End of the Mysterious Artist Era?
In the closing weeks of 2023, the first four songs from Playboi Carti’s forthcoming album were delivered as promised and on time — no small feat for any artist right now, but even more impressive given Carti’s track record. The Atlanta rapper’s previous album, 2020’s Whole Lotta Red, was shrouded in years of speculation and delays that added to Carti’s mysterious lore among his rabidly online fanbase. His latest effort so far feels like a throwback to a different time in hip-hop, both in style and apparent promotional…