Playboi Carti Finally Sets "I AM MUSIC" Release Date, But Fans Aren't Holding Their Breath

After months of mysterious teases and reports that seemed to lead to where, Playboi Carti finally gave his fans what they'd like to see: an official release date for his third studio album, "I AM MUSIC." But while enthusiasm followed the announcement, longtime fans met their expectations. After all, they've traveled this road before.

On Thursday (March 9), Carti hit the gram to announce his good news: "MY ALBUM DONE." For an artist, LA is not unfamiliar with the genre's nebulous seduction. Whose release strategy has always kept the number of people in on the secret to a bare minimum, those three magic words were more than enough to send the digital landscape of the internet into a frenzy. However, skepticism is high, as there have been past years of delays and unrepeated promises.

The suspense escalated when Carti teased on X (formerly Twitter) with a single word "FRIDAY" to confirm that "I AM MUSIC" is scheduled for a March 14 release. It marked the Atlanta rapper's first firm arrival date since Whole Lotta Red stunned fans on Christmas Day 2020.

If there was any doubt about Carti's ability to hype a moment, the rollout for "I AM MUSIC" has made it a thing of the past. Billboards with the slogan "STREETS READY" have appeared in cities including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Even Spotify has gotten in on the wave, adding its branding to the secretive campaign.

Further adding to the mystery, Carti has said he's skipping guest features for this album entirely. That is a gutsy move, given his past relationships with industry giants. Then again, fans won't be left star-poor, as the production credits are  a roster of heavyweights; the list includes Kanye West, Travis Scott, Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, and Wheezy.

Wheezy teased a fascinating element as he revealed that the album contains a sample of Jay-Z's Girls, Girls, Girls. If that signals how I AM MUSIC is shaping up, listeners can expect a blend of classic touchstones with Carti's trademark avant-garde sound.

But amidst all the hype, some fans aren't buying that I AM MUSIC will come out when it's supposed to. Carti has a history of delaying projects at the last minute, and skepticism has become second nature for his audience after years of waiting.

The rapper has previewed numerous unreleased songs, including one called "Ketamine," during his Rolling Loud Miami performance in December 2024 to help build buzz. He also released the lead single, "All Red," on his 29th birthday, a preview of what's to come. But is the entire album due March 14?

With Carti, nothing is certain until the music lands in the world. Should it be released as planned, it would be one of the biggest rap releases of the year. If not,  Carti fans know the drill. However, "I AM MUSIC" will buzz the streets regardless of when they drop.