After years of anticipation and speculation, Playboi Carti has officially released his long-awaited album, I AM MUSIC. The 30-track project arrives after an extended period of uncertainty, leaving fans eager to see if it meets the hype. On the latest episode of NFR Podcast, hosts Luca & Anthony delivered their in-depth review, breaking down Carti’s performance, the album’s production, and its overall impact.
Despite boasting an impressive guest lineup—including The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, and more—the album has received mixed reactions. While some tracks stand out, others feel incomplete or underdeveloped. The hosts praised songs like “K-pop” (Ketamine), “Hood by Air,” and “Radar”, where Carti’s signature unorthodox flow shines. However, they noted that certain tracks, such as “Overly” and “Olympian,” suffer from choppy deliveries, with some songs even resembling unfinished demos.
The features add to the album’s appeal, but not every collaboration lands. Future’s verse on “Trim” is considered the strongest, while Travis Scott delivers solid performances on “Wake Up” and “Philly.” However, Lil Uzi Vert’s contribution fell flat, and some of Kendrick Lamar’s appearances felt unnecessary. Surprisingly, the project also lacks appearances from Opium label artists Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely, which some fans expected.
Lyrically, I AM MUSIC sticks to familiar themes—drugs, money, relationships, and excess—without offering much depth. While a few tracks, like “Rather Lie” (feat. The Weeknd) and “Hood by Air”, showcase a more introspective side, the album largely prioritizes vibe over lyrical complexity. However, for an artist like Carti, this isn’t necessarily a drawback, as his appeal is rooted more in energy and production than deep storytelling.
One of the album’s strongest aspects is its high-quality production, handled by a roster of Filthy, OG Volta, Cardo, Johnny Giuliano, Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, and Wheezy. The dark, electronic-infused trap sound creates an atmospheric experience that plays well in a live setting. Standout beats include the cinematic opener “Evil Jordan,” the hypnotic “Cocaine Nose” (which samples Ashanti’s “Only You”), and the Metro Boomin-produced “Radar.” However, the hosts pointed out that some tracks lean on repetitive formulas, making the album feel somewhat bloated at times.
Despite its length, the album manages to stay engaging, largely due to its short song runtimes. Still, the 30-track listing feels excessive, and many songs don’t contribute much to the album’s overall cohesion. While Carti claimed he was creating a new genre and pushing boundaries, the final product doesn’t quite live up to that promise.
The NFR hosts had differing takes—Luca initially rated the album as “good” but later reconsidered it as “mid,” while Anthony stuck with a “good” rating. Both agreed that only 12-15 tracks have real replay value, reinforcing the idea that I AM MUSIC is more about aesthetic and energy than groundbreaking innovation.
