Talk This Way By Tim Park fter 5 years of much anticipation, American rapper Playboi Carti’s new album I AM MUSIC finally released in March 2025. Fans and critics all around the world jumped on streaming websites to listen to the album the moment it dropped, and what followed was a massive cultural moment and huge debate. Spanning 30 tracks, the album seemed to both satisfy and upset listeners. It was a big shift from his previous sound and the ‘rage’ genre that he popularized since 2020. Let’s dissect I Am Music today and see if the album lived up to its hype. PRODUCTION AND SOUND The production of I AM MUSIC is a testament to Carti’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries. Collaborating with renowned producers such as Pierre Bourne, Kanye West, Metro Boomin, and Cardo, the album features heavy basslines, distorted beats, and futuristic synths. These elements contribute to a sound that is both chaotic and captivating, aligning with the album’s thematic exploration of a distorted reality. It also distinctively rejects his previous sound and echoes 2010’s Atlanta trap music. Some people say it’s a fresh new take, some people think it’s a lazy retread. THEMES AND LYRICS Lyrically, Carti delves into themes of identity, fame, and the surreal aspects of modern life. Tracks like “I Am Music” and “High Fashion” reflect his status in the hip-hop industry, while songs such as “Neon Dreams” explore emotional depth. His use of repetitive phrases and ad-libs, like “SEE YUH” and “FWUEE,” adds to the album’s hypnotic quality. COLLABORATIONS AND FEATURES The album has an impressive lineup of guest features including Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Lil Uzi Vert, Future, and Young Thug. Kendrick Lamar’s contributions, especially his verses on “GOOD CREDIT,” “MOJO JOJO,” and “BACKD00R,”...... Read more on Full Issue!