Alright, let’s talk about it. Playboi Carti fans have been waiting for AM Music for what feels like forever. The snippets? Fire. The hype? Insane. But the release? Non-existent. And here’s a theory: it’s not because he’s still tweaking the tracks or dealing with label issues. Nope. It might be because of one person… Lil Baby. Yup, we’re diving into why Carti could be holding back because of Lil Baby’s WHAM album. Let’s break it down.
First, let’s set the stage. Playboi Carti is one of the most enigmatic figures in the rap game. Ever since Whole Lotta Red dropped in December 2020, he’s been teasing fans with the idea of AM Music. He’s done a couple of performances with unreleased tracks, he’s had cryptic Instagram posts, and of course, he’s got his fanbase hanging on to every word. But here’s where it gets interesting—Lil Baby’s WHAM album is also on the horizon.
Now, Lil Baby and Carti aren’t exactly in the same lane musically, but Billboard numbers? That’s a whole different story. And this could explain Carti’s delay.
Let’s be real—both Carti and Lil Baby are titans in the game. Lil Baby consistently dominates the charts. I mean, his last album, It’s Only Me, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and had almost every track charting on the Hot 100. Meanwhile, Playboi Carti’s Whole Lotta Red also debuted at No. 1, but it had a more polarizing reception at first. Over time, though, it became a cultural moment.
So, here’s the thing: AM Music is shaping up to be another defining album for Carti. He’s an artist who thrives on moments—he wants the spotlight entirely on him. Dropping it at the same time as WHAM? That could dilute the attention he’s looking for.
On the other hand, Lil Baby is dropping WHAM right in his prime. He’s coming off collaborations with everyone from Drake to Future, and his name holds major weight on the charts. Carti might be thinking, “Why risk competing with an artist who’s guaranteed to dominate?”
Now, let’s dig deeper into the numbers game. Carti isn’t just about music; he’s about impact. His fans analyze everything—down to the album artwork and the track titles. With WHAM in the mix, there’s a chance Carti’s numbers could get overshadowed, even if AM Music is incredible. And in the era of streaming wars, first-week sales are a big deal.
And fans are catching on to this theory too. Just look at Twitter or Reddit. People are saying things like, “Carti doesn’t want to drop because Baby will eat up all the streams,” or “He’s waiting for the perfect window to take over.” And honestly, they might have a point.
Let’s not forget—timing in the music industry is everything. If Carti drops too close to Lil Baby, the narrative becomes “Lil Baby outsells Playboi Carti.” But if Carti waits a bit and WHAM’s hype dies down? Then it’s his time to shine, uninterrupted.
Here’s another layer to this: Carti isn’t just a rapper; he’s a cultural phenomenon. When he drops, it’s more than just an album—it’s a movement. Look at Whole Lotta Red. People weren’t just listening to the music; they were embracing the vamp aesthetic, the fashion, the whole vibe.
He knows his fans are going to show up no matter what, but if he drops when Lil Baby’s album is dominating playlists, that cultural impact could get lost in the noise. And that’s a risk Carti probably doesn’t want to take.
Now, let’s talk strategy. If you look at the release calendar, there’s usually a sweet spot for big albums. Most artists avoid dropping in the same week as another major artist unless they’re trying to make a point—like Drake and Kanye did with CLB and Donda. But Carti? He doesn’t seem like the type to want direct competition. He wants to own the moment.
And here’s what’s wild—there’s also the possibility that the delay is part of a bigger marketing strategy. By holding back, he’s keeping fans hungry, while Lil Baby’s WHAM builds its momentum. Once Baby’s had his moment, Carti can come through and dominate without sharing the spotlight.
Delaying an album isn’t new in hip-hop. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and even Frank Ocean have all pushed back releases to find the perfect moment. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the cultural impact. Carti knows this better than most.
But at the same time, fans are getting impatient. How long can he hold off before people start losing interest? That’s the gamble he’s taking by waiting out WHAM.
Some fans are saying
“Man, I think he’s just perfecting the album. He’s not scared of Lil Baby.”
“Nah, he’s definitely waiting for Baby to drop first. Carti’s strategic like that.”
