How Playboi Carti built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Playboi Carti, born Jordan Terrell Carter, is a prominent American rapper known for his influence on trap music, particularly the rage subgenre. He initially signed with Awful Records in 2014 before joining ASAP Mob's AWGE label in 2016. His debut mixtape in 2017 brought him mainstream success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard 200. It featured popular singles like "Magnolia" and "Wokeuplikethis,", both charting on the Billboard Hot 100. He is considered an influential figure within his generation.
In 2011, Playboi Carti began his music career under the name Sir Cartier, and started uploading tracks on SoundCloud.
In 2013, Sir Cartier rebranded himself as Playboi Carti and shared his music on platforms like Newgrounds.
In 2014, Playboi Carti joined Awful Records after meeting Ethereal, marking a key step in developing his distinctive sound.
In 2015, Playboi Carti gained widespread attention with the release of his singles "Broke Boi" and "Fetti," which became popular on SoundCloud and within Atlanta's underground rap scene.
In 2016, Playboi Carti officially signed to ASAP Mob's AWGE imprint, solidifying his place in the hip-hop scene.
In April 2017, Playboi Carti released his self-titled debut mixtape, receiving attention from major music publications and debuting at number 12 on the Billboard 200.
In 2017, Playboi Carti released his self-titled debut mixtape, which peaked at number 12 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and included the hit singles "Magnolia" and "Wokeuplikethis".
In May 2018, Playboi Carti released his debut studio album, Die Lit, which debuted at number 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200.
In August 2018, Playboi Carti announced his second studio album, Whole Lotta Red, which would be released two years later.
In 2018, Playboi Carti's debut studio album, Die Lit, was released and achieved commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard 200.
In 2019, Playboi Carti founded the record label and rap collective Opium, signing artists such as Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely.
In April 2020, Playboi Carti released the single "@ Meh", which peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In November 2020, Playboi Carti announced that Whole Lotta Red was complete and had been submitted to his label.
On December 21, 2020, Playboi Carti confirmed that Whole Lotta Red would be released on Christmas Day.
On December 25, 2020, Playboi Carti released his album Whole Lotta Red, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200.
In 2020, Playboi Carti released his second studio album, Whole Lotta Red, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 and received positive reviews, marking a significant achievement in his career.
In June 2021, Playboi Carti was featured on tracks by Pi'erre Bourne, including "Switching Lanes," and Lil 1 Dte's single "Homixide".
On December 25, 2022, Playboi Carti returned to Twitter after a year-long absence, hinting at new music.
In March 2023, Playboi Carti performed an unreleased track titled "Rockstar" at Rolling Loud California.
In May 2023, Playboi Carti returned to Instagram and teased a collaboration with The Weeknd.
On June 2, 2023, it was announced the Playboi Carti and the Weeknd collaboration "Popular", featuring Madonna, was set to be released.
On July 7, 2023, Playboi Carti performed a new song called "Pop Out" at Wireless Festival.
On July 28, 2023, Playboi Carti appeared on Travis Scott's album Utopia, on the track "Fein".
In December 2023, Playboi Carti hinted at an album release in January 2024 and confirmed it with a snippet featuring DJ Swamp Izzo.
On January 1, 2024, Playboi Carti released the song "Backr00ms", featuring Travis Scott.
In March 2024, Playboi Carti collaborated with Future and Metro Boomin on the song "Type Shit".
On September 13, 2024, Playboi Carti released "All Red", his first solo streaming release since 2020.
In October 2024, Playboi Carti and The Weeknd collaborated on the song "Timeless".
On December 15, 2024, Playboi Carti performed at Rolling Loud in Miami, playing five new songs from his intended album I Am Music.
In 2024, Playboi Carti's guest performance on ¥$'s single "Carnival" marked his first song to peak atop the Billboard Hot 100.