Opium (record label)

Last updated

Opium
Opium - Logo (cropped).png
Parent company Universal Music Group
Founded2019;5 years ago (2019)
Founder Playboi Carti
Distributor(s)
Genre
Country of originUnited States
Location Atlanta, Georgia
Official website opiumopium.com

Opium is an American record label and rap collective that was founded in 2019 by American rapper Playboi Carti. [1] The label, which is based in Atlanta, Georgia, currently holds four acts all of whom are natives to the city; Playboi Carti himself, rappers Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely, and the duo Homixide Gang. The label is also affiliated with a variety of producers including KP Beatz, F1lthy, and Art Dealer, who all worked extensively on Playboi Carti's second studio album, Whole Lotta Red . [2]

Contents

Opium artists usually feature a dark rap sound and aesthetic that is built upon the Atlanta rage rap scene and is influenced by the 70s and 80s punk rock era. The niche style of its artists strays away from mainstream trap rappers and has garnered its own cultlike fanbase. [3]

History

In July 2022, Ken Carson, who signed to Opium in 2019, released his second studio album X , which debuted at number 115 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and number 50 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. [4] [5] [6] In August 2022, Destroy Lonely, who signed to Opium in 2021, released his fifth mixtape No Stylist , which debuted at number 91 on the US Billboard 200 and number 57 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. [5] [6] [7] [8] In October 2022, Ken Carson released deluxe edition to X , titled Xtended , containing 5 additional tracks. [9] [10] In November 2022, Destroy Lonely released a deluxe edition to No Stylist , titled NS+ (Ultra) , containing several new tracks. [11] [12]

In May 2023, Destroy Lonely released his debut studio album If Looks Could Kill , [13] [14] [15] which was supported by the lead single of the same name, released on March 3, 2023, after the unreleased snippet became viral on TikTok. [16] [17] The single debuted at number 30 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. [18] If Looks Could Kill received mostly positive reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number 18 on the US Billboard 200, earning 29,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, becoming Lonely's highest-charting album. [19] [20] In July 2023, Playboi Carti announced the dates for a global tour called "Antagonist Tour", alongside Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Homixide Gang. [21] [22] Later in September 2023, the U.S. leg of the tour was rescheduled to early 2024. [23] [24] [25] [26] [27]

In September 2023, Destroy Lonely released the deluxe edition of If Looks Could Kill , subtitled Director's Cut, containing all tracks from every edition (including vinyl, CD and digital versions). [28] [29] In October 2023, Ken Carson released his third studio album A Great Chaos , which debuted at number 11 on the US Billboard 200, earning 49,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, and becoming Carson's first US top 20 album. [30] The album was supported by the release of one single: "I Need U", which released on Valentine's Day. [31]

Current artists

ArtistsYear

signed

Releases

under the label

Notes
Playboi Carti Founder1Jointly with Interscope and AWGE
Ken Carson 20193Jointly with Interscope, formerly with Foundation
Destroy Lonely 20212Jointly with Interscope and Ingrooves
Homixide Gang3Jointly with Interscope, formerly with Foundation and Ingrooves

Discography

Seven studio albums and two mixtapes have been released through the label.

Albums

Studio albums

ArtistAlbumDetails
Playboi Carti Whole Lotta Red [32]

(released with Interscope and AWGE)

  • Released: December 25, 2020
  • Chart position: #1 U.S. [33]
  • RIAA Certification: Gold
Ken Carson Project X [34]

(released with Foundation)

  • Released: July 23, 2021
  • Chart position: —
  • RIAA Certification: —
Ken Carson X [35]

(released with Interscope)

  • Released: July 8, 2022
  • Chart position: #115 U.S. [36]
  • RIAA Certification: —
Homixide GangHomixide Lifestyle [37]

(released with Foundation)

  • Released: November 22, 2022
  • Chart position: —
  • RIAA Certification: —
Homixide GangSnot or Not [38]

(released with Foundation)

  • Released: April 27, 2023
  • Chart position: —
  • RIAA Certification: —
Destroy Lonely If Looks Could Kill [39]

(released with Interscope)

  • Released: May 5, 2023
  • Chart position: #18 U.S. [40]
  • RIAA Certification: —
Ken Carson A Great Chaos [41]

(released with Interscope)

  • Released: October 13, 2023
  • Chart position: #11 U.S. [30]
  • RIAA Certification: —
Playboi Carti TBA

(scheduled with Interscope and AWGE)

  • Scheduled: 2024
  • Chart position: —
  • RIAA Certification: —

Mixtapes

ArtistAlbumDetails
Destroy Lonely No Stylist [42]

(released with Interscope and Ingrooves)

  • Released: August 12, 2022
  • Chart position: #91 U.S. [43]
  • RIAA Certification: —
Homixide Gang5th Amndmnt

