Playboi Carti, @MEH | Track Review 🎵

Rapper Playboi Carti brings energy on his first single “@MEH,” but otherwise delivers a ‘meh’ performance at best.

Sometimes, things can be totally Lost in Translation.  Perhaps that’s what’s going on with Playboi Carti and his first single of 2020, “@MEH.” The trap rapper has had his share of success, though personally, I’ve always found him to be an acquired taste.  Listening to “@MEH” only further confirms that Carti doesn’t necessarily speak to me from a musical standpoint.  Maybe it’s the age difference as well as how much rap has changed. Regardless, I’m very meh on “@MEH.”

Stating the pros first, jetsonmade, Neeko Baby, and Deskhop give Playboi Carti a solid foundation – ‘LIT’ production.  It’s what you expect from a track record – banging drums, colorful synths, and jam-packed with energy.  Another pro from “@MEH?” This record is short, clocking in at under three minutes.  That’s a win.  Finally, the last pro would be Carti’s energy as he delivers his rhymes.  So, the pros, to recap are production, length, and energy.

Now the cons.  What exactly is “@MEH” supposed to be? This song is a trip. Why? Playboi Carti’s vocal tone is off-putting, not to mention his diction and pronunciation.  While he’s energetic and unapologetic, there’s clearly a lack of lyrical substance.  “I ride with the chopper, the stick, yeah / These bitches ready to kill, yeah” definitely isn’t profound in the least. Violent, mind you, but not profound or transcendent.  And, of course, it’s no surprise there’s reference to the police: “I’m really ‘bout that shit, we at the police (Pop out, yeah).” Of course, if we rely on the chorus, Carti has a problem with “Pussy ass niggas.” While much of “@MEH” is quite pedestrian lyrically, or at least ‘been there, done that,’ give him credit for one eyebrow raising, low lyrical blow: “I already know he sweet, that bitch a lesbian.”

Final Thoughts 

No need to sugarcoat it – “@MEH” just wasn’t for ‘MEH.’ At best, the single is truly meh.  There are some pros, but in my eyes, the cons are too much.  If you’re a fan of Playboi Carti, well, you probably consider this fire.  If you’re not a fan, or like me, don’t totally see the allure, well, “@MEH” won’t swing the pendulum or move the needle.

Playboi Carti • “@MEH” • AWGE/Interscope • Release: 4.16.20

Photo Credits: AWGE/Interscope