Caden Lim
Arts Editor
The long-awaited and most-anticipated rap album of the year, MUSIC (or I AM MUSIC), dropped on Mar. 14 and is already receiving mixed reviews. Fans, critics, and casual listeners alike are grappling with what to make of this chaotic masterpiece.
Jordan Carter, better known as Playboi Carti, dropped his third studio album and his first since Whole Lotta Red in 2020. Following the immense success of his previous project and five years of anticipation, expectations for this album were at an all time high. And so, when MUSIC finally hit streaming services, it was impossible to ignore the immediate shockwaves it created.
At first listen, MUSIC feels overwhelming as it dives into realms of punk, trap, and experimental rap. With 30 tracks, the album is long and unpredictable but rewards those who stick around to the end. From the opening track, “POP OUT,” Carti makes it clear that he’s not afraid to step out of his comfort zone. The song’s distorted beats and frantic pace are not for the faint of heart and it definitely serves as an intense introduction to the rest of the album.
One of the key themes of MUSIC is its audacity to blend genres. Tracks like “K POP” and “EVIL JORDAN” bring the punk rage Carti has been known for while also incorporating elements of rap and experimental electronic beats. MUSIC is brash and abrasive—just like Carti himself. This is exactly why many people love him: he’s willing to push boundaries and make music that doesn’t fit into a neatly defined box. The rawness and unrefined energy of the album are what set it apart from other mainstream rap releases this year.
Still, MUSIC is not without its flaws. One major critique from listeners is its lack of cohesion. While Carti manages to experiment with a vast range of sounds, the transitions between them are sometimes forceful. One track will be a hype anthem, while the next feels like an atmospheric trap track, and it can be disorienting to follow. Songs like “PHILLY” and “TOXIC” have been singled out as particularly lackluster, with Carti’s decision to feature Travis Scott feeling more like a missed opportunity than a highlight.
That said, Carti’s ability to create iconic moments of intensity should not be overlooked. His collaborations on tracks like “MOJO JOJO” with Kendrick Lamar and “RATHER LIE” with Jhené Aiko provide some of the album’s most captivating moments. On “MOJO JOJO,” Kendrick’s presence doesn’t steal the spotlight but instead enhances the eerie, hypnotic aura that Carti has created. It’s a partnership that many did not expect, but one that surprisingly works very well.
Despite the star features that MUSIC includes, it’s Carti’s solo work that takes center stage. The tracks where he is left to experiment on his own—like “MUNYUN” and “I SEEEEE YOU BABY BOI”—show his unique ability to blend futuristic beats with his signature vocals. MUSIC shines brightest in these moments as Carti boldly takes risks that other artists might shy away from.
One of the biggest surprises of the album is Carti’s embrace of a more experimental sound and direction. The track “OLYMPIAN” is an example of this shift, blending electronic, rock, and trap influences into a unique and undeniably catchy piece. As the album winds further down with tracks like “LIKE WEEZY” and “DIS 1 GOT IT,” it’s clear that Carti has crafted a project that defies conventional expectations. MUSIC embraces a bold, unpredictable energy, showcasing Carti’s raw creativity and willingness to explore musical concepts. There’s no denying that it stands out as one of the most intriguing and boundary-pushing releases in hip-hop right now.
MUSIC is a bold statement from Carti, one that solidifies his position as a trailblazer in modern hip-hop. While its unconventional style might not resonate with every listener, those willing to take the ride will get a glimpse into the future of rap. Carti has always marched to the beat of his own drum, and with MUSIC, he proves once again that he’s unafraid to lead the way into uncharted territory.
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