Atlanta rapper, Playboi Carti, crafts a unique hip-hop style with trap beats, catchy adlibs and charismatic delivery. His rise to fame has been marked by a string of chart-topping hits and an unapologetically unique approach to music.
Early Beginnings and Rise to Stardom
Playboi Carti, born in 1996 as Jordan Carter, drew an early musical inspiration from Atlanta’s vibrant rap scene. Particularly artists like Gucci Mane, Jeezy and Lil Jon to name a few. He gained early recognition through SoundCloud, where he went by the name $ir Cartier. At 17, he started going by the name Playboi Carti. His distinctive sound and energetic performances captured the attention of rap enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. In 2015, he performed at a Yeezy Season 5 fashion event, following traction from a single, “Broke Boi.”
Breakout Moments and Debut Mixtape
Not letting his foot off the gas, Carti’s breakout moment arrived with his eponymous debut mixtape, ‘Playboi Carti,’ released in 2017. The project featured hits like “Magnolia,” a track that soared to the top of the charts with its infectious hook and trap-infused beats. The success of “Magnolia” catapulted Carti into the limelight, earning him widespread acclaim and a growing fanbase. His life would never be the same. Carti was able to experience a full circle moment by going on tour and opening for Gucci Mane in 2017, after drawing inspiration from him since the beginning of his musical journey.
Notable Hits and Signature Style
Carti’s discography boasts a range of hits that showcase his signature style and infectious energy. Tracks like “wokeuplikethis*” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “Shoota” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “New Choppa” featuring A$AP Rocky, and “R.I.P.” are emblematic of Carti’s ability to craft catchy hooks and deliver electrifying performances that resonate with audiences. Being able to pull off a combination of hip hop, trap and punk rock is a reason to respect Playboi Carti. The creative mind of Carti unheard of in the hip-hop scene. The way he experiments with his adlibs, incorporating this high pitched tone, many think of as a “baby voice,” shows you there are no barriers to his art.
Influence and Impact on the Rap Scene
Beyond his chart-topping hits, Playboi Carti’s impact on the rap scene extends to his influence on fashion, trends, and the evolution of trap music. His experimental sound and unorthodox approach have inspired a new generation of artists, shaping the landscape of modern hip-hop. Carti has made it clear that he will never stop going against the grain, and will stay far away from the normal. He’s been seen rocking mesh tops, skin tight leather pants, and punk rock boots. He gives the generation coming up the confidence to stick all the way out and be true to who they are. Playboi Carti has helped to move the hip-hop needle away from strictly wearing streetwear.
Evolution and Collaborations
Carti’s evolution as an artist is evident in his collaborations with industry heavyweights like Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, and Kanye West. These collaborations have not only broadened his artistic horizon, but also cemented his position in the rap hierarchy.
After his self titled debut album in 2017, he has gone on to release 2 more projects. In 2018, his album, ‘Die Lit’ came out. It ended up being one of the best hip-hop albums that year to fans. It featured artists like Nicki Minaj and Gunna. Hearing the “baby voice” slide over trap beats was something his fans couldn’t get enough of. In 2020, he would release his project, ‘Whole Lotta Red’ where he would stay consistent with his punk rock sound. For some, this project was the most he has ever experimented with. Kanye West and Kid Cudi are both featured on the project.
What’s Next for Carti?
With an ever-growing fanbase and an enigmatic presence on social media, Playboi Carti remains a prominent figure in the rap game. His highly anticipated albums, including “Die Lit” and “Whole Lotta Red,” have kept audiences eagerly anticipating his next moves. Just this past November, Carti let his fans know he is gearing up for his return. After nearly 4 years without a project, Playboi Carti announced that his next album will be released in 2024. Allegedly, that album will be titled ‘Music’ and Carti has already performed some unreleased songs from that project at Rolling Loud. Despite the long wait for his fans, I’m confident Carti will make it all worthwhile.
Conclusion: A Trailblazer in the Hip-Hop Realm
Playboi Carti’s career trajectory exemplifies an artist who defies conventions, embraces experimentation, and continues to push boundaries in the rap genre. His chart-topping hits, unique style, and relentless innovation position him as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop. Some people didn’t believe hip-hop had a place for him, but Carti creates his own lane wherever he goes. Throughout his entire career, he has stayed true to himself and has never been scared to break hip-hop norms. He has built a loyal fanbase that will always be ready for wherever the Playboi Carti ride takes them.
Chart-Topping Tracks by Playboi Carti:
- “Magnolia”
- “wokeuplikethis” feat. Lil Uzi Vert*
- “Shoota” feat. Lil Uzi Vert
- “New Choppa” feat. A$AP Rocky
- “R.I.P.”
