Whole Lotta Red

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Whole Lotta Red
Studio album by
Playboi Carti
ReleasedDecember 25, 2020
Recorded2018–2020
Studio
  • Means Street Studios, Atlanta
  • Home studio
Genre
Length62:12
Label
Producer
Playboi Carti chronology
Die Lit
(2018) 		Whole Lotta Red
(2020)

Whole Lotta Red (alternatively titled Red) is the second studio album by American rapper Playboi Carti. It was released on December 25, 2020 by Interscope as well as ASAP Rocky's label AWGE.

Highly anticipated,[3][4][5][6] work on the album commenced in late 2018 and concluded in November 2020. The album consists of 24 tracks and features guest appearances from Future, Kanye West, and Kid Cudi. The album was executive produced by West,[7][8] who also appears on the song "Go2DaMoon". Production was also handled by Carti's frequent collaborator and producer Pi'erre Bourne, along with Matthew Williams and Wheezy, among others.

Background and release

In August 2018, following the release of Carti's debut studio album, Die Lit, a video surfaced of him discussing his next album and calling it Whole Lotta Red.[9] In November, he performed unreleased songs at a concert in Seattle.[10] In March 2019, during an interview with GQ, Carti said that Virgil Abloh would be the album's creative director.[11][12][13] In May 2019, he featured on "Earfquake", the lead single of Igor by Tyler, the Creator with fans noting his nearly unintelligible "baby voice".[14] Later that month, a song titled "Pissy Pamper" with Young Nudy leaked and went viral on social media platform TikTok. "Pissy Pamper" also reached No. 1 on Spotify's US Viral 50 before being removed. Several other songs would go on to leak via YouTube and SoundCloud as well, reportedly causing Carti to remake the album.[15] In June 2019, he revealed in an interview with The Fader that he began recording Whole Lotta Red towards the end of 2018, recording at DJ Drama's Means Street Studios in Atlanta and at his own home.[11]

On April 14, 2020, Carti tweeted the cover to "@ Meh", which was released as a single two days later.[16] The song was noted for Carti's usage of the aforementioned "baby voice".[17] In May, Carti was featured on the track "Pain 1993", from Drake's mixtape, Dark Lane Demo Tapes, which continued his use of the "baby voice" and became his first top ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number seven on the chart.[18]

On November 23, following a social media hiatus, Carti posted on his socials, blurry photos of himself, while revealing that the album was turned in to his label.[19] The same day, in a GQ profile, he called the album "alternative" and "psyched out".[20] In the following days, Carti announced collaborations with several other rappers including Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, and Future.[21][22][23] He also tweeted at Post Malone and Pharrell Williams.[24] DJ Akademiks posted on Twitter and mentioned on a livestream that the album was to be released Christmas day and would be executive produced by Kanye West; he mentions in both the stream and Twitter that he "nearly sold his soul" to obtain said information. A clip from Akademiks' livestream announcement would later be included on the song "Control" from the album.

On December 21, Carti announced the cover art, release date, and pre-orders for merchandise.[25]

Artwork and aesthetic

On December 22, 2020, Carti announced the cover art for Whole Lotta Red via social media. It was designed by Jung "Art Dealer" Chung.[26] The cover is a black and white image of Carti with a white outline and the word Red in large red letters on the top of the cover. The cover is based on and pays homage to late 70s punk-rock magazine Slash;[27] on the left side of the cover, next to the parental advisory label, it reads "Volume One Number One" Of Red", the fictional magazine from Carti's Opium imprint.[20][3] The album's imagery and merchandise designs have been noticed by journalist to be drawn from heavy metal imagery.[28][29]

Promotion

On April 16, 2020, the album's expected lead single, "@ Meh", was released.[30] The song peaked at number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it became his second top 40 entry on the chart as a lead artist.[31] Its music video debuted on the same day as the song's release, and was directed by Carti himself and Nick Walker.[32]

On December 25, 2020, on the album's release date, a music video for the track "M3tamorphosis" featuring Kid Cudi was released.[20] It was directed by Nico Ballesteros.[33]

