Jordan Terrell Carter, known professionally as Playboi Carti, is a prominent American rapper born on September 13, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia. Renowned for his unique vocal style, eclectic fashion, and influential role in modern hip-hop, he has carved out a distinct niche within the music industry. Often cited as a pioneer of the rage microgenre, Carti's work is characterized by atmospheric beats and unconventional vocal techniques, with a focus on mood and persona rather than traditional lyricism.
Playboi Carti's musical journey began in 2011 when he adopted the stage name Sir Cartier, initially self-releasing tracks on SoundCloud. His early efforts garnered attention, leading him to sign with Awful Records in 2014. However, it was his association with ASAP Rocky's AWGE imprint, established in collaboration with Interscope Records in 2016, that marked a significant turning point in his career. Carti gained mainstream recognition with the release of his self-titled debut mixtape in 2017, which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and featured standout singles like "Magnolia" and "Wokeuplikethis," the latter featuring fellow rapper Lil Uzi Vert.
In 2018, Carti released his debut studio album, titled Die Lit, which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and solidified his status in the hip-hop landscape. His sophomore album, Whole Lotta Red, released in 2020, achieved even greater success, becoming his first number-one album on the Billboard 200. The album was later acclaimed by critics, including a nod from Rolling Stone, which ranked it among the greatest hip-hop albums. Following this, Carti collaborated with high-profile artists, including Travis Scott on "Fein" and Kanye West alongside Ty Dolla Sign on "Carnival," the latter of which marked his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
As of 2025, Carti released his third studio album, titled Music, which received generally positive reviews and secured his second consecutive number-one on the Billboard 200. The album featured the promotional single "Evil J0rdan," which debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Carti founded the record label and rap collective Opium in 2019, which has since signed a roster of emerging artists, including Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, Homixide Gang, and fellow ASAP Mob member ASAP Nast.
Playboi Carti's influence extends beyond his music; he is recognized as a cultural icon, shaping trends in both the music industry and fashion. With a distinctive approach to hip-hop and an ever-evolving artistic identity, Carti continues to impact the genre and inspire a new generation of artists.