On Friday, Playboi Carti commenced the promotional campaign for his highly anticipated third studio album, I AM MUSIC, which is set to be released on major streaming services later this year.
This new album, I AM MUSIC, will follow his critically acclaimed sophomore album, Whole Lotta Red, released on streaming platforms in December 2020. The previous LP features 24 tracks and collaborations with prominent artists such as Future, Kid Cudi, and Kanye West.
On September 13, 2024, Playboi Carti took to social media to disclose that I AM MUSIC is now available for pre-order on his official website. His Instagram post also showcased various CD editions of the album along with several exclusive album bundles.
This announcement was accompanied by the release of his new single, ALL RED, distributed to all Digital Streaming Platforms (DSPs) the same day, through AWGE and Interscope Records. Since its debut, the track has amassed over 30 million streams on Spotify.
Bar-For-Bar: Analyzing Playboi Carti’s new single ‘ALL RED’
Although Carti has been involved in several projects this year, including Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s chart-topping hit Carnival, his single ALL RED represents his first solo release since Whole Lotta Red in 2020.
Recently, Carti teased an official music video for ALL RED by releasing a visualizer that features guest appearances from NAV and Meek Mill. You can watch the visualizer on
.Even though the official music video hasn’t launched yet, the visualizer, directed by LOUIEKNOWS, gained immense popularity, accumulating over a million views within a single day.
For ALL RED, Carti collaborated with a team of producers including F1LTHY, Lukrative, Lucian, Ojivolta, and Twisco. Below are some notable themes explored in the track:
- Gun Violence
- Anti-Religious Beliefs
- Satanism
- Wealth
- Success
- Luxury
- Philandering
- Gang Affiliations
- Death
- Robbery
(Chorus)
“Upside-down cross tat’ on my neck, shut ’em up, uh, uh / Upside-down cross tat’ on my neck, shut ’em up / Upside-down cross tat’ on my neck, shut ’em up, uh, uh / Upside-down cross tat’ on my neck, shut ’em up, uh”
In the opening of the song, Carti references the “upside-down cross,”a symbol historically linked to the martyrdom of Saint Peter, which in contemporary culture often signifies anti-Christ beliefs.
While Carti’s persona and lifestyle, including his tattoo of “SATAN”on his neck, allude to darker themes, he frequently attributes much of his success to a higher power.
“The Bentley’s parked outside / My vibe tryna go for a ride / I put VETEMENTS right on her thighs / I put the mask on ’cause I be fried / All red, I stay with the Fives / All red, we pull up and fire / All red, somebody dyin’ / All red, I pour up then drive”
Carti continues to showcase his affluent lifestyle and associations, seemingly referencing his ties with “The Fives”. This group is recognized as the People Nation Alliance, known for their five-pointed star symbol and their connections with the Bloods.
The hook also contains a nod to the luxury fashion brand, VETEMENTS, established by Demna Gvasalia and Guram Gvasalia in 2014, which Carti has been seen wearing numerous times throughout his career.
(Verse)
“We done pushed up with the SIGs / Just like Madden, you can get blitzed / I used to rock badges, then I got rich / This is a thot, she can’t be my b—h, yeah / This is a thot, she can’t be my b—h, yeah”
Carti opens his verse with an intense vocal delivery, diving into themes surrounding gun violence, wealth, and sexuality.
He references the SIG Sauer Swiss light firearm, alluding to darker intentions toward his rivals and critics, which he previously highlighted in his single, KETAMINE.
“I come to your spot, we spray out that b—h / I come to your spot, we spray out that b—h / I come to your spot and I take that s–t, hol’ up, uh / I got the drop, we layin’ that b—h, hol’ up, hol’ up / Get a stolen vehicle, drive that b—h, hol’ up”
Throughout this verse, Carti references several violent crimes including drive-by shootings, theft, and robbery, reinforcing the motifs previously established in the hook.
“Pushin’ yo’ block, then we spray ’em, uh / Pushin’ yo’ block, then we spray ’em / Somebody send ’em a prayer / Somebody send ’em some prayers / I got some s–t goin’ crazy / I need a whole ‘nother level / I’m on a whole ‘nother level”
In this line, Carti illustrates gang conflicts, indicating premeditation in approaching an opposing area.
His closing line appears to be a self-affirmation of his unique artistry and the dedication he’s put into crafting I AM MUSIC, setting himself apart from his contemporaries by asserting he’s on “a whole ‘nother level”.
“I’m a different type of player / I’m a different type of player / I’m a creative player / Shawty knew where I was goin’ / Shawty know I’m a slayer / Shawty, treat her like mail / F–k ’em, we bring hell / Drive the coupe to Rodeo / I’m ’bout to give them some hell”
In the concluding lines of this verse, Carti touches on more personal matters, addressing his interactions with women and expressing emotional distancing.
He underscores how his extravagant lifestyle is understood and accepted by those around him, attributing his success and wealth to the decisions he has made. The catchy hook resurfaces one last time, bringing ALL RED to a close.
A key takeaway from Playboi Carti’s latest single, ALL RED, is the introduction of a new cadence that closely mirrors the deep vocal stylings common among fellow Atlanta artist Future.
As I AM MUSIC is expected to explore innovative sonic terrain, emphasizing his deep vocal approach, fans first caught this style during Carti’s appearance on Kanye West’s leaked Mr. Miyagi track.
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