Let’s be real: as Playboi Carti fans, we’ve perfected the art of hopeful delusion. And this weekend, DJ Akademiks proved he’s just as deep in the trenches as the rest of us.
Sure, Carti finally delivered the incredible ‘MUSIC’ this year, but let’s not pretend those four long years of waiting have been erased from our memory. That’s why every new hint, vague tweet, or speculative comment about the next project—rumored to be called ‘BABY BOI’—is met with immediate and heavy skepticism. And no one is immune, not even Akademiks.
On Friday, Ak took to Twitter with a classic tease, claiming: “[*Playboi Carti*] told me he got some fye on the way he can’t wait to drop . Hollyyy … get focused yall. Release date: so sooonnnn.”
Cue the collective side-eye from the entire Vamp hive.
The irony here is pretty thick. This very same day, Destroy Lonely, one of Carti’s Opium labelmates, dropped his new project Broken Hearts 3. With a massive arena tour on the horizon for the whole collective, many fans feel now is the time for Carti to be supporting his crew, not whispering sweet nothings about new music to Akademiks. (Though, to be fair, we’re not behind the scenes—maybe this is all part of the master plan.)
Yet, despite our skepticism, the hype is real. The rumor mill for ‘BABY BOI’ has been churning for months, fueled by teases from his inner circle and collaborators. But let’s be clear: we’re past hints. What we need is concrete proof—a release date, a single, a direct message from the King Vamp himself. You know the drill.
This cycle of desperate, volatile excitement only exists because of history. Carti’s extended absences have become a meme for a reason. While fans logically have no right to demand new music right after an album, it’s hard to feel guilty when the artist is the one constantly stoking the fire.
There is another layer to this, though. Akademiks and Carti have been intertwined in other drama recently, namely Ak’s very public back-and-forth with Carti’s ex, Iggy Azalea. Could that increased communication have led to this musical breadcrumb? It’s entirely possible.
Akademiks has been a character in the Playboi Carti rollout saga for years now. We sincerely hope he’s right this time. But if this turns out to be another false alarm… what will have really changed? We’ll just be back here, waiting, hoping, and yes, being a little delusional.
