Atlanta rapper Playboi Carti is a New Wave Hip-Hop emcee who has made a career from making tracks that showcase a fresh and unique flow. The way he repeats certain phrases in his tracks might not have the deep lyrical content of Nas or Biggie.
But he has his own style…
As well as persona and panache that sits well with modern rap fans. Carti is considered one of the forefathers of the mumble rap sound from the 2010s.
The best Playboi Carti songs of all time are excellently atmospheric tracks that create a vibe that is different from his peers, and you either love it or hate it.
I personally love it when an artist is not scared to buck convention to try something raw and exciting. Let’s take a look at some of Playboi Carti’s greatest songs that have taken him to the pinnacle of the rap game.
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Top 10 Best Playboi Carti Songs of All Time
Sky
“Sky” is one of Playboi Carti’s most popular songs that was released in 2020 from his Whole Lotta Red album and has currently over 50 million views on YouTube.
If you know anything about Carti…
You’ll already know about his relationship with drugs. The lyrical content of this track talks about the feeling and effects of different types of drugs. The title of the song is a reference to getting high, so that should give you an idea of the vibe of the track.
The slow beat meanders in a sinister fashion with dark synth sounds and 808 drum patterns that make this feel like a Trap joint.
Make sure you check out the official video because it adds to the overall feel of the track as Carti and his crew vandalize a grocery store. In terms of trending popularity, this is easily one of the best Playboi Carti songs that you don’t want to overlook.
Wokeuplikethis (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)
This is essentially a track about how other rappers bite other rappers’ styles. This subject has been covered in songs since the beginning of rap music. No one likes a style stealer.
“Wokeuplikethis” featuring Lil Uzi Vert is a warning track to anyone who thinks about stealing their style of music or rhyme schemes. It was originally released in 2017 from his self-titled album, Playboi Carti, and has gone on to become one of his most popular tracks.
The slow-paced beat takes a sample from the 2004 song “White Tee” by the Dem Franchize Boys. Lil Uzi Vert and Carti consider themselves to be some of the key architects of the mumble rap game. So, this track takes a shot at those who copy this style. But maybe they should see it as a compliment.
Magnolia
Many of his fans might think that “Magnolia” should be in the top Playboi Carti song. And, in essence, I wouldn’t argue with that. It undoubtedly shot him to mainstream prominence when it was released from his 2017 self-titled album.
It’s a very dark track that touches on some real subjects…
For example, the suicidal tendencies of singer Dave Leaupepe who nearly died at the time before he was carted off the rehab.
It uses a sample from the Jamie Fox Show and has quite a slow and sinister Trap-style beat with a low and pulsating bassline. The rhythmic flows, repeated phrases, and cool delivery are hallmarks of Playboi Carti tracks, and this shit never lets you down.
If you are new to his music, this is essential listening that would be a great introduction to his vibe and style.
Fell In Love (feat. Bryson Tiller)
“Fell In Love” featuring Bryson Tiller might only be a short track at just over 3:00 minutes long, but it makes its mark. This is a lighter instrumental than some of his other Trap-style tracks that have throbbing low-frequency vibes, and that’s not a bad thing at all.
It shows another side to his talents…
And has a more R&B vibe that you can sway to. He is not just the one-dimensional mumble rapper that many people think he is, and this track proves that.
It uses a sample from the 2012 “Grandloves” track from Purity Ring featuring Young Magic, which was essentially an independent track. The vibes are quite different, so you might have to listen to it a few times to get the feel.
The lyrics are about what it’s like to fall in love, and that’s something that most people can relate to. The rap love song concept might be tried and tested, but Carti does a great job discussing the subject of this hidden gem of a song.
R.I.P.
This might be one of the few Carti tracks that sounds like a more standard version of rap music. The use of a sample from the Jodeci track “What About Us” and the cool little child’s piano sample make this track compulsive listening.
“R.I.P.” effectively uses repetitive melodies and deep synth bass to create a dark and pulsating instrumental. It makes you sit up and take notice and sounds very similar to a 1990s rap track.
Regardless of the title…
This track is not about death or anything in particular. Carti is not the most lyrically deep artist in the world. He is more focused on looking and sounding great, not rap philosophy or teaching you anything.
So, just sit back and enjoy the slow melodious vibes of this beat and the acrobatic flows that make him such a favorite with fans.
Vamp Anthem
“Vamp Anthem” uses a spooky and sinister instrumental that could be right out of a funeral parlor. The eerie organ is sampled from J.S. Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.”
It conjures up a feeling of macabre or some kind of scene from a horror flick from the 1970s. And, since this track has “vamp” in the title, we shouldn’t be too surprised by the ghoulish samples and beats.
At only 2:04 minutes long…
This might be one of the shortest and best Playboi Carti songs of all time. Less is sometimes more, especially where this track is concerned. The song was released in 2020 from his Whole Lotta Red album and is one of his newer hits.
