The Story of Opium by Playboi Carti

Early Life and Beginnings

Valedictorian in High School
- School was easy for Carti
- Often skipped classes and smoked
- Friends encouraged him to rap
- Started with GarageBand app
- Graduated high school despite absenteeism
SoundCloud Era
- Posted music on SoundCloud
- Met producer Ethereal; important collaboration
- Signed to Awful Records, which expanded his connections
- Partnered with producer Mexico Dro, resulting in significant SoundCloud growth
Move to New York
- Left Atlanta to further music career
- Met manager Ian Connor, who introduced him to ASAP Rocky
- Cultivated a friendship with ASAP Rocky
- Released substantial singles "Vogue Boy" and "Fetty"
- Became a face of 2016-2017 SoundCloud era
- Signed to ASAP Mob leading to mainstream success
- Worked closely with artists like Lil Uzi Vert

Interscope Signing
- Left ASAP Mob for Interscope's greater resources
- Met Pierre Bourne; iconic track "Woke Up Like This"
- Released "Self Titled" project in April 2017, stepping into mainstream
"Dilett" Album and Following Success
- Released "Dilett" with extensive collaborations
- Announced "Whole Lotta Red" and disappeared from public for a year
- Faced a significant amount of music leaks

New Style and Aesthetic
- In 2020, transitioned to a darker, punk, high-pitched style
- Released "Whole Lotta Red" on Christmas Day 2020 with raw, punk melodies
- Developed a cult-like fanbase through unique image and performances

Ken Carson
- Discovered for raw, grungy sound
- Friends with Lil 88; connections to TM88
- Cardi recognized him during a concert and began mentorship
- Signed as Opium's first artist, transforming sound and image
- Released successful projects like "Teen X"
Destroy Lonely
- Influenced by a family background in music
- Noticed by Cardi's A&R post "Oh Yeah" song release
- Shifted sound in studio sessions with Cardi
- Released impactful projects like "No Stylist"
Homicide Gang
- Duo from Atlanta, hard rock and murder-themed music
- Fit perfectly under Opium’s punk image
- Released successful projects (e.g., "Homicide Lifestyle", "Snot or Not")

Opium's Cult-Like Image and Concerts
- Artists dressed in a dark punk aesthetic
- Concerts were a spectacle, reinforcing the collective image
- Carefully planned releases, often paired with visuals (e.g., "If Looks Kill" short film)

Building the Empire
- Carti strategically built Opium since 2019
- Focused on creating a cult following
- Developed a unique aesthetic for large-scale influence and success