Savage Mode II Album Review

“Great men with great ideals can be separated by hundreds or even thousands of miles and still be in the same place. They can be years or even generations apart in age. And yet, somehow, find themselves on the exact same page. When these men join forces to put the focus of reaching the same goals... they are not two, but one. Instead of simply adding one's common attributes to another's, they somehow tend to multiply all attributes of both. Whether from St. Louis or East Atlanta. Whether from a savage land or a booming metropolis. Whether they are two or two billion, the greatest their numbers could ever become, is to truly become one.

I now present to you SAVAGE MODE II."

Morgan Freeman

Living up to a Legacy

Just four years ago, Savage Mode took Atlanta and the broader Hip-Hop community by storm. It cemented Metro Boomin as one of the most popular trap beat producers and brought 21 Savage into the spotlight. Now in 2020, in time for another election, within the midst of a pandemic, when we are at all at the mercy of nature and suffering, Savage Mode II is released.

The pressure was high to create a sequel that lived up to its predecessor's legacy. After all, Savage mode is regarded as one of the best rapper-producer duo projects of the decade. Something I do not think 21 Savage or Metro Boomin took lightly. The album is packed with special guest features like Drake, Young Thug, and narrations from Morgan Freeman.

The cover art is done by the iconic former Houston graphic design firm Pen & Pixel. A company that is often paired with Hip Hop music because of their work with artists like Cash Money and Juvenile.

21 and Metro Boomin leave several pop culture shoutouts through the album and pay homage to the music they grew up on. Including a small sample of a 50 cent classic at the end of "Many Men."

"50 Cent’s 2003 song “Many Men (Wish Death).” On 50’s original, he raps about being shot nine times and having a price on his head. On 21’s new song, he recalls his exploits as a robber. "

Insanul Ahmed

Rap music isn't the only genre that 21 and Metro give their respects to. They include the intro of Diana Ross's "I Thought It Took a Little Time (But Today I Fell in Love) in their first track "Runnin."

The Halloween type beats Metro Boomin created are perfect for the spooky season. Despite the ominous times we live in, I thought this project was relatively lighthearted and carved a connection between past Hip Hop and current. In my opinion, Metro Boomin and 21 Savage delivered a good sequel and the soundtrack we all needed for October 2020.

Rap vs. Reality

It's not lost on any of us that 21 Savage is rapping about violence. He is claiming to sell drugs and tote guns and all the other aspects of gang life. He is entitled to tell his story, of course. Some would argue that entertainment is meant to stay that way, claiming it doesn't matter what the truth is. How much of his lifestyle are his listeners supposed to take as truth? Does 21 Savage care about his street cred?

These questions are answered on Savage Mode II, and in an interview he did with the Breakfast Club. We can see his life does replicate the pain he talks about in his music. Throughout the interview, he recounts being surrounded by death and constantly having to attend funerals. He even witnessed his uncle get shot in the head twice when he was only eleven years old. He weaves a story of street life that includes not having a father, selling drugs, and getting shot.

"I’m a real gangsta. I really come from that shit. There’s other niggas too that come from that shit, but most of these niggas don’t come from it. I’m not saying that it’s a problem, I’m just saying that’s what’s different from me. Like I’ve been shot, all types of shit. Lost niggas right in front of me, I’ve been in real life or death situations and shit.

21 Savage on Rapping about Violence

We can see that his roots stem from the same place his dark, gritty lyrics do. He may not be currently involved in that lifestyle, and when probed in the interview, he does say there will come a time when he doesn't rap about violence. But he goes further to say he wouldn't have the fame he does if he didn't. Noting that he would not even be on the Breakfast Club that day or receiving an interview at all.

21 does care about his reputation and has a monetary interest in doing so. When the rapper was detained by ICE in 2019, it was revealed that he was born overseas in the U.K., and people started to question his reputation as a "gangsta." He puts these rumors to rest in "My Dawg" by saying:

"Niggas keep talkin' that U.K. shit like I don't got AKs .

Like, 'cause I was born overseas, these muhfuckers ain't gon' spray-spray."

21 Savage, by promoting that lifestyle, plays a role in its glorification. However, demand sometimes creates the product. People are buying and enjoying this music. It's ingrained into our culture, and the line between Rap and Reality continues to blur and become harder to distinguish.

My Top 3 Savage Mode II Tracks

A "rat" is a traitor, a conceiver, planner, or physical participator . He doesn't sell secrets for power or cash, he betrays the trust of his team or his family hoping to save his own cowardly ass . The difference is, at least a snitch is human, but a rat is a fuckin' rat, period

Morgan Freeman Snitches and Rats Interlude.

1. Mr. Right Now

The sideman has become a coveted and semi esteemed role. Possibly the best rapper at capitalizing on romance, Drake joins 21 Savage in this sideman anthem. It even stirred up controversy when the Toronto Rapper included these lyrics.

"Yeah, said she wanna fuck to some SZA, wait

'Cause I used to date SZA back in '08."

In 2008 SZA was 17, and she took to Twitter to expel the rumors of underage dating.

Despite the scandal, I love the beat on this song, and I like how playful the guys seem to be. I thought the song was funny, and I expect it to be one I listen to in all environments and through every one of my moods.

2. Glock in My Lap

Metro's producing skills shine through on this track. I absolutely love the beat, and I can tell he labored over every chord.

“Glock in My Lap” is arguably the most cinematic beat Metro’s ever made. Produced alongside Honorable C.N.O.T.E. and Southside, their three consecutive producer tags add tension like the consecutive footsteps on a creaky floor in a horror movie."

Alphonse Pierre- Pitchfork Staff Writer.

3. Many Men

The evil man envies the good in others . What this means is all hatred is really born from hatred of self . And can only serve to aid in one's own destruction . This is the downfall of many men.

Morgan Freeman- Many Men

The beat, the cadence, the bars, there is no top 3 list without this track.

Parting Words

I really liked the project, and believe it appeals to a variety of listeners. I have some issues with the messages but if Morgan Freeman can co-sign, so can I. I'm ecstatic for a little positivity during this time and I hope this release improves your spooky season as much as it did mine.

Thank you for reading.

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