(released with Ingrooves)

  • Released: October 27, 2023
  • Chart position: —
  • RIAA Certification: —

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Project X</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Ken Carson

Project X is the debut studio album by American rapper Ken Carson. It was released on July 23, 2021, by Opium and Foundation. The album serves as a sequel to Carson's Teen X EP and its Relapsed deluxe edition. In addition, the album and its artwork are named after and pay tribute to the 2012 film Project X. The album was executively produced by producers Star Boy and Outtatown, who produced a majority of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Playboi Carti</span> American rapper

Jordan Terrell Carter, known professionally as Playboi Carti, is an American rapper. An influential figure among his generation, he has contributed to the progression of rage and trap music. He first signed with the local underground record label Awful Records in 2014, and later signed with ASAP Mob's record label AWGE, in a joint venture with Interscope Records two years later. Carter gained mainstream attention following the release of his eponymous debut mixtape (2017), which peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-charting singles "Magnolia" and "Wokeuplikethis".

<i>Playboi Carti</i> (mixtape) 2017 mixtape by Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti is the self-titled debut commercial mixtape by American rapper Playboi Carti. It was released through AWGE and Interscope Records on April 14, 2017. Production was primarily handled by Pi'erre Bourne alongside several other record producers, including Harry Fraud, Hit-Boy, Jake One, and Southside. It features guest appearances from American rappers Lil Uzi Vert, ASAP Rocky, and Dutch singer Leven Kali. The physical version of the mixtape was released on October 6, 2017, and a vinyl edition was released on November 17, 2017.

<i>Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy</i> 2017 studio album by ASAP Mob

Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy is the second studio album by American hip hop collective ASAP Mob. It was released on August 25, 2017, by ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from Big Sean, Pro Era, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Chief Keef, Gucci Mane, Schoolboy Q, Frank Ocean, Jaden Smith, Smooky Margielaa and Flatbush Zombies. It was preceded by two singles, "Raf" featuring ASAP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert and Frank Ocean, and "Feels So Good" featuring ASAP Rocky, ASAP Ferg, ASAP Nast, ASAP Twelvyy and ASAP Ant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Playboi Carti discography</span>

The discography of American rapper and singer Playboi Carti, consists of two studio albums, two extended plays (EP), one collaborative extended play (EP), three mixtapes, seven promotional singles, and 26 singles. Playboi Carti, who was known as Sir Cartier at the time, released two mixtapes between November 2011 and November 2012: THC: The High Chronicles and Young Misfit. In 2016, he was signed to Interscope Records and ASAP Mob's imprint label, AWGE, after gaining attention with his singles, "Broke Boi" and "Fetti", both of which were published to SoundCloud in 2015. His first single to hit the Billboard Hot 100 was the track, "Magnolia", debuting at number 29 on the chart. The single became certified three-times platinum by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pi'erre Bourne</span> American record producer from Kansas

Jordan Timothy Jenks, known professionally as Pi'erre Bourne, is an American record producer and rapper from Fort Riley, Kansas. He is best known for producing the 2017 singles "Magnolia" for Playboi Carti and "Gummo" for 6ix9ine, both of which entered the top 30 of the US Billboard Hot 100.

<i>Die Lit</i> 2018 studio album by Playboi Carti

Die Lit is the debut studio album by American rapper Playboi Carti. It was released through AWGE and Interscope Records on May 11, 2018. Production was primarily handled by Pi'erre Bourne alongside several other record producers, including Don Cannon, Maaly Raw, IndigoChildRick and Art Dealer. The album features a wide range of guest appearances from artists including Skepta, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Pi'erre Bourne, Nicki Minaj, Bryson Tiller, Chief Keef, Gunna, Red Coldhearted, Young Thug, and Young Nudy. The album serves as a follow-up to his debut self-titled mixtape (2017).

<i>Whole Lotta Red</i> 2020 studio album by Playboi Carti

Whole Lotta Red is the second studio album by American rapper Playboi Carti. It was released through AWGE and Interscope Records on December 25, 2020. Production was executively handled by Kanye West, who appears on the song "Go2DaMoon" and was primarily handled by F1lthy and Art Dealer alongside several other record producers, including Pi'erre Bourne, Maaly Raw, Lil 88, Ken Carson and Wheezy. The album consists of 24 tracks and features guest appearances from Kid Cudi, Future and Kanye West. Work on the album commenced in late 2018 and concluded in November 2020. The album serves as a follow-up to his debut studio album, Die Lit (2018).

