Playboi Carti Pays Tribute to MF DOOM's Influence on His Music

The Atlanta rapper explains how the late underground icon inspired his unconventional style.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:42pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting dramatic studio lighting, capturing the glamour and grit of the hip-hop industry.Playboi Carti's reverence for the late MF DOOM underscores the depth of his musical knowledge and appreciation for hip-hop's rich history.NYC Today

Playboi Carti has revealed the significant impact that MF DOOM had on his music, even going so far as to reference the legendary rapper on his album 'Whole Lotta Red'. Carti explains that he wanted to put DOOM on to his younger fans who may not have been familiar with the underground icon, showcasing his deep appreciation for DOOM's timeless and influential sound.

Why it matters

This insight into Carti's musical influences and inspirations provides valuable context around his unorthodox rapping style, which has sometimes been dismissed by more traditional hip-hop fans. By highlighting his reverence for an artist as revered as MF DOOM, it underscores Carti's own musical depth and knowledge, challenging the notion that he is simply a 'mumble rapper'.

The details

Carti recounts how he first discovered MF DOOM through his early exposure to Tyler, the Creator and A$AP Rocky, who would play DOOM's music. He was particularly struck by the classic 'Red & Gold' track, saying 'When I first heard that one, I was sold. I can rap on that beat if I wanted to. It's timeless. He's just hard.' When Carti included a DOOM reference on 'Whole Lotta Red', he was excited at the prospect of the underground legend potentially hearing it, noting 'I couldn't wait for DOOM to pop out his shell and shout out Playboi Carti. I ain't even do it for him to shout me out. I just did it to show older people who hear me. Yeah, I f**k with Doom, feel me. I love Doom.'

  • Carti discussed DOOM's influence on his music in a 2021 profile with MARVIN Magazine.

The players

Playboi Carti

An Atlanta-based rapper known for his unconventional rapping style and influence on the new generation of hip-hop artists.

MF DOOM

The late underground hip-hop icon, renowned for his complex lyrical style and masked persona.

Tyler, the Creator

A rapper and producer who was an early influence on Carti and introduced him to MF DOOM's music.

A$AP Rocky

The A$AP Mob rapper who also played a role in exposing Carti to MF DOOM's work.

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What they’re saying

“Imma be real with you. After I said that line and the song was done, I went in the room with my n***as, and we singing the song, and none of my n***as knew who MF DOOM was, none of them. I had to show these n***as who MF DOOM was, then I had to show them who MF DOOM inspired.”

— Playboi Carti, Rapper

“When I first heard that one, I was sold. I can rap on that beat if I wanted to. It's timeless. He's just hard.”

— Playboi Carti, Rapper

“I couldn't wait for DOOM to pop out his shell and shout out Playboi Carti. I ain't even do it for him to shout me out. I just did it to show older people who hear me. Yeah, I f**k with Doom, feel me. I love Doom.”

— Playboi Carti, Rapper

The takeaway

Playboi Carti's reverence for the late MF DOOM demonstrates the depth of his musical knowledge and appreciation for hip-hop's rich history, challenging the notion that he is simply a 'mumble rapper'. By highlighting DOOM's influence on his unconventional style, Carti shows how he is carrying on the legacy of innovative and boundary-pushing artists within the genre.