When Carti released his self-titled debut in 2017, his sound was unlike anything else at the time. Despite this, the album quickly gained a large following because the music was undeniably strong. It featured hits like “Magnolia” and “wokeuplikethis.” From there, Carti grew his fanbase not only through official albums but also through many unreleased songs that became underground favorites.
What makes Carti stand out is that each project sounds fresh, even to his most loyal fans. His music is not always loved right away, but it tends to grow on listeners over time. When Whole Lotta Red dropped, it faced criticism and mixed reviews. However, a few years later, songs from that album became major staples in pop culture. The long wait for new music says a lot about Carti’s artistic approach, and this pattern continued with his latest album, Music.
Carti’s influence goes beyond the music charts. He has inspired a whole generation of underground rap artists who admire his bold sound. While some say his music is an acquired taste, his fans embrace it. “A person who listens to basic mainstream music wouldn’t fully enjoy a Carti song because there’s so much going on. But if you take someone who listens to underground music, they would enjoy it more because their ears are used to it,” said junior Kwesi Sadorkie-Mensah.
The unique sound of Carti’s music is exactly why his fans remain loyal. They know they will get quality music. Even after five years, many teases, and long silences, Carti’s fans stayed patient. Now, with Music, which features hard, grungy production from Atlanta DJ Swamp Izzo, Carti has once again pushed the boundaries of rap music-how it sounds and what it looks like.
Because his work is often ahead of its time, initial pushback is common. But Carti stays true to himself. In an era where many artists chase TikTok trends or viral moments, Carti focuses solely on music. His energy and authenticity have remained unchanged since the start of his career. He seems indifferent to marketing strategies. Although releasing all his unreleased tracks could bring more profit, he chooses to do things his own way.
The five-year wait for Music was about more than just hearing new songs. It was about experiencing something real. Carti is not just another artist passing through; he aims to shift the sound, create suspense, and earn respect with every move.
“This album changed my life… It changed my whole perspective of musicians, what type of music you have to listen to, to enjoy a certain type of music,” said Sadorkie-Mensah.
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