We rank Playboi Carti’s top albums.
TOP ALBUMS
4. Playboi Carti (2017)
Debut albums are often considered an artist’s holy grail, especially when they’re self-titled. While Playboi Carti may not fit that mold entirely, it introduced the world to Carti in a highly effective way. This project captures him at his rawest, packed with his signature ad-libs, infectious hooks, and undeniable chemistry with Lil Uzi Vert—one of the biggest rising stars at the time. Not to mention, Pi’erre Bourne delivered top-tier production, elevating Carti’s sound throughout the album. If you’re new to Playboi Carti, this is the ultimate starter pack, with standout tracks like “Magnolia” and “wokeuplikethis”* demanding your attention.
3. Whole Lotta Red (2020)
One could argue that Whole Lotta Red is Playboi Carti’s Yeezus moment—bold, experimental, and divisive. Unlike Playboi Carti and Die Lit, which boasted radio-friendly hits and club anthems, this album saw Carti pushing boundaries with minimal features, wild vocal inflections, unconventional ad-libs, and unorthodox song structures. While it may not be the easiest listen through regular speakers, it’s a festival powerhouse that thr
2. Die Lit (2018)
Die Lit aged better than some fine wine. At first, I thought Playboi Carti leaned too commercial, especially by collaborating with artists like Nicki Minaj, Bryson Tiller, and Gunna in what felt like clout-driven moves. But over time, it became clear that this album played a crucial role in shaping his legendary status, proving his versatility while also solidifying his mainstream appeal. Tracks like “R.I.P.,” “Shoota,” and “Fell In Luv” from the album deserve your attention.
1. I AM MUSIC (2025)
I don’t care what you call it: I AM MUSIC, MUSIC, or MAYBACH MUSIC; I AM MUSIC IN 4!
In Playboi Carti, Carti was a little too raw. In Die Lit, he went commercial too soon. In Whole Lotta Red, he was a bit too experimental. But here? He’s efficient, ridiculously versatile, and more digestible than ever.
For the first time, a 30-track album actually feels justified. Why? Because Carti gives us everything: unfiltered trap bangers, trippy anthems, R&B-infused cuts, rager music, commercial hits—you name it. Also, the album is stacked with heavy-hitting features, including multiple appearances from Kendrick Lamar and Future, plus Travis Scott, Skepta, and Young Thug. Carti himself flexes an impressive range of voices, from dorky Carti to helium-inhaling Carti to bouncer-sounding Carti. But the real MVP here? The production. The beats knock, they’re diverse, and every now and then, you get something truly unique. That said, the album loses steam toward the end—the songs start to feel a little rushed, a little cheaper, a little cliché. But crucially, it never gets stale. And that’s what matters most.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
