Playboi Carti, was born on September 13, 1996, in Riverdale, Georgia, and grew up in Fairburn. From a young age, he displayed a rebellious streak, as he once shared in a 2016 Complex interview, saying, “My ma couldn’t tell me sht. Nobody could tell me sht.” This attitude often got him into trouble and led him to lose interest in pursuing higher education after high school.
What Is Playboi Carti’s Real Name?
Jordan Terrell Carter, widely recognized as Playboi Carti, initially performed under the stage name Sir Cartier before eventually adopting his current moniker.
Carti attended North Springs Charter High School and initially aspired to play professional basketball, envisioning himself as the next Allen Iverson.
Reflecting on this period, he admitted to The Fader that he would skip practice, smoke before games, and still score 30 points. However, a fallout with his coach marked the end of his basketball dreams, prompting him to shift his focus entirely to music.
While working at H&M during his high school years, Carti often skipped classes to create music. He barely graduated, having to complete several assignments last-minute to earn his diploma. Remarkably, no one attended his graduation ceremony because no one believed he would finish school. Carti’s early fascination with thrift shopping shaped both his musical and fashion identity.
Playboi Carti’s Career Beginnings
Carti began rapping under the name Sir Cartier in 2011, later adopting the name Playboi Carti in 2013. He uploaded his first songs on SoundCloud, gradually building an underground fanbase. His career took a significant turn in 2014 when he joined Awful Records after meeting producer Ethereal.
Determined to pursue music full-time, Carti relocated to New York City, living at his drug dealer’s home—a hub for members of the A$AP Mob. This led to a pivotal meeting with A$AP Bari, who introduced him to A$AP Rocky. Soon after, Carti began gaining recognition for tracks like “Broke Boi” and “Fetti” (featuring Da$h and Maxo Kream), which he uploaded to SoundCloud in 2015.
During this time, Carti collaborated extensively with Atlanta’s underground rap scene, teaming up with his cousin UnoTheActivist, Thouxanbanfauni, Yung Bans, Lil Yachty, and producers like MexikoDro and ICYTWAT. His popularity grew as he toured with A$AP Ferg and Lil Uzi Vert, ultimately securing a deal with Interscope Records.
Playboi Carti’s Breakthrough and Success
Carti’s career breakthrough came in April 2017 with the release of his self-titled mixtape, featuring hit singles “Magnolia” and “Woke Up Like This” (with Lil Uzi Vert), both of which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The mixtape catapulted him into mainstream success.
In 2018, Carti released his debut studio album, Die Lit, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. Following a two-year hiatus with minimal new music, his second studio album, Whole Lotta Red, dropped in 2020. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking his first chart-topping release.
Playboi Carti’s Music Style and Influence
Playboi Carti’s music is often categorized as “mumble rap” and is celebrated for its playful and melodic vibe. His rapping style is characterized by minimalist and repetitive lyrics, emphasizing flow and catchy phrases over traditional lyricism.
Complex described his style as focused more on atmosphere than substance, with Pitchfork highlighting his audacious approach to music.
One of Carti’s signature techniques is his “baby voice,” a high-pitched vocal style with unclear pronunciations and frantic cadences. This distinctive approach has been showcased in collaborations like Solange’s “Almeda,” Tyler, the Creator’s “Earfquake,” and Young Nudy’s “Pissy Pamper” with Pi’erre Bourne.
Playboi Carti’s journey from a rebellious teen to a chart-topping artist reflects his unique artistry and determination to stand out in the music industry. His influence continues to shape modern rap, blending unconventional techniques with his distinctive personality.
