Penelope Misceo
Executive Arts Editor
In an innovative and entertaining release, Playboi Carti displays his seasoned talent as a rapper on his latest album, “Whole Lotta Red.”
“Whole Lotta Red” displays unique beats and lively vocals, making for a well-curated blend of traditional rap elements and eccentric artistry. Playboi Carti’s refined sound as a cohesive release allures fans of the genre with its familiar sounds.
Jordan Carter, better known by his stage name, Playboi Carti, is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. His first self-titled release gained traction amongst the rap community and includes some of his most popular tracks, “Magnolia” and “Location.”
Released on Dec. 25 by Interscope Records, “Whole Lotta Red” is comprised of 24 tracks. The album reached number one on Billboard’s Hip-Hop/R&B charts upon release. The album is Playboi Carti’s third release.
The primary quality that lends itself to “Whole Lotta Red” is its consistent yet unique style. The skilled blend of nonrepetetive beats is an unmistakeable strength of the album, and fans of the rap genre will admire Carti’s commitment to creating a refreshing sound for the listener. The release, while void of some structure, manages to create a sense of connectedness as well as providing consistency in the name of style.
An additional aspect of the album that allows Playboi Carti to capitalize on his uniqueness is his distinct voice. His rapping style consists of a more muted voice with a higher-pitched register. This is characteristic of all of his releases, and especially on “Whole Lotta Red,” derives the sense of fresh uniformity that long-time fans came to appreciate about the artist. With sharp lyrics and unmistakable vocals, the album is a testament to the endless diversity that music, even within the same genre, can have.
A particular standout on the album is found in “Vamp Anthem,” which represents the quintessential essence of the album. It includes a somewhat-boppy beat, while still delivering the consistency in lyricism and musicality that fans of Playboi Carti will enjoy. The track is a short and sweet representation of what the rest of the album has to offer, as well as a fond portrayal of Playboi Carti’s skill as an up-and-coming artist.
Despite the album’s reputable strengths, dedicated fans of Playboi Carti may be disappointed with the possible lack of familiarity of “Whole Lotta Red.” While the release is well-tailored and unique, it is underwhelming in that Carti’s beloved style is not put on full display as it has been in past albums. Despite this, there is much to be said about the creative craftsmanship “Whole Lotta Red” proves itself to prioritize throughout the album.
“Whole Lotta Red” also benefits from purposeful sampling and collaborations. The track “M3tamorphisis” features Kid Cudi, who adds a charming and useful imagination to the song. Features like this are a good representation of how the album utilizes all of its resources to create a fresh sense of continuity.
As a whole, “Whole Lotta Red” is a solid release that reigns in on its consistent, satisfying sound. With unique beats and a cohesive structure, the album is sure to please regular listeners of the rap genre and Playboi Carti himself.
Released on Dec. 25, “Whole Lotta Red” is available on most streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play and Soundcloud.
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