The subject matter is all about Carti’s gang affiliations. And, when you consider the name of the album, it might be easy to see what side he’s on. This is esoteric mumble rap of the highest order straight from the vaults of death.
Location
Carti is known for creating atmospheric tracks that ebb and flow like the ocean. “Location” is the perfect example of this type of dreamy track that weaves its way through the stratosphere.
It uses samples from the 1989 track “Endomorph” by Allan Holdsworth that gives the overall vibe a very 1980s feel. Not many rap tunes have ever captured this type of futuristic ambiance before. It really is something to behold.
There are not many lyrics…
It’s generally a bunch of repeated phrases. The song is not about lyrical dexterity. It’s more about vibes and taking you on a musical magic carpet ride through eternity.
Some might say that the beat reminds them of a Mac Miller track, and that’s a really good comparison, although Miller was obviously more lyrical than Carti. But if you are looking for the ultimate in chilled ambient Hip-Hop, you have come to the right place.
Stop Breathing
“Stop Breathing” is another joint from his 2020 Whole Lotta Red album. It moves away from his mumble rap roots to something a bit more conventional in terms of vocal delivery.
It’s more like Punk Rap with a more aggressive and violent vibe. You can’t accuse the rapper of not changing up his style and trying new things. If you listened to this not knowing who it is, the last person you’d think of would be Carti, and that’s a compliment.
The subject matter is quite personal…
It’s a “diss” track directed towards a rapper named Ola Runt, who is part of a gang that allegedly murdered Carti’s friend, Bigg Sosa.
If you listen to the chorus, you will hear Gucci Mane’s “Shirt Off” because it was also an ode to Carti’s favorite rapper. It’s a dark and sinister track that has lots of meaning. So, make sure you peep the lyrics.
Flatbed Freestyle
“Flatbed Freestyle” is a conventional track in terms of production and vocal delivery. It samples the old-school rap track “It’s Yours” by T La Rock & Jazzy Jay to great effect.
It’s much slower than the original, but that’s what makes it sounds so good. The orchestral hits and the melodic rhythms give this a classic vibe that is much different from his mumble rap outings. The lyrical content also covers classic hip-hop subjects like women, money, the fast life, and drugs.
The laid-back and bobbing beat is ideal for long journeys…
It was originally released back in 2018 from his Carti’s Die Lit album, and many fans think this is the best track from that project. This atmospheric ensemble is very musical in its conception, and even sounds great today. And, for such a niche mumble rapper, it’s something a bit different.
@ MEH
The cartoonish video-game-style Hip-Hop instrumental used on “@ MEH” makes this song a really interesting listen. It was released in 2020 as a teaser for the Whole Lotta Red album, which created a massive buzz.
Ironically, this track was omitted from the album and wasn’t even on the track list. The vibe and interesting delivery of vocals will keep you hooked from the get-go. Aside from being left off the album, this is one of the most loved Playboi Carti songs.
So, what’s it about?
The lyrics talk about how his rap rivals cannot live with his skills or his fast-paced lifestyle. When I first heard the track, I wasn’t really into it. But, over time, it’s grown on me and is now one of my favorite Playboi Carti tracks.
When something sounds new and experimental, it takes time to absorb, but once you get it, you can’t stop listening.
Need More Awesome Rap and Hip-Hop Songs?
Well, check out our detailed articles on the Best 2000s Rap Songs, the Best 90s Hip Hop Songs, the Best Sad Rap Songs, the Best Hip Hop Songs Of All Time, the Best 21 Savage Songs of All-Time, and the Best Kanye West Songs of All Time for more great song selections.
Also, you need to hear them. So, have a look at our in-depth reviews of the Best Headphones for Hip-Hop, the Best Headphones for Music, the Best Bass Earbuds, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, and the Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones you can buy in 2023.
Best Playboi Carti Songs of All Time – Final Thoughts
Did Playboi Carti invent Mumble Rap? No, he didn’t invent mumble rap per se, but he is one of the forefathers that took it to unprecedented levels. The rappers who are listed as inviting mumble rap include Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Future, and Chief Keef.
The best Playboi Carti songs combine mumble rap, punk rap, trap rap, and even some standard rap styles that give his catalog a very eclectic feel when compared to some of his contemporaries.
Playboi is one of the most unique rappers of all time…
He isn’t scared of pushing boundaries and bucking convention, and you have to respect that. Some of the older Hip-Hop heads struggle to understand the youth’s version of rap. But it’s always been like that.
The newer generation of rappers is more musical with their instrumentals and flows. Not so much about deep lyrics or multi-syllabic rhyming. And, that’s all good. Carti is right up there with the most influential rappers of the past decade, and no one can question that.
Until next time, happy listening.
