SAVAGE MODE II / 21 Savage & Metro Boomin / October 2, 2020
- Joshua Yoo
- Oct 10, 2020
- 2 min read
If Morgan Freeman narrating over the album indicates anything, it’s that 21 Savage and Metro Boomin have created a massive cultural force with their “Savage Mode” series. The second installment in the album series, “SAVAGE MODE II” capitalizes on the colder trap style of the previous record, but it also improves greatly in versatility, holding great appeal to fans of all different styles.
21 Savage is widely known for his consistent, subdued delivery, but while certain critics have often claimed that it lacks emotion or invigoration, he provides the counter-evidence on this project. The attitude and emotional weight of many tracks are so clearly audible in his delivery, such as on “Slidin,” where the haunting beat and sharp-edged bars vividly paint the violence of his childhood, or “RIP Luv,” where the contemplative tone of his voice evokes the grief of his romantic undertakings.
However, it’s the versatility that the duo displays on this project that impresses. Where the previous installment tended to remain rather one-dimensional in sound and style, they expand on a variety of different instrumentals with a considerable amount of success. The West Coast inspired delivery on “Steppin on N****s” is a tried-and-true ode to the 80’s, seeing 21 Savage match the beat on an uncharacteristically different style for him. “Rich N***a Shit” carries a more atmospheric synth-wave sound, but 21 and Young Thug compliment the subtler beat charmingly. Much of the credit belongs to Metro Boomin, responsible for the sonic diversity and quality of the instrumentals.
In this regard, it’s a rare case of the sequel surpassing the original in many respects. Delivering on many fans’ hopes of this project and more is truly a commendable feat.
Best Track(s): Runnin, Many Men, Rich N***a Shit, Slidin, RIP Luv, Steppin on N****s
Lowlight(s): Glock in My Lap, Snitches & Rats
SCORE: 7/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbdROU6eJVg
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