He originally started rapping as Sir Cartier, releasing a mixtape titled THC: THE HIGH CHRONICAL$ on November 5, 2011, that has since been deleted from the Internet, because it was absolute balls. He followed up with the mixtape Young Mi$fit on November 12, 2012. He changed his artist name to Playboi Carti in May 2013. As Playboi Carti, he came into prominence in 2015 with his song Broke Boi. Initially a part of the Atlanta-based Awful Records label, he also performed at the fashion events such as Yeezy Season 5, VFiles, and Raf Simons events, with artists such as Lil Uzi Vert and A$AP Rocky. In 2016, he was featured on A$AP Mob's debut studio album, Cozy Tapes: Vol. 1 Friends -, on the tracks London Town and Telephone Calls, which the latter was released as the second single from the album.
Carti's eponymous debut mixtape, Playboi Carti, which features guest appearances from Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Rocky, and Leven Kali, was released on April 14, 2017. The self-titled release gained attention from various music publications, including XXL, Pitchfork, Spin, HotNewHipHop, and PopMatters. XXL noted the track Magnolia as a standout cut, whereas Pitchfork critic Briana Younger thought that the release "finds a cloudy and economical mood and stays there, but it's Carti's magnetic confidence that turns just enough into plenty." The mixtape sold 28,051 units in its opening week.
In accompaniment with the mixtape's release, Carti embarked on a tour, which featured him as an opening act for Gucci Mane and Dreezy.
At the end of 2017, Carti was featured on A$AP Mob's Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy, A$AP Ferg's Still Striving, and NAV's Perfect Timing. Carti was meanwhile working on his debut album, Die Lit, which would be released on May 11, 2018.
Die Lit was an album that received mixed reviews, but fans of Carti enjoyed the album. Metacritic rated the album 71/100 with a user score of 8.2/10. Die Lit includes notable tracks such as Shoota, Foreign, Choppa Won't Miss, Mileage, and Poke it Out. This album included features from artists such as Lil Uzi Vert, Nicki Minaj, Chief Keef, Young Thug, Travis Scott, Skepta, and Bryson Tiller.
Since the release of Die Lit, Playboi Carti has embarked on his own tour, while featuring on songs such as Uh Uh (feat. Playboi Carti) on Chief Keef's Mansion Musick and Get Dripped on Lil Yachty's Nuthin' 2 Prove.
However, soon after the release of Die Lit and his tour, Carti was seen discussing a new album, titled Whole Lotta Red . Over the course of the next few years, songs from Whole Lotta Red would get leaked, or played by Carti himself at select shows. On November 23, 2020, Carti announced that the album had been submitted to his label, along with posting several blurry photos. He would later announce several collaborations, with artists such as Kanye West and Future. DJ Akademiks would later announce that the album would release on Christmas day, and was executively produced by Kanye West.
Whole Lotta Red's fan reception was polarizing at the start, but the album was met with positive critical reception. Metacritic rated the album 75/100 with a user score of 7.4/10. The album would later increase in popularity among Carti fans and music enjoyers alike over time — highly due to several tracks going viral on TikTok — and began receiving high praise.
Playboi Carti has announced that his next project, Music, is dropping "ASAP."
Smash Pt. 2
Playboi Carti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Junya Watanabe on my wri', wri'
Tell 'em this, did he miss?
Junya Watanabe on my, mmh
I can't really see, where did I miss? Mmh, mmh
Ex-strippers, mmh, mmh
New killers, mmh, mmh
Chi' n- tell 'em, mmh, mmh
On my mama, mmh, mmh
Made a promise, mmh
Junya Watanabe on my wri'
Junya Watanabe on my wri'
Tell 'em this, did he miss?
Junya Watanabe on my, mmh
I can't really see, where did I miss? Mmh
Junya Watanabe on my wri', mmh, mmh
Junya Watanabe on my
All summer, mmh, mmh
All summer mmh, mmh
Four-five gunners, mmh, mmh
In pajamas mmh, mmh
They piranhas mmh, mmh
Buy out the store in hours, like we planned it
Junya Watanabe on my wri'
Junya Watanabe on my wri'
Tell 'em this, did he miss?
