Playboi Carti’s Next Album Gets an Unlikely Ally in Maury Povich
Playboi Carti’s fans have been eagerly awaiting his next album, but it seems the rapper has gained an unexpected advocate for its release—none other than Maury Povich. The retired daytime TV legend took to Instagram to show his support, posting a photo of himself throwing up Carti’s Young Vamp Life (YVL) hand sign. His caption? “Drop the album @playboicarti #YVL,” complete with a vampire emoji for emphasis.
The surprising shoutout quickly went viral, leaving fans bewildered but amused by the crossover. Carti’s last album, Whole Lotta Red, came out in December 2020, and while there’s no official release date for his next project, Maury’s endorsement adds an unexpected layer of hype to the wait.
New Music from Carti
Though Carti has yet to release the long-awaited album, he’s been keeping busy with high-profile collaborations. Most recently, he made an appearance on Tyler, The Creator’s Chromakopia. The album, which hit streaming services late last month, includes a bonus track exclusive to the vinyl release: “Thought I Was Dead,” featuring Carti and ScHoolboy Q.
On the track, Carti adopts a deeper vocal tone over a backdrop of jittery production and tribal drums, showing off a darker side of his artistry. While the official release remains vinyl-exclusive, a leaked recording has surfaced online, giving fans a taste of the collaboration.
Tyler’s vinyl release also includes “Mother,” a reflective song about being raised by a single mom, which has resonated with listeners for its emotional depth.
The Weeknd Collaboration
In addition to his work with Tyler, Playboi Carti recently collaborated with The Weeknd on the track “Timeless.” Released in early October, the song debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Carti’s fifth top-10 hit. Produced by Pharrell and Mike Dean, “Timeless” features a moody vibe and has been a streaming juggernaut, racking up over 10 million streams on its first day.
The song’s music video, filmed on a dimly lit set, sees Carti and The Weeknd in all-black outfits alongside dancers in minimal attire. The collaboration is a standout moment leading up to The Weeknd’s upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, the final installment in a trilogy that includes After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022).
What’s Next for Carti?
While fans await concrete details about Playboi Carti’s next album, his recent features and Maury Povich’s playful endorsement have reignited excitement. Whether the album drops soon or keeps fans guessing for a while longer, Carti continues to stay in the spotlight, blending his enigmatic persona with unexpected moments of mainstream appeal.
One thing is certain: when Carti’s next project does arrive, the world—and maybe even Maury—will be watching.