On Sunday night (Jan. 21), 21 Savage released his fourth Billboard 200 album No. 1 with the release of his third solo LP, American Dream. The highly-anticipated blockbuster set comes more than half a decade after his 2018 sophomore effort I am > I wasand it could be the masterpiece that cements Savage's name as a generational star for years to come.
While a glaring hiatus between solo albums would derail most artists' base, 21 has remained consistent, churning out scene-stealing features and indelible full-length collaborative projects, including in 2020 Savage Mode II with Metro Boomin and 2022's Her loss with Drake. And even before debunking the fabled sophomore curse, 21 was an austere rookie with irresistible charm, igniting the mixtape scene in 2016 when he collaborated with Metro on Savage Mode heaters like “No Heart” and “X.” Admittedly, Savage's whimsical wordplay wasn't quite up to snuff yet, as he hurled rants that made backpackers grimace. Yet at the same time, his records were instant headbangers among the younger generation and sweet for clubbers.
A prime example of Savage's genius came in 2017 with “Bank Account.” With Metro Boomin handling the production, Savage penned a minimalist yet catchy hook that became a money-hungry anthem and led to his biggest hit on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time, with the song peaking at No. 12. Savage's wit and “less is more” mantra made his lyrics extremely digestible and downright entertaining. Even if you look at his features like a chart-topping “rockstar” of Post Malone's Hot 100, Savage's memorable one-liners, “Your wife says I look like a whole snack” or “Sweeter than pop- Tarta, you know you ain't tough,” helped propel the poker-faced rapper into an incomparably entertaining star.
When paired with Offset enabled Without warning or Drake on Her lossThe 21-year-old is a chameleon who blends in well regardless of his co-star and is uncomplicated in his approach. He can easily serve as a reliable wingman when carving up clubbers or a competitive heel when battling opps. And while his fast-paced lyrics can be playful and funny, 21 can easily contrast these efforts with the poignant street stories that made 2018 I am > I was A step in the right direction. Tracks like “letter 2 my momma,” “all my friends,” and his Grammy-winning collaboration “very” with J. Cole demonstrate Savage's introspection and free thoughts as a deep thinker.
Along with 21 increasing his depth lyrically, his penchant for cut soul samples and growth as a songwriter – both of which are already evident on I am > I was – reaches a new level American Dream. While 21's penchant for bedroom theatrics (“Sneaky”) and street rap (“Dangerous”) remains at an all-time high on his third album, he digs deeper and offers more on the film set. After struggling through a years-long story about his immigration status, Savage uses pieces of his trials and tribulations to set the table for american Dream, including getting his mother to speak on their trip to America in the intro and outro of the album. Rich samples, including Rose Royce's “Wishing on a Star” for 21's “All of Me,” set the scene for his tales of a tumultuous upbringing and his conflicted battle between good and evil. “I saw a lot of murder and still I kept my focus,” he spits.
album standout, 'Letter to My Brudda', is a passionate 21 pusher centered around cheating and disappointment for his mates and shows a more evolved writer than in previous years. “They'll stand on couches with you, but they won't stand on their jobs,” he raps in frustration. The album's outro is perhaps 21's most compelling performance: “Dark Days” sees him encouraging young people to stay in school and not risk their lives for short-term gain, rapping: “You say you love your switch, but he doesn't love you back/ You can hug this block all night long, he won't hug you back.”
And when Savage reaches the world of R&B, it's not that difficult, as he's a perfect match for any singer who joins his escapades: His second half American Dream thrives on '90s soul samples with Summer Walker (“Prove It”) and Brent Faiyaz (“Should've Wore a Bonnet”). And, of course, his killer chart streak remains intact, thanks to his No. 5-debuting Hot 100 single “Redrum,” which is already his highest unaccompanied chart hit.
Statistically, 21 already ranks well with his contemporaries in the 20s, including Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, Gunna, Lil Durk and Playboi Carti, with his four Billboard 200 No. 1 albums. 1 and a Grammy win for Best Rap Song in 2020. He has the respect of rap luminaries such as Jay-Z and Nas, with the latter poaching him for a movie in 2022 with “One Mic, One Gun “, belying Savage's inability to blend in with the older generation. His discography is pristine, featuring some of the best collaborative projects of the last decade, and his track record is just as horrendous as his first foray into the rap ecosystem, especially after last year's appearances with Travis Scott (“Topia Twins”) and Rod Wave (“Turks & Caicos”).
While Savage has unlocked many levels thus far in his young career, he has yet to reach superstar status like Drake, J. Cole, Future or Young Thug for most rap fans. Part of the issue comes from Savage not having a consensus classic album. Although American Dream puts Savage on the right path to reach the mountainous heights ahead of him, he needs to buckle down, continue to loosen up on the cartoony punches and create more moments like “Brudda” and “Dark Days” to have this magnum opus. And while it's great to have the star power and meaning that 21 has on his resume, whether it's a Drake collab or a Post Malone record, 21 will need to produce more solo hits to prove that he doesn't need help and stands alone – like “Redrum”, whose strong debut and positive momentum prove he's off to a good start there.
However, for the 21-year-old to become the face of the new generation, he still needs to develop his willingness to become a formidable performer. After touring with Drake and J. Cole, the biggest question will be whether he can hold his own as a headliner and closer. While he has the chops to deliver an electric show, he needs the right energy and consistency to become a global threat for years. Also, while he has made strides lyrically, it will be vital for 21 to continue to develop in that pocket while maintaining that crossover ability.
The greats have managed to maintain their essence and edge while breaking through the doors of the mainstream with their hits. If he can develop these skills, then he will be the Wild One he always wanted to be.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/21-savage-american-dream-rap-superstar-1235586483/