Music Review: I AM MUSIC

Written by: Elijah Nguyen and Carter Herman

Playboi Carti's third studio album, I AM MUSIC, unleashes a sprawling, chaotic, and genre-blurring experience that both dazzles and disorients. Clocking in at 30 tracks over 77 minutes, the album showcases Carti's signature rage-rap energy infused with hyperpop, EDM, and trap elements. Collaborations with heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, and Future add depth and variety, with Kendrick's verses on tracks like "GOOD CREDIT" and "BACKD00R" standing out for their lyrical prowess . While the production is often innovative, featuring contributions from producers like Metro Boomin and Kanye West, the album's length and lack of cohesion can make it feel unfocused and overwhelming .​

Despite its imperfections, I AM MUSIC captures Carti's unfiltered creativity and willingness to push boundaries. Tracks like "RATHER LIE" and "EVIL J0RDAN" highlight his experimental approach, blending aggressive beats with melodic elements . However, the album's ambitious scope sometimes leads to inconsistencies, with certain songs feeling underdeveloped or repetitive . Overall, I AM MUSIC is a bold statement that reflects Carti's evolution as an artist, offering moments of brilliance amidst its chaotic landscape.​

Rating: 3.5 out of 5