After years of anticipation and countless teasers, Playboi Carti has finally released his third studio album, MUSIC, on March 14 2025. The 30 track album showcases Playboi Carti’s unique style and has features from top artists such as Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott.
The journey to MUSIC began in 2021 when Carti first hinted at a new project. Initially, he announced an album titled Narcissist, scheduled for release in September 2021. However, the album faced delays, leaving fans eager for updates.
In December 2023, Carti intensified the excitement by posting a cryptic Instagram stating, “I am music,” followed by another story featuring Pharrell Williams’ response, “Prepare.” This sparked speculation about the upcoming album.
Throughout 2024, Carti continued to tease fans with snippets of new songs during live performances. He previewed tracks like “All Red” and “F–k on My DJ” at the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash festival in June. Despite these teasers, the album’s release remained uncertain, leading to growing anticipation
On September 12, 2024, just before his birthday, Carti announced the album’s title, I Am Music, on Instagram. He also released new merchandise related to the album, hinting at an imminent release. However, the album did not drop as expected, prolonging the suspense.
In November 2024, Carti released a new song titled “Play This” through the Opium Instagram account. Shortly after, he announced a performance at Rolling Loud Miami on December 15,2024, where he debuted 5 new songs further fueling the fire.
In February 2025, billboards in Los Angeles, in collaboration with Spotify, displayed messages like “MUSIC IS COMING,” suggesting the album’s release was near.
Finally, on March 12, 2025, Carti confirmed the album’s release date as March 14, 2025. The album dropped unexpectedly at 7:30 a.m. EST, surprising fans worldwide
Upon its release, MUSIC received widespread acclaim. Critics praised its diverse sounds, blending classic Atlanta trap with experimental elements. The Guardian described it as “one of the most significant rap albums of the decade,” highlighting Carti’s innovative approach.
Commercially, the album soared. It amassed over 139 million streams on Spotify within its first day, marking the platform’s highest debut for an LP this year and the seventh-highest of all time.
Overall, the prolonged buildup to MUSIC amplified its impact and success. Playboi Carti’s strategic teases and mysterious persona have combined in an album that not only meets but arguably exceeds expectations set over the years.