Playboi Carti’s ‘MUSIC’ Becomes First Rap Album of 2025 to Go Platinum
Playboi Carti has cemented his place at the forefront of modern hip-hop with the explosive success of his third studio album, MUSIC. Released on March 14, the long-anticipated project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, moving nearly 300,000 units in its first week. That marked the biggest opening week for a rap album in 2025 so far—and Carti hasn’t slowed down since.
Now, just four months after its release, MUSIC has officially surpassed one million copies sold, making it the first rap album of the year to reach that milestone. The commercial triumph underscores Carti’s skyrocketing popularity, particularly impressive given his four-year absence from solo releases.
MUSIC more than doubled the first-week numbers of Carti’s 2020 project, Whole Lotta Red, which sold around 100,000 copies at release. While extended breaks often spell decline in the fast-moving world of hip-hop, Carti has defied the odds. His mystique, experimental aesthetic, and loyal fanbase helped build anticipation to a fever pitch.
In contrast, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, the collaborative Valentine’s Day release by Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, has also achieved platinum status, but it leans more toward R&B. While it includes rap tracks, its classification leaves MUSIC as the unchallenged leader among rap releases in 2025 thus far.
Carti is currently joining The Weeknd on tour, opening for the pop megastar on what’s believed to be the final North American leg of his massive three-year global run. However, logistical hiccups have disrupted Carti’s tour schedule. He was forced to skip performances in Vancouver and Edmonton due to reported “border crossing issues.” At this stage, it’s unclear if he’ll make the Toronto shows scheduled for late July and early August.
Despite those setbacks, fans have had plenty to celebrate. Carti’s presence on JACKBOYS 2, the latest compilation from Travis Scott’s label, delivered one of the album’s most talked-about moments. Though the project has received mixed reviews overall, Carti’s contribution stood out—reminding fans and critics alike that his creative spark remains strong.
The success of MUSIC puts Carti in rarefied air—and raises the question: What’s next? With momentum on his side and a platinum plaque to prove it, fans are hopeful that Carti won’t make them wait another four years for new material. His reemergence marks not just a comeback, but a full-blown return to dominance.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the culture at large, Playboi Carti is proving he’s no longer just a cult favorite—he’s a mainstream force with the numbers to back it up.