Composition

Whole Lotta Red sees Playboi Carti showcases "a unique depth that has developed since the release of Die Lit", with him minimizing the use of his "baby voice". Instead, as noted by Hypebeast's Nicolaus Li, the album contains "frenetic vocal styling that introduces a cohessive tonal cohesive that defines Whole Lotta Red".[2] Latesha Harris of NPR also noted how Carti trades in his baby cadences for a more aggresive sound, as he "continues with his signature unearthly sound. He opts out of being a traditional lyricist and instead acts a conductor of fun. His bars bounce among synthy, fractured beats from various producers [...], the end result showcasing how comfortable he is toeing the line between riveting and repetitive".[4] The album features production by Pi'erre Bourne, Art Dealer, Outtatown, Star Boy, F1lthy, Juberlee, Richie Souf, Maaly Raw, and Wheezy, among others, all of whom help deliver a contemporary trap sound.[2]

Critical Reception

Although fan reception was harsh,[34][35][36] critics were more positive. Paul Thompson of Pitchfork described Whole Lotta Red as "both wildly innovative and strikingly consistent".

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Pitchfork8.3/10[37]
Rolling Stone[38]

Commercial performance

Whole Lotta Red debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 100,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[39] It is Carti's first US number-one album, and his second project to debut in the top 10, following his debut album Die Lit, released in 2018.[40] It also became the first Billboard 200 number-one album in 2021, and accumulated 126.43 million on-demand streams in its first week.[39]

Track listing

Whole Lotta Red track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Rockstar Made"
  • F1lthy
  • Jonah Abraham
3:13
2."Go2DaMoon" (featuring Kanye West)
Wheezy1:59
3."Stop Breathing"
  • Carter
  • Ortiz
  • Pierre Thevenot
  • Thomas Ross
  • F1lthy
  • Lukrative
  • Ssort
3:38
4."Beno!"
  • Carter
  • Tobias Dekker
  • Jalan Lowe
  • Outtatown
  • lil88
2:23
5."JumpOutTheHouse"
  • Carter
  • Tony Sun
Richie Souf1:33
6."M3tamorphosis" (featuring Kid Cudi)
  • F1lthy
  • Gab3
5:12
7."Slay3r"
  • Carter
  • Roark Bailey
  • Jeffrey Shannon
  • Roark Bailey
  • Juberlee
2:44
8."No Sl33p"
  • Carter
  • Kenneth Pannu
  • KP
  • Abraham
1:28
9."New Tank"
  • Carter
  • Ortiz
  • Abraham
  • F1lthy
  • Abraham
1:29
10."Teen X" (featuring Future)
Maaly Raw3:25
11."Meh"
  • Carter
  • Ortiz
  • Dekker
  • Outtatown
  • Art Dealer
  • Star Boy
1:58
12."Vamp Anthem"
  • Carter
  • Pannu
KP2:04
13."New N3on"
  • Carter
  • Henry
Maaly Raw1:56
14."Control"
  • Carter
  • Dekker
  • Jung Cho
  • Anton Mendo
  • Outtatown
  • Art Dealer
  • Starboy
3:17
15."Punk Monk"
  • Carter
  • Ortiz
  • Thevenot
  • Stefan Cismigiu
  • F1lthy
  • Lukrative
  • Lucian
3:49
16."On That Time"
  • Carter
  • Ortiz
  • Mark Williams
  • Raul Cubina
  • F1lthy
  • Oji x Volta
1:42
17."King Vamp"
  • Carter
  • Cho
  • Art Dealer
  • Outtatown
  • Star Boy
3:06
18."Place"
Pi'erre Bourne1:57
19."Sky"
  • Carter
  • Cho
Art Dealer3:13
20."Over"
  • Carter
  • Cho
Art Dealer2:46
21."ILoveUIHateU"
  • Carter
  • Jenks
Bourne2:15
22."Die4Guy"
  • Carter
  • Cho
  • Art Dealer
  • Outtatown
  • Star Boy
2:11
23."Not PLaying"
  • Carter
  • Cho
Art Dealer2:10
24."F33l Lik3 Dyin"
  • Bailey
  • Souf
3:24
Total length:62:12

