“Not surprised”: Fans react as Playboi Carti's 'I AM MUSIC' reportedly record sales of 145k units in pre-sales within a day of its announcement 

Playboi Carti In Concert - Nashville, TN - Source: Getty
Playboi Carti In Concert - Nashville, TN - Source: Getty Photo by Jason Kempin

With news of Playboi Carti’s forthcoming album, I AM MUSIC, which has allegedly sold over 145,000 units in pure pre-sales within 24 hours of its announcement, the music industry is already abuzz. Such a shocking figure has sparked reactions across social media platforms, with fans feeling "Not Surprised" at the inevitability of it all.

Playboi Carti the Hype Machine

With cryptic social media posts and guerrilla marketing tactics, the Atlanta rapper has mastered the art of keeping fans anxious for more. After months of speculation and rumors, Carti finally revealed the album title and release date, instantly spiking pre-sales.

67th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Show - Source: Getty   Photo by Johnny Nunez
67th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Show - Source: Getty Photo by Johnny Nunez67th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Show - Source: Getty Photo by Johnny NunezWireless Festival 2022: Crystal Palace Park - Source: Getty Photo by Joseph Okpako

With a cult-like following eager for new music since his last full-length project, Whole Lotta Red (2020), it’s not surprising that I AM MUSIC has already done so well commercially—even before dropping a single track.

“Not Surprised”: Fans weigh in on Carti’s massive pre-sales

The 145K pre-sale is impressive, but not many fans are surprised by Carti's ability to generate that kind of instant demand. The words "Not surprised" have reverberated on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, where seasoned followers have reminded everyone that Carti's influence goes far beyond music—his persona, aesthetics, and mysterious approach to the industry make every release feel like an event.

67th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Show - Source: Getty  Photo by Johnny Nunez
67th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Show - Source: Getty Photo by Johnny Nunez
"Yeah he’s definitely selling 250-300k first week."
"I think this album can easily do 400k first week."

A dominant first-week projection?

If I AM MUSIC keeps up this alleged pace, it could turn out to be one of the biggest first-week sales performances of Playboi Carti's career. Whole Lotta Red topped the Billboard 200 with 100,000 album-equivalent units in its opening week. Considering I AM MUSIC has already surpassed that in pre-sales alone, experts expect it to easily double or even triple that figure when it hits shelves.

Insiders in the music industry also speculate that Carti’s collaborations with big producers such as Kanye West, Metro Boomin, and Mike Dean will add another layer of appeal to the album, attracting both his hardcore fans and casual listeners.

Wireless Festival 2022: Crystal Palace Park - Source: Getty   Photo by Joseph Okpako
Wireless Festival 2022: Crystal Palace Park - Source: Getty Photo by Joseph Okpako

The waiting game continues

Despite the overwhelming excitement, fans are also cautiously optimistic due to Playboi Carti's history with delayed releases and cryptic rollouts. Many of his followers are worried that the album could be delayed once again, which has become pretty normal in his career.

However, if all goes right, I AM MUSIC looks to be one of the biggest rap releases this year. Whether it will meet, exceed, or fall short of expectations remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though—Playboi Carti continues to be one of the most interesting and unpredictable personalities in hip-hop.

So, do you think these numbers are real? Let us know in the comments below.

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Edited by Ritika Pal