I Am Music Review

I Am Music album cover (Spotify)

On March 14, Playboy Carti released his third album after a long-anticipated five years. Fans had been eager for new music from Carti since his release of Whole Lotta Red in 2020. After years of teasing fans with unpredictable and ambiguous social media activity, Carti finally stated, “Love all my supporters. It’s time… FRIDAY” (@playboycarti). I Am Music is a 30-track album that races between punk and trap that is sure to please long-time fans and get the attention of new ones. The album name serves as a bold statement that Carti truly sees himself as the creator of music and a modern example of what an artist should be (Pitchfork).

The album’s songs are filled with hard-hitting and hypnotizing beats. Standout songs include “CRUSH” (featuring Travis Scott) and “EVIL J0RDAN”, which takes its introduction from “Popular” by the Weeknd featuring Madonna. A number of songs include skillful artists such as Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Jhené Aiko, Skepta, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, and Ty Dolla $ign. Playboy Carti uses the same upbeat style in his introduction for “COCAINE NOSE” as Ken Carson did in his song “Freestyle 2”. Ramapo student Ellie Sanborn says, “I was shocked to hear the same beat as Ken Carson in the first seconds of Carti’s song. It made me really excited and intrigued to listen to the rest of the album.” 

I Am Music is a chaotic yet innovative album, and it has broken the record for biggest album debut of 2025 on Spotify (Furguson). The variety of styles and artists in the album is an ingenious way to get his listeners addicted, as it boosts any mood and feels like an escape from reality.

Playboy Carti has previewed his album at Rolling Loud in Miami Florida, but has not come out with a proper tour for the album alone. He is currently on the After Hours Til Dawn tour with The Weeknd until this summer. He plans on performing songs such as “RATHER LIE” (featuring The Weeknd) from I Am Music, and more from the album. Ramapo Junior Lucy Raff shares that she has “bought the tickets and has a countdown waiting to go to the tour June 5th with her friend,” alongside many Ramapo students who will also be there. 

Overall, the album is extremely unique and worth a listen, keeping new and old fans both entertained for now, and excited for what’s to come.