Sample credits

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[41]

  • Marcus Fitz – mixer (1, 3–24), recording engineer (1–4, 6–9, 11, 12, 14–17, 19, 20, 22–24)
  • Roark Bailey – mixer (1–24), recording engineer (5, 7, 10, 13, 21)
  • William J. Sullivan – mixer (6)
  • Collin Leonard – mastering engineer (1–23)
  • Josh Berg – recording engineer (2)
  • Liz Robson – recording engineer (18)
  • Pi'erre Bourne – recording engineer (18)

Charts

Chart performance of Whole Lotta Red
Chart (2020–2021) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[42] 15
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[43] 18
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[44] 74
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[45] 2
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[46] 7
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[47] 11
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[48] 45
Irish Albums (OCC)[49] 18
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[50] 7
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[51] 5
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[52] 37
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[53] 4
UK Albums (OCC)[54] 17
US Billboard 200[39] 1
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[55] 1

References

  1. ^ Jefferson, Devon. "Playboi Carti instigates 'Whole Lotta Red' hype with Kid Cudi praise: 'He will be on this album'". HipHopDX. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Li, Nicolaus (December 25, 2020). "Playboi Carti Ensures a Merry Christmas With Release of 'Whole Lotta Red'". Hypebeast. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  3. ^ a b DJ First Class (December 25, 2020). "Playboi Carti displays a 'Whole Lotta Red' on his new album". Revolt. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Harris, Latesha (December 25, 2020). "Playboi Carti Finally Drops Second Album, 'Whole Lotta Red'". NPR. Retrieved December 25, 2020. (Byline) Playboi Carti released Whole Lotta Red, the long-anticipated follow up to 2018's Die Lit.
  5. ^ Renshaw, Davie (December 22, 2020). "Playboi Carti confirms Christmas Day release for Whole Lotta Red". The Fader. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  6. ^ Li, Nicolaus (December 22, 2020). "Playboi Carti Confirms Christmas Day Release Date for 'Whole Lotta Red'". Hypebeast. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  7. ^ Thompsonn, Paul A. (January 5, 2021). "Whole Lotta Red". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  8. ^ Eustice, Kyle (December 25, 2020). "Playboi Carti Fans Trash 'Whole Lotta Red' Album On Twitter But Praise Kanye West's 'Go2DaMoon' Verse". HipHopDX. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  9. ^ Cowen, Trace William (November 7, 2018). "Playboi Carti Teases New 'Whole Lotta Red' Project in Seattle". Complex. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  10. ^ Centeno, Tony M. (November 8, 2018). "Playboi Carti Teases New Project At Seattle Concert". XXL. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  11. ^ a b Strauss, Matthew; Pierre, Alphonse (December 22, 2020). "Playboi Carti Releasing New Album Whole Lotta Red This Week". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  12. ^ Haylock, Zoe (December 22, 2020). "Playboi Carti's Long-Awaited Album Whole Lotta Red Drops This Christmas". Vulture. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  13. ^ Blistein, Jon (December 22, 2020). "Playboi Carti to Release New Album 'Whole Lotta Red' on Christmas". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  14. ^ Mendez, Marisa (May 17, 2019). "Tyler, The Creator Drops "Earfquake" With Playboi Carti". XXL. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  15. ^ Fu, Eddie (July 25, 2019). "Pi'erre Bourne Explains The Playboi Carti "Pissy Pamper" Leak & His Frustration With Spotify". Genius. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  16. ^ Holmes, Charles (April 16, 2020). "Playboi Carti (Officially) Returns on New Track '@ MEH'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  17. ^ Skelton, Eric; Schube, Will (April 16, 2020). "5 Big Takeaways From Playboi Carti's New Song "@ MEH"". Complex. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  18. ^ Trust, Gary (May 11, 2020). "Doja Cat's 'Say So,' Featuring Nicki Minaj, Tops Billboard Hot 100, Becoming Their First No. 1 Each". Billboard. