Playboi Carti‘s new album is off to a strong start on streaming platforms. Following its release on Friday (March 14), the Atlanta rapper's long-awaited third studio album, MUSIC, became Spotify's most-streamed album in a single day in 2025 so far.

With features from Future, Lil Uzi Vert, and, perhaps most notably, Kendrick Lamar, the album is a major statement for Carti, who has long commanded the adoration of hip-hop’s younger generation. With Music, He is cementing his position as one of the biggest names in the genre. Here are five takeaways from Playboi Carti’s new album Music .

Rage rap meets a soulful sample. There are times when clashing aesthetics and opposites attract, but this isn’t one, as Swamp Izzo’s tag feels overbearing. Carti touches on substance abuse, from using pills to ketamine, and even compares himself to Young Thug. “OPM Babi” could’ve been taken to another level. — MICHAEL SAPONARA

After one more slight delay early Friday morning, Playboi Carti finally dropped his new album. The LP is called Music, though the cover art sports what was thought to be the original title, I Am Music.