Playboi Carti's Whole Lotta Red is his second studio album, released on December 25, 2020, by AWGE and Interscope Records
. The album features 24 tracks and includes guest appearances from Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Future
. It marks a significant stylistic shift from Carti's earlier melodic trap sound to a more experimental blend of punk, trap, and electronic music, characterized by a dark, gothic tone and frenetic energy
. The album was primarily produced by F1lthy and Art Dealer, with executive production by Kanye West
. Carti adopts a vampire rock star persona throughout the project, with many songs featuring unconventional structures, chants, and ad-libs rather than traditional verses and choruses
. The production includes booming 808s, distorted synths, and jagged drum machines, creating a menacing and futuristic vibe
. Whole Lotta Red debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA
. It received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its production and Carti's vocal experimentation, though some criticized its guest features and lyrical depth
. The album's cover art, designed by Jung "Art Dealer" Chung, reflects its punk and heavy metal influences, featuring a black-and-white image of Carti outlined in white with bold red lettering
. The album has been released in physical formats including a double vinyl LP pressing
, and songs like "Stop Breathing," "Vamp Anthem," and "Go2DaMoon" are notable tracks
. Whole Lotta Red has amassed over 1.6 billion streams and is recognized as a bold, divisive, and influential project in contemporary hip-hop
. In summary, Whole Lotta Red is a landmark album in Playboi Carti's career, showcasing his evolution into a more experimental and genre-blending artist with a distinctive dark aesthetic and vocal style