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  19. ^ Smalls, Bernard Beanz (November 23, 2020). "Playboi Carti Says His Album 'Whole Lotta Red' Is "Turned In," Twitter Is Hyped". Hip Hop Wired. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  20. ^ a b c Cowen, Trace William (December 25, 2020). "Stream Playboi Carti's 'Whole Lotta Red' Album f/ Kanye, Kid Cudi, and Future". Complex. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  21. ^ Elibert, Mark (December 21, 2020). "Playboi Carti Tells Impatient Fans 'Whole Lotta Red' Is His 'Best Work Yet'". HipHopDX. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  22. ^ Marie, Erika (December 15, 2020). "Playboi Carti Confirms Kid Cudi Feature On "Whole Lotta Red"". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  23. ^ Eustice, Kyle (December 21, 2020). "Playboi Carti Confirms Kanye West-Produced 'Whole Lotta Red' Album Arrives on Christmas Day". HipHopDX. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  24. ^ Findlay, Mitch (November 25, 2020). "Playboi Carti Reaches Out To Post Malone & Pharrell". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  25. ^ Johnson, Zoe (December 22, 2020). "Playboi Carti Drops Satanic Whole Lotta Red Merch and People Are Not About It". XXL. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  26. ^ Shifferaw, Abel (December 22, 2020). "Playboi Carti Shares Release Date, Cover Art, and Pre-Order Link for 'Whole Lotta Red'". Complex. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  27. ^ Li, Nicolaus (December 22, 2020). "Playboi Carti Confirms Christmas Day Release Date for 'Whole Lotta Red'". Hypebeast. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  28. ^ Richards, Will (December 23, 2020). "Playboi Carti's new metal-themed merch hasn't gone down very well". NME. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  29. ^ Cowen, Trace William (December 22, 2020). "Playboi Carti's Inverted Cross-Featuring 'Whole Lotta Red' Merch Has People Connecting It to Satanism". Complex. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  30. ^ Graves, Wren (April 16, 2020). "Playboi Carti Returns With New Single "@ MEH": Stream". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  31. ^ Mamo, Heran (April 28, 2020). "Here Are the Lyrics to Playboi Carti's '@ MEH'". Billboard. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  32. ^ Yoo, Noah (April 16, 2020). "Playboi Carti Returns With Video for New Song "@ MEH": Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  33. ^ White, Caitlin (December 25, 2020). "Playboi Carti And Kid Cudi Rap In The Dark In The 'M3tamorphosis' Video". Uproxx. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  34. ^ "Twitter Trashes Playboi Carti's 'Whole Lotta Red'". Highsnobiety. December 25, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  35. ^ "Playboi Carti Fans Trash 'Whole Lotta Red' Album On Twitter But Praise Kanye West's 'Go2DaMoon' Verse". News Break. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  36. ^ https://hiphopdx.com, HipHopDX- (December 25, 2020). "Playboi Carti Fans Trash 'Whole Lotta Red' Album On Twitter But Praise Kanye West's 'Go2DaMoon' Verse". HipHopDX. Retrieved January 5, 2021. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  37. ^ "Playboi Carti: Whole Lotta Red". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  38. ^ Schwartz, Danny; Schwartz, Danny (January 4, 2021). "Playboi Carti Lives Out His Vampire Rock Star Fantasy on 'Whole Lotta Red'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  39. ^ a b c Caulfield, Keith (January 3, 2021). "Playboi Carti Lands First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Whole Lotta Red'". Billboard. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  40. ^ Caulfield, Keith (May 20, 2018). "Post Malone's 'Beerbongs & Bentleys' Nets Third Straight Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  41. ^ "Credits / Whole Lotta Red / Playboi Carti". Tidal. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  42. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. January 4, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
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  51. ^ "VG-lista – Topp 40 Album uke 53, 2020". VG-lista. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  52. ^ "Veckolista Album, vecka 53". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
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