In this week’s episode, we explore the cryptic and chaotic world of Opium, the record label founded by Playboi Carti in 2019 that has since evolved into a full-blown subculture of chronically online and fashionably darksided super-fans. From botched merch capsules and vampire cosplay to early TikTok dances and baby mama drama, we descend the Opium iceberg and trawl the Cartinese dark web in attempt to understand the Chrome-bejeweled and Rick-adorned figures shaping youth culture in their image. Links:
Opium (Record Label) on KnowYourMeme
“Playboi Carti Against His Own Game” by Nolan Kelly – Spike Art Magazine
“Playboi Carti and His Offspring Ponder Life After Rage-Rap” by Jon Caramanica – The New York Times
Is Playboi Carti Rap’s Next—or Last—Rap Superstar? – Popcast
“The Rowdy World of Rap’s New Underground” by Jon Caramanica – The New York Times [PHOTOS]
Misc. video essays on YouTube:
* The Opium Aesthetic Explained
* The Rise of Opium: Playboi Carti's Unstoppable Label
“Will Playboi Carti Ever Drop His New Album?” – Rolling Stone
NEVEREVER by Ken Carson kitten videos on TikTok
“The History of Playboi Carti’s Baby Voice” by Greg Gaffney – Complex
“Playboi Carti on His Cut-and-Sew Fashion Line ‘Narcissist’” – Paper Magazine
“5 Things You Should Know About VLONE” – NSS Magazine
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