"Sky" is a song by American rapper and singer Playboi Carti. It was released as the nineteenth track from Carti's second studio album, Whole Lotta Red, on December 25, 2020. The track peaked at number four on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. It is well known for its viral “Wake up/ It’s the first of the month” line, which is part of a monthly TikTok trend on the first of each month. The line is an homage to Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's song "1st of tha Month".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss the Rage</span> 2021 single by Trippie Redd and Playboi Carti

"Miss the Rage" is a song by American rappers Trippie Redd and Playboi Carti. It was released on May 7, 2021, as the lead single for the former's fourth studio album, Trip At Knight. The song was written alongside Loesoe, who produced the track with Peter Jideonwo. Peaking at number 11, it is Redd's highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ken Carson</span> American rapper (born 2000)

Kenyatta Lee Frazier Jr., known professionally as Ken Carson, is an American rapper and record producer. He signed with Playboi Carti's record label Opium, an imprint of Interscope Records in 2019 to release his debut studio album, Project X (2021). Despite generally mixed to unfavorable critical reception, its songs "Rock N Roll" and "Run + Ran" gained popularity on the platform TikTok. His second album, X (2022) saw continued unfavorable reception, but became his first entry on the Billboard 200. His third studio album, A Great Chaos (2023) reached number 11 on the chart and saw a critical incline.

Rage is a microgenre of trap music. Distinguishing features of rage include short looping stereo-widened future bass-influenced synthesizer lead hooks and basic, energetic trap rhythms. Among the pioneers of rage are rappers Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, and Trippie Redd.

<i>X</i> (Ken Carson album) 2022 album by Ken Carson

X is the second studio album by American rapper Ken Carson. It was released through Opium and Interscope Records on July 8, 2022. The album features guest appearances from his Opium labelmates Destroy Lonely and Homixide Gang. Production was handled by Ken's frequent collaborators F1lthy and Lil 88, among others. It is a follow-up to his debut studio album Project X (2021). The deluxe version, titled Xtended, was released three months later, on October 31, 2022, containing 5 additional tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Destroy Lonely</span> American rapper (born 2001)

Bobby Wardell Sandimanie III, known professionally as Destroy Lonely, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. His debut studio album, If Looks Could Kill (2023) peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard 200. Prior, his fifth mixtape, No Stylist (2022) marked his first entry on the chart at number 91.

<i>If Looks Could Kill</i> (Destroy Lonely album) 2023 studio album by Destroy Lonely

If Looks Could Kill is the first major label album by American rapper and singer Destroy Lonely. It was released through Opium and Interscope Records on May 5, 2023. Production was handled by Cxdy, DxnnyFxntom, Lil 88, TM88, and among others. The album contains one feature, from Opium labelmate Ken Carson. The CD edition of the album was released the same day as the digital version, containing three new tracks. The vinyl edition of the album was released on August 11, 2023, also containing three new tracks. The deluxe edition of the album, subtitled "Director's Cut", was released on September 29, 2023, including all bonus tracks from all versions. The album serves as a follow-up to his fifth mixtape, No Stylist (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ken Carson discography</span>

The discography of American rapper Ken Carson consists of 3 studio albums, 3 mixtapes, 4 extended plays, and 29 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Popular (The Weeknd, Playboi Carti and Madonna song)</span> 2023 single by the Weeknd, Playboi Carti and Madonna

"Popular" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, American rapper Playboi Carti, and American singer Madonna. It was released on June 2, 2023, through XO and Republic Records, originally serving as the second single from The Idol, Vol. 1, the now scrapped soundtrack album to the Weeknd's HBO television series, The Idol. The song was later included on the 2024 deluxe edition of the Weeknd's greatest hits album The Highlights (2021). An R&B song, it was written by the Weeknd and Playboi Carti with producers Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, and Tommy Rush, alongside The Idol co-creator Sam Levinson, Michael Walker, and John Flippin.

American rapper and singer Playboi Carti is scheduled to release his upcoming third studio album sometime in 2024, through Interscope Records, AWGE and Opium. The album's title has not yet been confirmed, but several tentative titles, including Narcissist, Antagonist, Music, and I Am Music, have been teased at various points throughout the project's development. The album will serve as a follow-up to his second studio album Whole Lotta Red (2020).

<i>A Great Chaos</i> 2023 studio album by Ken Carson

A Great Chaos is the third studio album by American rapper Ken Carson. It was released through Opium and Interscope Records on October 13, 2023. The album is a follow-up to Carson's second studio album, X (2022), and his third mixtape, Lost Files 4 (2023); it consists of 18 tracks and features guest appearances from Destroy Lonely and Lil Uzi Vert. The album's production was handled by various producers, including Carson, F1lthy, Lil 88, and TM88, among others.

"H00dByAir" is a song by American rapper and singer Playboi Carti. It was released as a promotional track on December 19, 2023, exclusively on Instagram. The song was produced by Cardo and Onokey. It marks the third promotional single of Playboi Carti’s upcoming third studio album, preceded by “2024”, which was released five days before.

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