WHAT IT IS: Playboi Carti’s entire world changed in March 2015. Fresh out of high school, the rising Atlanta rapper traveled to SXSW and started performing the songs he’d been emailing to his friends. Already known for his trendsetting fashion taste and sizeable Instagram following, the 21-year-old creative landed a coveted spot opening for Wiz Khalifa and met A$AP Rocky, who invited him to a mansion party the A$AP Mob was having during SXSW. Soon thereafter, the newcomer signed with Rocky, who subsequently brokered a deal for him at Interscope. Today, he stands among a new breed of rappers representing what’s happening in music now and next.
ALBUM: Playboi Carti
RELEASE DATE: 4/14
SINGLE: “Magnolia”
LIVE: Opened for Gucci Mane’s TrapGod Tour this April; popped up as a surprise guest performer with Lil Uzi Vert and Gucci Mane at Coachella; headlining at CenterStage in Atlanta on 5/4; set to perform at Rolling Loud Festival in Miami on 5/5; summer touring in the works
INTERNET: Featured in top-streaming playlists including Spotify’s Rap Caviar, Get Turnt and Most Necessary, also in Apple Music’s A-List: Hip-Hop and It’s Lit
RADIO: TBD
PRESS: Vogue, W, Pitchfork (“‘Magnolia’ is a classically carefree rap anthem”), Fader, Vulture
BOOKING: Erin Larsen/Paradigm
MANAGEMENT: Pat Afeku