Junya Watanabe on my, mmh
I can't really see, where did I miss? (Mmh)
Junya Watanabe on my wri'
For five summers, hol' up, uh
For five summers, hol' up
For five summers, hol' up, uh
For five summers, hol' up, uh
We took over, hol' up, uh
We took over, hol' up
We took over, hol' up
We took over, hol' up
Born in Atlanta, mmh, mmh
Not Montana, mmh, mmh
'Scuse my manners, mmh, mmh
I got standards
Uh, yeah, 'scuse my manners (mmh, mmh)
I got standards (mmh, mmh)
I got status (mmh, mmh)
You don't want static (mmh, mmh)
I'm from Atlanta (mmh, mmh)
Came from the attic, uh, uh (mmh, mmh)
I'm in Mercedes, uh, uh (mmh, mmh)
This not practice, uh (mmh, mmh)
I'm not leavin', hol' up, uh (mmh, mmh)
Where's my mattress? Hol' up (mmh, mmh)
I got it back in my mansion, uh (mmh mmh)
Hundred K on my mattress, uh (mmh, mmh)
Yeah, I'm all about fashion, yeah (mmh, mmh)
And she all about fashion, hol' up (mmh, mmh)
She rock Yeezy (mmh, mmh)
So we always matchin', hol' up, uh (mmh, mmh)
Carti and Yeezy (mmh, mmh), how'd that happen? (Mmh)
Junya Watanabe, ay
Jun Takahashi, ay (ay, ay)
Undercover, ay (ay, ay)
Eat up like hibachi, yeah, yeah (ay)
These Bottega, ay
Slime green like wasabi, yeah, yeah (ay, ay)
I know the steppers and hitters (ay)
They don't do karate, ooh (ay, ay)
I drive the Lam' or the Chevy
I keep my bro in the back in the Kelly, yeah (ay, ay)
I got a house in the hills and it's empty
I'm with my girl, why you keep tryna tempt me? (Ay)
Cullinan truck now, the Bentley
Came with a umbrella like Mr. Bentley (ay)
I'm really him evidently
Puttin' it on but it's really in me
I was created in the image of God
Junya Watanabe on my, woo, woo, woo
Boolies on my couch, stays on my
Mike Amiri, did he miss?
Junya Watanabe on my woo, woo, woo, woo
On my
I'm just tryna find our way
Look what God done done for the kid
The lyrics of "Smash Pt. 2" by Playboi Carti seem to be a celebration of luxury fashion and success. The repeated mention of "Junya Watanabe," a Japanese fashion designer known for his avant-garde and high-end clothing, suggests that Carti is flaunting his stylish lifestyle. The line "Tell 'em this, did he miss?" implies that Carti has achieved a level of success that others may have doubted or underestimated.
The lyrics also touch on themes of power and influence. References to "ex-strippers" and "new killers" indicate a sense of dominance and control. Carti asserts himself as someone who is aligned with important figures, perhaps in the music or fashion industry, by mentioning Donda, which refers to the late mother of rapper Kanye West.
Carti also conveys a sense of pride in his origins, specifically being from Atlanta. The repetition of "For five summers" and "We took over" suggests that Carti, along with his peers, has made significant strides in the industry and is proud of their accomplishments. The mention of "Born in Atlanta" further reinforces his connection to his hometown and his success despite not being from a more mainstream location like Montana.
Overall, "Smash Pt. 2" seems to be a braggadocious anthem celebrating Carti's lavish lifestyle, fashion sense, and achievements in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Junya Watanabe on my wri', wri'
I am wearing Junya Watanabe clothes on my wrist, emphasizing my extravagant fashion sense.
Tell 'em this, did he miss?
Ask them if they noticed my impeccable style and fashion choices.
I can't really see, where did I miss? Mmh, mmh
I am unsure where I made a mistake or went wrong in my fashion choices.
Ex-strippers, mmh, mmh
I have left my past behind, referring to my previous association with strippers.
New killers, mmh, mmh
I have changed my circle and now associate myself with dangerous but loyal individuals.
Chi' n- tell 'em, mmh, mmh
Chicago natives, inform them about our current status and achievements.
This on Donda, mmh, mmh
This song is dedicated to Kanye West's album Donda, showing my support and admiration for him.
On my mama, mmh, mmh
I swear on my mother's life, indicating the truthfulness and seriousness of my statements.
Made a promise, mmh
I have made a commitment or vow to myself, possibly related to my personal growth and success.
All summer, mmh, mmh
Throughout the summer season, we have been active and dominant.
Four-five gunners, mmh, mmh
We have armed individuals ready to protect us or take action if necessary.
In pajamas mmh, mmh
Even while relaxing in comfortable clothes, we remain prepared and formidable.
They piranhas mmh, mmh
Referring to others as ruthless and opportunistic, always attempting to benefit from our success.
Buy out the store in hours, like we planned it
We effortlessly purchase items from stores, as if it was part of our premeditated strategy.
For five summers, hol' up, uh
Throughout five consecutive summers, we have maintained our dominance and influence.
We took over, hol' up, uh
We have seized control and established our authority and significance.
Born in Atlanta, mmh, mmh
I originated from Atlanta, emphasizing my roots and connection to the city.
'Scuse my manners, mmh, mmh
Apologies for any perceived lack of politeness or etiquette on my part.
I got standards
I maintain high expectations and adhere to specific criteria in various aspects of life.
You don't want static (mmh, mmh)
You do not want to engage in conflict or confrontation with me.
Came from the attic, uh, uh (mmh, mmh)
I emerged from humble beginnings or a difficult environment to achieve success.
I'm in Mercedes, uh, uh (mmh, mmh)
I am driving a Mercedes car, indicating my elevated status and luxury.
This not practice, uh (mmh, mmh)
This is not a rehearsal or mere preparation, emphasizing the seriousness and authenticity of the situation.
