Playboi Carti has grown into one of the most unconventional and talked-about rappers in the modern music scene. Known for his experimental sound, energetic performances, and ability to set trends, he has carved out a lane that few can imitate. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $12 million, placing him among the most successful young rappers of his generation.
Early Life and Background
Born Jordan Terrell Carter on September 13, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, Playboi Carti is now 29 years old. Growing up, he initially dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. He played at North Springs Charter High School in Sandy Springs but quit the team after disagreements with his coach. Instead of pursuing sports, he turned his energy toward music.
Carti often skipped classes to focus on making songs or working shifts at H&M. After graduating high school, he quit his job to chase music full-time. His decision set the foundation for a career that would change his life and eventually bring him millions of dollars.
Early Music Grind
Playboi Carti began posting music on SoundCloud around 2011, though much of his earliest work has been deleted. When he moved to New York to chase opportunities, he lived in a small apartment belonging to his drug dealer at the time. That move, while risky, turned out to be pivotal.
In 2015, Carti connected with ASAP Rocky after a performance in Texas. Rocky saw his potential and became a mentor. Around the same time, Carti dropped Broke Boi and Fetti on SoundCloud, tracks that quickly built him a cult following. Collaborations with Atlanta underground rappers like Lil Yachty, Yung Bans, and Ethereal gave him credibility, and tours with ASAP Ferg and Lil Uzi Vert exposed him to larger crowds.
First Major Breakthrough
By 2017, Playboi Carti signed with Interscope Records. That April, he released his debut mixtape, which included Magnolia and Woke Up Like This. The project climbed to number 12 on the Billboard 200 and was praised by publications like Pitchfork, XXL, and Spin. The mixtape was more than a debut—it was a declaration of his unique sound and style.
A year later, in May 2018, Carti dropped his first studio album Die Lit. The record peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and was later certified gold. It included features from Nicki Minaj, Chief Keef, and Young Thug. By then, Carti had secured his place in mainstream hip-hop and was building wealth that would later add up to his current $12 million net worth.
Whole Lotta Red Era
Between 2018 and 2020, unreleased Carti songs frequently leaked online, gaining millions of unofficial streams. Fans waited eagerly for his next project, and in December 2020, he delivered Whole Lotta Red. The 24-track album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured guest appearances from Kanye West, Future, and Kid Cudi.
The album was divisive but impactful, leaning into punk and chaotic energy. It expanded his image beyond hip-hop and showed he was willing to take risks artistically.
Recent Career Moves (2021–2025)
After Whole Lotta Red, Carti hit the road with his King Vamp tour in 2021. The shows were high-energy and theatrical, blending punk aesthetics with rap. They became known for chaos, mosh pits, and devoted fans, proving his cultural influence was bigger than music.
In 2022 and 2023, Carti teased new music under working titles like Narcissist and Music. He kept fans waiting while making high-profile features, most notably on Kanye West’s Off the Grid from Donda and Travis Scott’s Fe!n from Utopia. Both features were celebrated and reminded audiences of his versatility.
On March 14, 2025, Carti finally released his long-awaited third studio album Music. The 18-track project debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and had the biggest opening week for any rap album in 2025. This release reaffirmed his star power and boosted his earnings significantly.
Opium Label and Business Ventures
Outside of his solo career, Playboi Carti has been building his own label called Opium. He signed experimental artists like Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Homixide Gang. The label has gained both underground and mainstream recognition, showing Carti’s vision to influence the future of rap beyond his own records.
His love for fashion has also helped expand his brand. Carti is often seen at major fashion events and has built partnerships that contribute to his overall wealth. These business ventures play a key role in keeping his net worth at $12 million in 2025.
Personal Life and Family
Carti’s personal life has often been in the headlines. In 2018, he began dating Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. In 2020, Azalea gave birth to their son, Onyx Kelly. While their relationship faced public ups and downs, fatherhood has become an important part of Carti’s life. His role as a parent adds another layer to his public image beyond music and fashion.
Legal Issues
Carti has faced several legal challenges over the years. In 2017, he was arrested on domestic abuse allegations at Los Angeles International Airport, though charges were later dropped. In 2018, he was fined in Scotland after punching a driver during a tour. In 2020, he was arrested in Georgia on drug and gun charges but was released the next day on bond. Despite these setbacks, he has continued to build his career without long-term damage.
Last Thought
At 29 years old, Playboi Carti is not just a rapper but a cultural figure shaping the direction of music and style. With a $12 million net worth, a growing label, and a reputation for pushing creative boundaries, he stands as one of the most intriguing stars of his generation. From underground SoundCloud beginnings to topping the Billboard charts, his journey reflects risk-taking, reinvention, and a refusal to play by the rules.