Playboi Carti’s New Album Drops Without Kanye West and SZA: What Happened?
Playboi Carti’s I Am Music surprises fans with unexpected twists—Kanye West and SZA are missing, but the album delivers a bold new sound. With high-energy production and a fresh creative direction, Carti’s latest release is sparking debates and redefining his artistic evolution.

Playboi Carti has officially released his highly anticipated album, I Am Music, after years of speculation and delays. Originally announced in 2021 under the title Narcissist, the project went through several changes before its final release on March 14, 2025. The album includes 30 tracks and features collaborations with Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Skepta, Future, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Uzi Vert, Ty Dolla $ign, and Young Thug.
Playboi Carti’s New album drops without Kanye West and SZA: Fans react
Despite earlier rumors suggesting that Kanye West and SZA would appear on the album, their contributions are notably absent. Carti had teased collaborations with multiple artists before the release, leading fans to expect a diverse set of features. However, the final tracklist does not include the previously speculated contributions from West and SZA, sparking mixed reactions among listeners.
The album’s rollout faced multiple delays and transformations, with Carti initially claiming that I Am Music would have no features at all. In November 2024, he hinted at a solo approach, stating, "I'm tryna do this by myself." While the album does feature guest artists, it excludes some of the high-profile collaborations that fans had anticipated.
Playboi Carti’s I am music: A bold evolution amid missing features
Many fans expressed disappointment over the absence of Kanye West and SZA, while others praised Carti’s creative direction. The inclusion of other top-tier artists has been well received, offering a mix of styles and sounds. The album's production and unique energy have already sparked debates within the hip-hop community.
I Am Music marks Playboi Carti’s first studio album since Whole Lotta Red in 2020. The new release showcases his evolution as an artist and has fueled discussions about his musical trajectory. As fans and critics analyze the album, the absence of certain rumored features remains a talking point, highlighting the unpredictability of the music industry and artist collaborations.