Playboi Carti has built a reputation as one of the most unique voices in modern hip-hop. Known for his experimental style and genre-bending approach, he has grown from underground SoundCloud fame to international recognition. With a net worth of $12 million in 2025, his journey highlights not just his music but also his business vision, fashion presence, and cultural impact.
Early Life and Family
Playboi Carti was born Jordan Terrell Carter on September 13, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia. As of 2025, he is 29 years old. Raised in a middle-class household, Carti developed an early love for basketball and initially dreamed of becoming an NBA player. He attended North Springs Charter High School in Sandy Springs, where he played on the basketball team but later quit after clashing with his coach.
During this time, Carti started drifting toward music, often skipping classes to focus on recording and working at H&M to support himself. His family life gained attention later when he fathered a son, Onyx Kelly, with Australian rapper Iggy Azalea in 2020. Despite a rocky relationship, Carti has expressed pride in fatherhood while balancing his demanding career.
Breaking Into Music
Carti began uploading music on SoundCloud around 2011, though much of his earliest work has since been deleted. By 2015, he gained traction after meeting ASAP Rocky, who became a mentor. His singles Broke Boi and Fetti started building his cult following, and his connections in the Atlanta underground scene with artists like Yung Bans and Lil Yachty gave him credibility.
Touring with ASAP Ferg and Lil Uzi Vert further expanded his reach. By 2017, he signed with Interscope Records, marking the true beginning of his mainstream career.
Rise to Stardom
In April 2017, Carti released his self-titled debut mixtape, which reached number 12 on the Billboard 200. The mixtape featured the hit single Magnolia, which became a viral anthem, and Woke Up Like This with Lil Uzi Vert. The project received critical acclaim and brought him into the spotlight.
The next year, Carti dropped his first studio album, Die Lit. Peaking at number three on the Billboard 200, the album was later certified gold and included features from Nicki Minaj, Chief Keef, Young Thug, and others. The album cemented his place as one of hip-hop’s most creative new stars.
Whole Lotta Red and Global Fame
After teasing new music for years, Carti released Whole Lotta Red in December 2020. The 24-track project debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured artists like Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Future. Its punk-inspired energy divided critics but became a fan favorite, showing Carti’s willingness to break boundaries.
This success was followed by his 2021 King Vamp tour, known for chaotic performances and a devoted fanbase. By this stage, Carti was more than a rapper—he was shaping a cultural movement around fashion, music, and attitude.
Recent Career Moves (2021–2025)
Between 2022 and 2023, Carti remained mysterious but influential. He collaborated on major projects like Kanye West’s Donda (appearing on Off the Grid) and Travis Scott’s Utopia with Fe!n. Both songs showcased his unique delivery and kept him relevant during long gaps between solo projects.
On March 14, 2025, Carti finally dropped his third studio album, Music. With 18 tracks, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming the biggest rap release of the year. Fans praised it as one of his strongest projects, blending punk energy with innovative beats.
Business Ventures and Opium Label
Beyond music, Carti has built wealth and influence through his label, Opium. He has signed artists such as Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Homixide Gang, giving them a platform to bring fresh energy into hip-hop. Opium has carved out its own identity, merging experimental rap with fashion-forward branding.
Carti’s interest in fashion also plays a big role in his brand. He is a regular at fashion weeks and has worked with major brands, further boosting his income and public image.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, Playboi Carti’s net worth is estimated at $12 million. His income sources include:
- Album sales and streaming royalties from Die Lit, Whole Lotta Red, and Music
- Tours and live performances, particularly his King Vamp tour
- High-profile collaborations with Kanye West, Drake, and Travis Scott
- His Opium record label and its rising artists
- Fashion deals and brand partnerships
In 2017, he was even ranked among the highest-paid rappers, reportedly earning over $8 million in one year. With his expanding ventures, his financial future looks even stronger.
Legal Issues
Carti’s career has also seen controversies. In 2017, he was arrested on domestic abuse charges at Los Angeles International Airport, but charges were dropped. In 2018, he was fined in Scotland for punching a driver during a tour. In 2020, he faced drug and gun charges in Georgia but was released the next day. While these incidents made headlines, they have not derailed his career.
Last Thought
Playboi Carti’s journey reflects ambition, reinvention, and a refusal to follow industry norms. At 29 years old, he has already shaped the sound and culture of modern rap while building a $12 million net worth. From Atlanta’s underground to international stages, Carti has proven that he is more than just a rapper—he is a cultural figure influencing music, style, and the next generation of artists.
