Carti began his music career in 2011 under the moniker Sir Cartier, uploading experimental tracks to SoundCloud. By 2013, he rebranded as Playboi Carti, gradually gaining underground attention. His breakout came in 2014 when he joined Atlanta’s Awful Records, led by producer Ethereal, who helped Carti discover his distinct, minimalist sound.
In pursuit of his music career, Carti relocated to New York City, where his association with ASAP Mob—particularly ASAP Bari and ASAP Rocky—became pivotal. In 2016, he signed to AWGE, a creative imprint under ASAP Mob, in partnership with Interscope Records.
Carti achieved mainstream fame with his self-titled debut mixtape, Playboi Carti (2017), which peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. The project featured the hit singles “Magnolia” and “Wokeuplikethis” (featuring Lil Uzi Vert), both charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming cultural staples.
In 2018, Carti released his debut studio album, Die Lit, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and was praised for its chaotic, punk-inspired aesthetic. Following a two-year hiatus, he returned with Whole Lotta Red in 2020, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread critical acclaim. Rolling Stone and The Washington Post named it one of the best albums of the year, with Rolling Stone later including it in their list of the “200 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time.”
In 2019, Carti expanded his influence by founding his own label and rap collective, Opium, signing emerging artists such as Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Homixide Gang—each continuing the rebellious, experimental ethos that defines Carti’s brand.
In 2024, Carti reached a new career peak when he featured on ¥$’s single “Carnival”, which became his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The following year, he released his third studio album, Music (2025), another No. 1 album that received similarly positive reviews, cementing his legacy as a trailblazing force in hip hop.
Known for his cryptic public persona, genre-shifting sound, and fashion-forward presence, Playboi Carti remains one of the most enigmatic and influential artists of his generation.