Playboi Carti, the Atlanta-born rapper known for his distinct vocal style and genre-bending music, has built an impressive career in the hip-hop world. As of 2025, Playboi Carti has an estimated net worth of $9 million, thanks to his success on the charts, lucrative tours, and brand collaborations. Famous for his mumbled delivery and experimental production, Carti has become a significant figure in modern rap culture.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Jordan Terrell Carter on September 13, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, Playboi Carti is now 28 years old. Growing up in Atlanta, Carti initially harbored dreams of playing professional basketball and spent time on his high school basketball team at North Springs Charter High School in Sandy Springs. However, a falling out with his coach led him to leave the team and focus on his growing interest in music.
Carti often skipped classes to dedicate time to creating music and working a part-time job at H&M, where he supported himself while trying to build a name in the rap scene. After graduating, he quit his job to fully pursue music, beginning by releasing tracks on SoundCloud as early as 2011. Much of this early music has since been scrubbed from the internet, but it helped establish Carti’s presence in Atlanta’s underground rap community.
Eventually, Carti relocated to New York, staying at a drug dealer’s apartment while networking with industry insiders. His move proved pivotal when he connected with ASAP Rocky, who later became his mentor and brought Carti into the ASAP Mob collective in 2015.
Rise to Fame and Breakthrough Success
Playboi Carti’s first brush with mainstream attention came through viral singles like “Broke Boi” and “Fetti,” which showcased his unique delivery and minimalist beats. Collaborations with fellow Atlanta artists like Yung Bans, Lil Yachty, and Ethereal helped solidify his standing in the local scene.
In 2017, Carti signed a deal with Interscope Records and released his self-titled debut mixtape in April of that year. The project was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting at number 12 on the Billboard 200. The mixtape featured breakout hits such as “Magnolia” and “Woke Up Like This” (featuring Lil Uzi Vert), both of which helped Carti become a household name. His unconventional style, which leaned heavily into ad-libs and atmospheric beats, resonated with a younger audience and cemented his reputation as a rising star.
Following the mixtape’s success, Carti toured alongside heavyweights like Gucci Mane and Dreezy, further boosting his visibility.
Studio Albums and Mainstream Stardom
In May 2018, Carti dropped his first studio album, Die Lit, which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and later received gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album featured collaborations with top-tier artists, including Nicki Minaj, Chief Keef, and Young Thug.
Despite a relatively low profile between 2018 and 2020, Carti’s unreleased music was frequently leaked online, gaining millions of streams unofficially. However, in April 2020, he returned with his single “@Meh,” peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
His next major career milestone came in December 2020, when he released his long-awaited sophomore album Whole Lotta Red. The 24-track project debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking Carti’s first chart-topping album. Featuring high-profile guests like Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Future, Whole Lotta Red received both commercial success and polarized critical reception, further solidifying Carti’s status as a trendsetter in the rap world.
Additionally, Carti earned his first Billboard Hot 100 top-ten hit when he was featured on Drake’s 2020 single “Pain 1993,” which debuted at number seven.
Financial Success and Earnings
By 2017, Carti had earned over $8 million within a 12-month span, placing him among the highest-paid new faces in hip-hop at the time. His income streams have included music sales, touring, merchandise, and endorsement deals, all contributing to his current net worth of $9 million.
Carti’s dedicated fan base and successful collaborations with artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Travis Scott, and Kanye West continue to drive his financial success. His influence within both music and fashion spheres has opened additional doors for partnerships with brands and designers.
Personal Life and Family
In 2018, Playboi Carti began dating Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. Their relationship, although often private, drew public attention. In 2020, Azalea gave birth to their son, Onyx Kelly. Despite their eventual breakup, both artists have remained co-parents to their child.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
Carti’s career has not been without controversy. In 2017, he was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on domestic abuse charges following an altercation with his then-girlfriend. However, these charges were later dismissed. The following year, Carti faced legal issues abroad, as he was fined £800 in Scotland for punching a driver during a tour stop in Gretna.
In 2020, Carti encountered further trouble when he was arrested in Georgia on drug and gun charges. After being detained overnight, he was released on bond the following day.
Cultural Impact
Known for his avant-garde approach to rap, Carti is considered one of the pioneers of the “mumble rap” subgenre and a key figure in the rise of trap music’s experimental wave. His influence extends beyond music into fashion and youth culture, where his edgy style and enigmatic persona continue to attract both fans and industry collaborators.
Final Thoughts
Playboi Carti has successfully carved out a unique space in the rap world. With a net worth of $9 million and a steady stream of chart-topping releases, Carti remains a significant player in modern hip-hop. His ability to blend bold fashion statements, innovative sounds, and an enigmatic public image ensures his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation. As Carti’s career continues to evolve, fans and critics alike await his next move.