Playboi Carti is a genre-bending rapper known for his minimalist beats and experimental vocal style.
Emerging from Atlanta’s underground scene, he has become a standout figure in the new wave of hip-hop, blending punk energy with trap invention.
Carti’s music often emphasizes mood and vibe over traditional lyrical structure, creating a feel that blends with a generation drawn to rawness and bold individuality.
About the Song
Punk Monk is a gritty track that highlights Carti’s frustration with the music industry, disloyal peers, and the pressure of fame.
The song stands out for its stripped-back production and direct lyrics—a rare moment when Carti strips away his abstract flow for something more straightforward and confessional.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | December 25, 2020 |
| Album | Whole Lotta Red |
| Writers | F1LTHY, Lukrative, Lucian & Playboi Carti |
| Producers | F1LTHY, Lukrative & Lucian |
Punk Monk Lyrics by Playboi Carti
Intro
Ayy, punk monk
Ayy, yeah
What?
Chorus
Know your gang, know your gang (What? What?)
Know your gang, know your gang (What? Ayy, what?)
Know your gang, know your gang (What? What?)
Know your gang, know your gang (What?)
Post-Chorus
One thing I hate the most (Slatt)
One thing I hate the most (Oh yeah)
Is some friendly-ass niggas (Yeah)
Some friendly-ass niggas (What?)
Some friendly-ass niggas (Woah)
Some friendly-ass niggas (Woah)
Don’t talk to me
Don’t talk to me (Yeah)
Don’t talk to me (Ayy)
Don’t talk to me
Them niggas not with us (Us, what?)
Them niggas not with us (What? What?)
Them niggas not with us (What? What? What?)
Verse
I told my brother yesterday, uh (Uh)
I had every chance to sign all the young niggas
But I was in my bag (Bag, bag)
Really, I don’t wanna worry about these niggas (What? No)
I was tryna sign Trippie Redd before they knew about Trippie
I was fuckin’ with Lil Keed when he made lil’ “Blicky” (Blicky)
And I thought I had Pi’erre, but the label tricked me (What?)
They tried to turn me into a white boy, but I’m not Lil Dicky
I remember I used to follow KEY! and ManMan Savage
Ridin’ ’round the hood, I was ridin’ with the ratchet (What?)
Lil TJ was my shooter, but they turned that boy against me (What?)
But OG said, “Hold that shit down,” so I ain’t trippin’ (Yeah)
I was in Paris when Offset and Uzi started hittin’
And I had to stay out that shit because that ain’t none my business (Yeah)
I just worry ’bout me (Uh, me)
I just worry ’bout me (What? What?)
I gotta worry ’bout me (What? What? What? What?)
I gotta worry ’bout me (What? What? What? What?)
Why? (Why? Yeah, yeah, yeah), oh
I’m not friendly at all (What?)
I don’t even want these niggas on my song (No)
I don’t even need these niggas on my song (No doubt)
I don’t rap, I write poems (What?)
If you think you an ape, bitch, then I’m King Kong (Woah)
If you know you great, bitch, then this your song (What? What?)
We are great (Yeah, what? What? Yeah)
The greatest, yeah (What? Uh, what?)
We are great (What? What?)
The greatest (Yeah, what? Yeah, yeah, yeah)
When you not gang
You turn into a hater
Chorus
Know your gang, know your gang (Pussy)
Know your gang, know your gang (Pussy bitch, ayy)
Know your gang, know your gang (What? What?)
Know your gang, know your gang (What? What? What? God, yeah)
Post-Chorus
One thing I hate the most (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
One thing I hate the most (Oh yeah)
Is some friendly-ass niggas (Yeah)
Some friendly-ass niggas (What?)
Some friendly-ass niggas (What?)
Some friendly-ass niggas (What?)
Don’t talk to me (Don’t talk to me)
Don’t talk to me (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Don’t talk to me (Don’t talk, ayy, yeah)
Don’t talk to me (Ayy, ayy, yeah)
Them niggas not with us (What? Us, us, what?)
Them niggas not with us (What? What?)
Them niggas not with us (Yeah, yeah, yeah, uh, what?)
Similar Songs Like Punk Monk
Here are some songs by Playboi Carti that carry a similar vibe and energy to Punk Monk, showcasing his raw style, rebellious tone, and unique production:
- Stop Breathing: A gritty and aggressive track that channels frustration and defiance, with Carti asserting dominance over his critics and lifestyle.
- Sky: More melodic yet still thoughtful, this song shows Carti’s rise and isolation, offering a contrast between fame and personal emotion.
- No Sl33p: Delivers a chaotic, high-energy song with themes of ambition, trust issues, and Carti’s unconventional rise in the rap scene.
Similar Artists Like Playboi Carti
Here are some artists similar to Playboi Carti, known for their impact in the trap and experimental hip-hop scenes:
- Lil Uzi Vert
Genre: Hip-Hop, Trap
Top Album: Eternal Atake (2020) - Travis Scott
Genre: Hip-Hop, Psychedelic Trap
Top Album: Astroworld (2018) - Yeat
Genre: Trap, Hyperpop
Top Album: 2 Alivë (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Significance of the Song Title?
The title Punk Monk symbolizes Carti’s internal conflict between revolt (“punk”) and isolation (“monk”).
What Inspired the Album’s Visual?
The album’s imagery and merchandise designs are drawn from punk rock and heavy metal, with cover art inspired by The Damned singer Dave Vanian.
What Personal Struggles Does Carti Express in The Song?
Carti expresses his inner struggle between the desire for success and the craving for isolation, acknowledging that success can be isolating.