I'm not leavin', hol' up, uh (mmh, mmh)
I have no intention of departing or quitting, asserting my commitment and endurance.
Where's my mattress? Hol' up (mmh, mmh)
Where is my comfortable and luxurious bedding? Asking for its whereabouts.
I got it back in my mansion, uh (mmh mmh)
I possess and enjoy a large, luxurious home, where I have my mattress.
Hundred K on my mattress, uh (mmh, mmh)
I spent a significant amount of money, one hundred thousand, on my comfortable bedding.
Yeah, I'm all about fashion, yeah (mmh, mmh)
I prioritize and deeply value fashion, expressing my affinity for stylish clothing and accessories.
And she all about fashion, hol' up (mmh, mmh)
She is also extremely interested and invested in fashion, suggesting compatibility and shared interests.
Carti and Yeezy (mmh, mmh), how'd that happen? (Mmh)
The collaboration between Playboi Carti and Kanye West (Yeezy) is unexpected but impressive, questioning how such a partnership materialized.
Junya Watanabe, ay
I am referencing the renowned fashion designer Junya Watanabe, showcasing my knowledge and admiration for his work.
Jun Takahashi, ay (ay, ay)
Another fashion designer, Jun Takahashi, is mentioned, indicating my appreciation for various influential figures in the fashion industry.
Undercover, ay (ay, ay)
I acknowledge the brand Undercover, known for its unique and edgy designs, further demonstrating my fashion awareness.
Eat up like hibachi, yeah, yeah (ay)
We consume or dominate everything in our path, just like when devouring food at a hibachi restaurant.
These Bottega, ay
I am referring to Bottega Veneta, a luxury fashion brand, highlighting my preference for their products.
Slime green like wasabi, yeah, yeah (ay, ay)
The color of my clothing and accessories is slime green, comparable to the vibrant hue of wasabi, capturing attention and displaying a unique style.
I know the steppers and hitters (ay)
I am acquainted with individuals who are skilled in street activities or violence, emphasizing my connections to a certain lifestyle.
They don't do karate, ooh (ay, ay)
These individuals are not engaged in formal martial arts such as karate, but rather possess their own effective ways of handling situations.
I drive the Lam' or the Chevy
I own and drive a Lamborghini or Chevrolet vehicle, signifying my diverse taste and varying preferences.
I keep my bro in the back in the Kelly, yeah (ay, ay)
My close companion or friend is positioned in the backseat of my Rolls-Royce Phantom (Kelly), highlighting my loyalty and generosity.
I got a house in the hills and it's empty
I own a luxurious residence in the hills, but currently, it is unoccupied or devoid of people.
I'm with my girl, why you keep tryna tempt me? (Ay)
Despite being committed and in a relationship, others persistently attempt to lure me away, questioning their motives and intentions.
Cullinan truck now, the Bentley
I have acquired a Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV and a Bentley vehicle, showcasing my opulence and success.
Came with a umbrella like Mr. Bentley (ay)
Similar to the character Mr. Bentley from the TV show 'The Jeffersons,' I arrived with an umbrella, displaying a stylish and sophisticated entrance.
I'm really him evidently
It is evident and undeniable that I am truly the person I claim to be, emphasizing my authenticity and identity.
Puttin' it on but it's really in me
Though it may seem like I am merely putting on a facade, all these attributes and qualities are genuinely a part of me.
I was created in the image of God
I believe that I possess god-like attributes and qualities, emphasizing my self-perception and confidence.
Junya Watanabe on my, woo, woo, woo
Again, I am proudly wearing Junya Watanabe clothes, highlighting my continued appreciation for high-end fashion.
Boolies on my couch, stays on my
My close friends or associates remain on my couch, showcasing my hospitality and availability for those I trust.
Mike Amiri, did he miss?
I am wearing the designer Mike Amiri's clothing, questioning if others have noticed or acknowledged my fashion choices.
I'm just tryna find our way
I am simply attempting to navigate and discover the path or direction for both myself and those around me.
Look what God done done for the kid
Acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the blessings and opportunities that God has provided in my life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Walsh, Jordan Carter, Kanye Omari West, Mark Carl Stolinski Williams, Nasir Harold Pemberton, Raul Ignacio Cubina, Rennard L. East, Roark Bailey, Tyrone William Jr. Griffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MADD MAN X🎵🎶
Nothing hits more than that classic Carti 😌
KãoN
Real
Thanya☆
I started singing “2 cups styrofoam” and immediately had to revisit this gem
stock.wheel.shawty
if carti could put out ONE song with this sound it would be legendary.
Americansauce
Old carti fire on god
talonmadc
So fire lol so nostalgic for me
Alex R.
It’s just……. Fuk..
Alex R.
Fan since 2018 although he got hits since 2015 this man some else really
Spliffy Mars
so fye .. lowkey forgot bkut all dese dam gems cus of da alt shit he on now
Whytb
hes actually saying shit and inflecting