Playboi Carti – Whole Lotta Red

Review

Playboi Carti’s second studio offering, "Whole Lotta Red", dropped on Christmas Day 2020, and it’s an audacious flex of his creative chops. This album is dripping with Carti’s vibe, from the title that nods to his Bloods affiliation and that infamous red codeine-promethazine, to the raw, in-your-face energy across its 24 tracks. With heavy hitters like Kid Cudi, Future, and Kanye West stepping in—not just to spit bars but with Ye even donning the executive producer hat alongside Matthew Williams—you already know it’s a project with serious heft.

Diving into the auditory experience, the production credits are a who’s who of the avant-garde: F1lthy, Art Dealer, Pi'erre Bourne, and Maaly Raw to name a few. This eclectic mix crafts a wild soundscape that's the perfect playground for Carti’s unique "baby voice" and animated delivery. Critics mostly loved it, tipping their hats to its innovation and Carti’s unshakeable confidence. No surprise it debuted at number one on the *Billboard* 200, pushing 115,000 copies in its first week and snagging a gold certification by January 2022.

Visually, the album serves up punk-rock vibes, thanks to Jung "Art Dealer" Chung’s edgy black and white design splashed with that striking red title. It’s not just on the cover; the whole aesthetic is laced throughout the album’s merch and promos, pulling hard from heavy metal iconography. Honestly, "Whole Lotta Red" doesn't just show Carti’s evolution; it’s him kicking down the door, making it clear he’s here to innovate and incinerate all expectations. - Tatiana