In this week’s Billboard 200, 21 Savage’s american dream tops the list at number one, making it his fourth album to hit number one. The 15 song album was released on January 12th, and was 21 Savage’s first solo album since 2018’s I Am > I Was. Since then, he has made two collaboration albums; Her Loss with Drake and Savage Mode II with Metro Boomin. The hit rapper has become very popular since the album with Drake, and has finally made another album of his own.
To start off with this review, let’s talk about the features on the album. It includes many great artists such as Young Thug, Lil Dirk, Travis Scott, Burna Boy, Mariah the Scientist, Brent Faiyaz, and Doja Cat. Doja’s feature starts out with adlibs, and her feature is mediocre at best. Nine out of fifteen songs have a feature and there isn’t a single bad one. Out of all of the features I would say Travis Scott on “née-nah” is the best feature AND the best overall song on the album. A close second is Lil Durk on “dangerous.”
The production on the album is amazing. Metro Boomin produced many of the songs, as well as London On Da Track. Most beats include a fast pace and a hard bass boost, but some beats are slow, such as “prove it,” “dark days,” and “should’ve wore a bonnet.” There’s so many different types of beats on here, like samples like Elza Laranjeira’s “Serenata Do Adeus” on “redrum,” as well as Malcom McLaren’s “About Her” on “nee-nah.” These two beats are probably the best beats as well as some of the most unique samples I’ve heard in a long time.
Overall, the best song on this album is “née-nah.” The song starts off with Travis Scott spitting fire, and the beat as well as the sample are impeccable. The flow, bass, and beat switch make this song a solid 10/10. Not to forget 21’s crazy verse. Many people would say the best song is “redrum,” and that’s understandable. As the second song on the album, it starts it off with a BANG. This song is probably the catchiest off the album and will be all over social media for months. My sleeper song off the album is “see the real.” This beat reminds me of something Drake would slide on, and I was honestly surprised I didn’t hear a feature of his on this album.
Based on the albums that have been released recently, I think this is definitely around an 8.3/10. Out of fifteen songs, I’d say maybe 2 aren’t good at all. From the amazing intro song in “all of me,” all the way to the melodic slow song “dark days,” this album is excellent. 21 Savage deserves a lot more respect than he currently has, and I’d say this album can definitely change that. This was an astonishing album and was great for 21 Savage’s solo career.
