'Whole Lotta Red'

If you pressed that play button thinking, “Die Lit was great, I’ve been waiting for more Carti”. Then you were most likely surprised when you first listened to 'Whole Lotta Red'. It definitely wasn’t what anyone was looking for. A genius decision from the 24 year old Atlanta native. 

 

The highly anticipated album was Carti’s follow-up to his praised Die Lit. 

 

Die Lit didn’t have any tremendous sales figures. Selling 61k is certainly an accomplishment for the soundcloud era pioneer; but still not really anything to boast about. However, over time fans began to notice and admire Carti’s ability to create music so fearlessly. Using originality to his advantage by letting adlibs and melodies hold most of the weight alongside the stellar production of his music. Now, it almost seems like ‘Die Lit’ has amassed a cult classing following. It also made for a great live performance full of energy. 

 

That fearlessness that Carti delivers is a willingness to go to extreme lengths in that booth. It seems funny to think about Carti in a soundproofed box doing adlibs. But honestly, to alter your voice and forcefully create pockets for the sake of pushing the envelope. That’s impressive. It’s the same thing some artists like Baby Keem get praised for.  So why does Carti get the slander for it? 

 

…Cause he does not give a shit. A single one. That’s why. 

 

WLR is not going to be for everyone but that’s okay, it doesn’t try to be. And because of that, it doesn’t fall short. It’s so Original that there is really no mark to miss yet the bar seems set so high for anyone who tries to imitate. 

 

The replay value on this album is unreal. You first play it and you’re like “what the f*ck did I just put on?”  Then you’re just one listen in and all of a sudden you’re doing playboi carti adlibs in the shower. Yeah , I’m serious. 

 

This is art. In its truest form. Creative expression without trying to be, mimic, or recreate any particular sound. This is pushing the barrier, it's genre bending, it’s originality. All of it.

 

WLR very obviously has rock infused elements but if you’re the type to enjoy moshpit Carti then it not only works, it excels. Over the course of the 24 track project it never feels overwhelming. This album does a great job of staying cohesive while also broken up so nicely. Yes it has it’s heavy mosh songs, but it also has it’s slower cuts ('Feel Like Dying', 'Place') , feel good tracks ( 'Slay3r', 'Teen X') and a whole bunch of other experimental sounds that’s just hard to categorize. That’s because we don’t have much to compare it to or to categorize it with. All this, without sacrificing a single beat of production quality.

 

You have to remember, Playboi Carti creates albums with the element of production taking precedence over everything else. You have to accept that before you’ll really enjoy it for what it is. 

 

Carti’s ability to create his own flows and find pockets on the heaviest 808s with a rock inspired twist on modern hip hop is impressive. It doesn't sound forced and it very well may be the first time that hip-hop meets rock actually works for an entire project in this generation. It’s grunge-y, it’s loud, it’s 808 HEAVY, but most importantly it evokes the wildest of emotions and that’s something no one else in this game can really claim. Not to this degree. If you’ve been to a Carti show, then you understand it more than most. 

 

There is really not much to say. Every track speaks for themselves. They’re addicting, and they never seem to get old since they’re so out there. One thing is for sure; you will have one of 3 reactions: First, "this is too damn insane for me." Second, "this beat is ridiculously tough." Or third, The head bop will do the talking for you.  Whatever you do, just don't go into this project to intentionally hate on it. Appreciate it for what it is. 

 

Even tracks that seem like they would be the most annoying of all like 'Teen X' somehow instead prove that Carti has that "Drake effect".  He can make melodies get stuck in your head and just grow on you over time. Except here it will be particular melodies, flows, adlibs, and production that you can’t find in anyone else’s catalogues. Everything about it is pretty much over the top and abnormal. It's great honestly.

 

This album is a chaotic masterpiece. After Die Lit, fans didn’t know what Carti’s next move would be. No one honestly thought he could top it, and maybe he couldn’t. Maybe that's why he took his next project into an entirely new direction. A new direction sonically that’s still heavily carried by production. Successfully at that.

 

The album itself has created an eagerness in fans to see the action live. It's obvious the album was created with that intention in mind. The project itself has marketed Playboi Carti as an artist that symbolizes a rebellious revolution. Most of all though, it makes you want to rage. So fans everywhere are itching to see this album performed live.

 

Play this when you’re mad or play this when you’re happy. This damn album came out on Christmas! And it just makes it that much better. 

 

WLR gets a 9.5/10. 

 

 

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