing a robe in a 2009 music video with the back of the robe displaying the phrase in the exact same font as the title of the album cover. Along with the album name, Carti acknowledges Wayne on his track “LIKE WEEZY”, one that glamorizes the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by Wayne and now Carti. 

Another one of the album's strengths is its ability to create a distinct atmosphere. From the moment “POP OUT” kicks things off, listeners are transported into Carti's world - a place where conventional rules of hip-hop production and structure are gleefully discarded in favor of pure, unbridled creativity. This commitment to pushing boundaries is admirable, even if it occasionally results in moments that feel more like experiments than fully realized songs.

It is also important to note that 11 days after the release of this album, the 28 (or 29-year-old) dropped a “deluxe” titled “SORRY 4 DA WAIT”. This “deluxe” featured three songs that were already released on his YouTube page during his album rollout in the early months of 2024, similar to three of the tracks released on the original album, along with a fourth song that had leaked. 

In many ways, “I AM MUSIC” feels like a statement of intent from Playboi Carti. It's an album that refuses to be ignored, demanding attention and repeated listens to fully unpack its complexities. While it may not be a perfect album, it's undeniably a bold and ambitious one, showcasing an artist who is unafraid to take risks and push the boundaries of his genre.

Ultimately, whether “I AM MUSIC” was worth the five-year wait will likely depend on the individual listener. For die-hard Carti fans, the album offers a wealth of new material to dissect and appreciate. For casual listeners, the album's length and experimental nature may negatively impact their listening experience. However, there's no denying the impact and ambition of this project.

As the dust settles on this long-awaited release, one thing is clear: love it or hate it, “I AM MUSIC” is an album that demands to be heard, a bold statement from an artist at the height of his powers. Whether it stands the test of time remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a testament to Playboi Carti's unique vision and his undeniable impact on the landscape of modern hip-hop.