Playboi Carti’s highly anticipated album, MUSIC, has officially debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a monumental moment in hip-hop history for 2025. The 30-track project moved a staggering 298,000 album-equivalent units, making it the biggest rap debut of the year so far, according to Luminate data.
Breaking Records & Beating the Competition
MUSIC also secured the second-biggest debut of 2025 across all genres, trailing only behind The Weeknd’s “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” which opened with 490,000 units. Close behind at No. 3 is Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U,” which, despite its rap elements, was categorized as an R&B album and debuted with 246,000 units.
Smart Rollout Strategy Played a Key Role
The overwhelming demand for MUSIC was evident, especially since Playboi Carti’s last album, Whole Lotta Red, dropped in 2020. His rollout strategy contributed significantly to its success:
- The album was available for pre-order since September 2024, alongside the single “ALL RED” (which didn’t make the final tracklist).
- Three digital variants were sold exclusively via Carti’s official website.
- CD versions (eight different variations) are set to start shipping in the coming weeks, potentially giving the album another boost on the charts.
Other No. 1 Hip-Hop Albums in 2025
So far, only two rap albums have debuted at No. 1 this year:
- Playboi Carti – MUSIC (298,000 units)
- Lil Baby – WHAM (140,000 units)
With Lil Baby set to drop Dominique in May, and Carti teasing another release, the hip-hop scene in 2025 is shaping up to be one for the history books.
NIWTNIAGAPORDSTEL pic.twitter.com/g0knGtHJGp
— GOD DJ (@SWAMPIZZO) March 22, 2025
