2. Although it marks his second No. 1 album, Music debuts with nearly three times the units of his previous chart-topper, 2020’s Whole Lotta Red. What do you believe is the primary factor behind this remarkable increase in performance?

Angel Diaz: There was immense hype surrounding this release, especially given that Whole Lotta Red received mixed reviews from fans. Regardless of personal opinions on that album, WLR demonstrated Carti’s willingness to experiment and pushed boundaries in today’s music scene. Carti has established himself as a leader of the new generation and has once again proven this with this latest album. I expect Music to have a similar impact on the music industry. He took considerable risks and showcased his versatility with the inclusion of R&B-style tracks.

Carl Lamarre: Absence truly makes the heart grow fonder. As I mentioned previously, a five-year gap between albums usually benefits well-established artists with proven track records. Carti’s fanbase is extraordinary. After spending years showcasing his talent through features, he is now reaping the rewards as fans flock to him for new solo music. Despite a limited output on his own, Carti has been prolific with features, and the results have been both culturally and commercially successful.

Jason Lipshutz: When Whole Lotta Red was released, Playboi Carti was still emerging in the hip-hop scene with his distinctive sound and energetic delivery; however, now he stands as one of the most significant figures in mainstream music, influencing a sub-genre and inspiring countless rage-rap imitators. The gap between Whole Lotta Red and Music allowed Carti’s influence to permeate the hip-hop landscape and heightened anticipation for his next project. It was clear that Music would have a stronger debut than Whole Lotta Red, and for anyone paying attention, the tripling of the debut figures was not surprising.

Michael Saponara: Carti has emerged as the unrivaled leader among younger rappers, taking the reins of a generation in many respects, from his choice of beats to his unique rapping style and fashion sense. Whole Lotta Red helped shape the sound of rap in the early 2020s. However, as demand for new music surged, the supply was somewhat lacking. He only released one single during the period from WLR to Music. Nonetheless, Carti provided several standout features with impressive success, stealing the spotlight and delivering memorable lines on tracks such as Ye’s chart-topping “Carnival,” Future and Metro Boomin’s “Type Shit,” and he contributed to Camila Cabello’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “I Luv It.” Even as anticipated release dates came and went, excitement for Music never diminished.

Andrew Unterberger: Releasing 30 fresh tracks after a five-year hiatus certainly sets the stage for success! However, the reality is that music has finally caught up to Carti — he has consistently felt ahead of his time during his initial years in the industry, and now it appears that the broader hip-hop community has met him on familiar ground, with Music reaping the benefits of this convergence.

3. All 30 tracks from the album are featured on the Hot 100 this week, with “Evil J0rdan” leading at No. 2 and “Rather Lie,” featuring The Weeknd, at No. 4. Which track do you believe will emerge as the standout hit from this album, or do you foresee a lower-charting song gaining traction over time?

Angel Diaz: I believe “Rather Lie” is the more secure choice. However, it’s worth noting that “Evil J0rdan” was initially released as a teaser in January 2024, so I’m curious how long it might have stayed on the charts had it received an official release earlier. Perhaps its high chart position is a result of fans eagerly awaiting its arrival on streaming platforms for quite some time now. I’ve certainly contributed to those numbers, as it has emerged as my favorite track on the album.

Carl Lamarre: I’m thrilled to see “Evil J0rdan” gaining recognition, as Carti’s last significant hit was likely 2017’s “Magnolia.” It would be incredible to see this song maintain a position in the top 10 for an extended period, solidifying his status and hit-making prowess. While I hope to see “Evil J0rdan” enjoy prolonged success, I also believe “Backd00r” has the potential to become a breakout hit. It’s an engaging track that resonates with both male and female listeners and stands out among the collaborative efforts on this album.

Jason Lipshutz: “Rather Lie” is likely the standout, primarily due to its encapsulation of Playboi Carti’s pop charisma. Tracks like “Evil J0rdan,” which finally receives a proper release after years of anticipation, exemplify the energetic essence of his style and will continue to provide the backdrop for exciting moments, both solo and communal. However, “Rather Lie” features a catchy hook from The Weeknd, more structured verses from Carti, and a recognizable verse-chorus layout. This song is likely to enjoy radio play, enhancing its longevity on the Hot 100 as other tracks from Music fade away.

Michael Saponara: I predict that “Rather Lie” will be the most successful. The infectious hook from The Weeknd makes it accessible and likely to be embraced by radio stations nationwide. I anticipate “Rather Lie” to maintain its momentum into the summer, especially since Abel and Carti are slated for a stadium tour together. Don’t overlook “Backd00r” either; while it didn’t debut in the top 10 of the Hot 100, Kendrick Lamar’s unexpected collaboration with Carti could yield significant results, as K. Dot has maintained a consistent presence on the charts over the past year.

Andrew Unterberger: For the time being, “Evil J0rdan” seems to be the frontrunner by default — however, I could easily envision this being an album where a track from later in the tracklist unexpectedly breaks out months down the line, going viral and surprising us all as Music’s ultimate breakout hit.

4. In recent years, many hip-hop albums have experienced strong first-week sales and a notable presence on the Hot 100, yet, aside from Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, most have rapidly declined. Do you foresee Music maintaining its strong position on the Billboard 200 in the coming weeks?

Angel Diaz: Yes, I expect this album to exhibit durability, particularly as the weather warms up. We cannot underestimate the level of obsession younger rap fans and artists have for Carti. He even garnered significant attention from Ye after his release, dominating the conversation in the aftermath. Carti and Kendrick are the reigning kings of their respective generations.

Carl Lamarre: Music should remain a strong contender in the top 10 for at least a month. It’s a monumental return for Carti, who has delivered 30 brand new tracks to fans after a five-year hiatus. For many listeners, this is a substantial body of work that requires multiple listens for full appreciation. It took me three listens to navigate the entire album, perhaps because I’m a little older. Now, imagine someone half my age who identifies as a member of the Carti Faithful. To them, this album is like an extended Christmas gift.

Jason Lipshutz: Absolutely, as Playboi Carti has solidified his place among hip-hop royalty. While GNX features several guaranteed hits, it’s important to remember that Kendrick Lamar is a cultural powerhouse, pushing a broad spectrum of listeners to engage with his messages. Playboi Carti’s music appeals in a different way, but he has evolved into a force of nature, drawing a young fanbase eager to stream 30-song projects filled with raw emotion, intense production, and diverse vocal styles. His prominence suggests that Music and its top tracks will remain on the charts for an extended period.

Michael Saponara: SWAMP IZZO. Just wanted to insert that somewhere. Expect Music to remain on the charts for the foreseeable future: All 30 tracks debuted on the Hot 100, and fans are enjoying exploring the album’s variety of sounds and styles with each listen. While Carti may face criticism for a lack of lyrical depth, he deserves more credit for his sonic versatility. From rage rap to 2010s trap, Carti has delivered a remarkable array of artistry throughout this exhilarating 76-minute project. SEEEYUH.

Andrew Unterberger: The momentum is too significant, and the streaming figures are too high for it to fade away quickly. However, the streaming numbers are beginning to decline in Music‘s second week — while the album dominated the Apple Music chart during its initial days of release, currently only “J0rdan” and “Lie” remain in the top 10 at positions No. 9 and 10, respectively. If this trend continues, without generating another major hit, the album could end up as the mid-decade equivalent of Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake: a project that initially performed exceptionally well due to catching up with the artist’s previous popularity, rather than propelling them to new heights.