Atlanta rapper Playboi Carti built his reputation around a looping, infectious delivery that blends raw aggression with a lighthearted edge. Recognition arrived in the mid-2010s through his ties to A$AP Mob, and a string of online-favorite singles paved the way for his first full-length project, Die Lit, which entered the Billboard 200’s Top Ten in 2018. With Whole Lotta Red, issued in 2020, he embraced a bolder, more confrontational approach that topped the chart. A period of leaked material, shifting plans, and the jagged lead single “All Red” set the stage for the arrival of his third album, I Am Music, in 2024.
Jordan Carter grew up on Atlanta’s south side, absorbing the sounds of Prince, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Lil Jon, Gucci Mane, and Jeezy. While still in high school he began recording under the name Sir Cartier, working closely with Ethereal, the in-house producer for Awful Records. Early cuts such as the woozy “YUNGXANHOE” and “Lost” circulated online, drew strong local support, and accumulated millions of streams. After graduation he relocated to the Bronx and connected with A$AP Mob members. At a 2015 SXSW showcase he met A$AP Rocky, who became a mentor; weeks later Carti dropped the breakout singles “Broke Boi” and “Fetti.”
Subsequent tours alongside Lil Uzi Vert and A$AP Ferg preceded a recording contract with Interscope Records. Backed by A$AP Rocky, he appeared on A$AP Mob’s Cozy Tapes tracks “Telephone Calls” and “London Town.” Following years of building anticipation through standalone releases, he issued his self-titled debut mixtape in spring 2017, featuring Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Rocky, and Leven Kali. In 2018 he delivered the studio album Die Lit, which included contributions from Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Skepta, Lil Uzi Vert, Travis Scott, Chief Keef, and others. The project reached number three on the Billboard 200 and number two on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
Carti resurfaced in April 2020 with the Jetsonmade-, Neeko Baby-, and Deskhop-produced single “@ MEH,” the first preview of his second studio album. Whole Lotta Red arrived in full on Christmas Day 2020. Sharper and more abrasive than prior work, it relied on distorted, abrasive synth textures and Carti’s markedly more menacing vocal style. Executive produced by Kanye West, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
In the ensuing years, scattered leaks and repeated release hints kept attention on his next project. Carti also contributed guest verses to “Miss the Red” by Trippie Redd, “Popular” with the Weeknd and Madonna, the chart-topping “Carnival” by Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign, the Top Ten “Fein” by Travis Scott, and “I Luv It” by Camila Cabello. The last three surfaced in 2024, shortly before he returned with the polished solo track “All Red.” Later that year he released its parent album, I Am Music.
