Playboi Carti, whose real name is Jordan Carter, was able to stand out in record time. Originally from Atlanta, a city renowned for its disruptive artists, he quickly took the path to success by distinguishing himself with a unique blend of trap, cloud rap and a personal reinterpretation of punk rock. Carti, born September 13, 1996, grew up in Riverdale, a criminogenic neighborhood in Atlanta, where music, drugs and basketball punctuated his daily life.
It was a seemingly innocuous anecdote that changed Jordan Carter's life. Working as a salesman at H&M to fund his musical dreams, a customer recognized and complimented him on his mix tapes. Three days later, Carti quit his job to devote himself entirely to music. Carti's early efforts were lyrically focused, but his production choices were already standing out. He quickly made decisive encounters with legendary producers like Ethereal and MexikoDro, who helped him shape his unique style.
The move to New York marked a turning point in his career. In 2015, the song Broke Boi exploded on SoundCloud, making him a major figure on the platform. Collaborations with artists such as Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty followed, but it was meeting A$AP Rocky that would propel him to the next level. Rocky invited him on his mix tape Cozy Tapes Vol. 1 , alongside Tyler, The Creator, which marked the start of a fruitful collaboration and a signing to AWGE, Rocky's label.
The Ascension and the controversies
In 2017, Carti released his self-titled mixtape Playboi Carti , including hits like Magnolia and wokeuplikethis . These songs reached the top of the US Billboard charts, but despite this success, Carti had to face a multitude of detractors. He was criticized for the lack of accomplished texts and his unique style which was disconcerting. However, his fans, devoted to the extreme, fiercely supported his music.
The Playboi Carti mixtape is today considered a landmark in the evolution of rap. Each piece brings a unique color, forming a harmonious and hypnotic whole. The arrival of Pierre Bourne as producer was instrumental, capturing the essence of Carti and allowing him to push his musical boundaries.
The success of Die Lit
In 2018, Carti released Die Lit , an album which reached number three on the US Billboard. This album, just as catchy as its predecessor, marked a new peak in Carti's career, with prestigious collaborations and daring production. The track RIP Fredo is a perfect example of Carti's frenetic energy and inimitable style.
Despite immense success, Carti has had to constantly reinvent himself to stay relevant. The period between Die Lit and Whole Lotta Red was marked by numerous song leaks, forcing Carti to constantly revise his plans. However, this strategy of absence and scarcity amplified the anticipation and curiosity around his work.
Whole Lotta Red : A radical turning point
Released on Christmas morning 2020, Whole Lotta Red surprised everyone with its brutality and minimalism. Embracing a gothic aesthetic and unexpected aggression, Carti reinvented himself once again, pushing the boundaries of his art. Although controversial upon its release, the album has since gained recognition, demonstrating Carti's avant-garde and boldness.
An unclassifiable artist
Today, Playboi Carti is more than just a rapper. He is an icon, a living legend who continues to redefine the boundaries of music. Such is his impact that artists like Ken Carson and Yeat are following in his footsteps, proving that experimentation and risk-taking are still possible in an industry often dominated by predictable formulas.
Playboi Carti has announced a new album for 2024, simply titled Music . True to his unpredictable style, Carti promises to surprise once again, defying all expectations and continuing to inspire a new generation of artists and fans. His work, marked by exceptional creative freedom, will continue to resonate for decades.
Playboi Carti is a unique artist whose influence extends far beyond the boundaries of rap. His ability to constantly reinvent himself and surprise his audience makes him an essential figure on the contemporary music scene. His music, style and energy continue to captivate and inspire, making him a true cultural phenomenon.