Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti, born Jordan Carter, is a critically acclaimed rapper hailing from the south side of Atlanta. Drawing early influences from artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Lil Jon, Gucci Mane, and Jeezy, he began to cultivate a unique brand of hip-hop that would eventually catapult him into the limelight. His journey into the music industry started in high school, when he started making music under the name Sir Cartier.

Building upon a gritty aesthetic, and imbuing his music with a distinctive, repetitive flow, Carti's work quickly found resonance with a youthful audience. With tracks such as the addictive "YUNGXANHOE" and "Lost" he built a local following, and success quickly followed on the digital stage. The intangible yet undeniable energy around his artistry led him to A$AP Mob, an alternative hip-hop collective from New York. Under the mentorship of A$AP Rocky, Carti's career began to ascend, leading to viral hits like "Broke Boi" and "Fetti".

After successful tours with Lil Uzi Vert and A$AP Ferg, Playboi Carti signed a record deal with Interscope Records, further solidifying his status in the industry. In 2017, Playboi Carti released his debut mixtape, which included appearances by other prominent figures in the hip-hop scene such as Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Rocky, and singer Leven Kali.

A year later, Carti surprised fans with his first studio album, Die Lit. The album featured guest appearances from renowned artists like Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Skepta, Lil Uzi Vert, Travis Scott, and Chief Keef. It rocketed to number three on the Billboard 200 and ascended to number two on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart, adding another feather to Carti's cap.

His track "Magnolia," released in 2017, gained immense popularity and clocked up over 690.5 million streams on Spotify. As of today, Carti has more than 9.6 billion streams on Spotify, testifying to his widespread popularity.

In 2020, Carti returned with even more vigor, releasing a single "@ MEH" which set the stage for his second studio album Whole Lotta Red. This album was drastically different, revealing a new side of Carti's artistry that leaned heavily on distortion and grating synth tones – a departure from his previous work. Executive produced by Kanye West, the album marked a pivotal shift in Carti's music. Whole Lotta Red debuted at number one on the Billboard charts, marking another milestone in Carti's illustrious career.

Playboi Carti's singular approach to hip-hop, combined with his sharp insights into youth culture, sets him apart as an artist who has constantly evolved his artistry while staying true to his roots. As his career continues to unfold, Carti looks set to shape and redefine the dimensions of hip-hop.