Atlanta’s favorite duo is back, and darker than ever. Four years after the prolific Savage Mode mixtape dropped and introduced the world to 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, the two have come back with a matured air surrounding their themes, production, and lyricism. 21 Savage, after coming off his second studio album, I Am Greater than I Was, which was nominated for best rap album and received widespread acclaim from critics, bolstered Savage’s repertoire and showed a side of the artist, a type of introspection, not seen on his earlier projects.
Meanwhile Metro Boomin had grown his production quality and creative outlets with the 2018 release of his Not All Heroes Wear Capes, where he collaborated with major artists such as Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, Swae Lee, Gunna, Young Thug, and Drake, just to name a few. Using these experiences, the two friends came back together and created the shadowy and blood-splattered, flame-engulfed 44-minute album!
Below are our favorite tracks of Savage Mode II, take a read, and see if you agree. 😈
Runnin
Runnin is the second track on Savage Mode II, but it is an easy first in our eyes among the 15 songs present. and conflagrates the tape with an inferno of classic Boomin 808s, eerily beautiful Diana Ross samples, and incredibly grisly and confident lyricism. 21 Savage shows out once again, dancing around in the bones of his Atlanta roots. On the track, Savage threatens his enemies with glee. He scares them because they know he spares no one. 21 reminisces to the days of Savage Mode and gets creative with the usage of the track’s title in his bars, creating an overall very enjoyable opener.
Glock in My Lap
Glock in My Lap is easily the second hardest track on the tape. The hard piano progression weaving the backbone of the beat and the heavy 808s thumping overtop create a suitable foundation for the other melodies such as the violin riffs at the very top. In layman’s terms, Metro has done it yet again. Creating a perfect atmosphere for his counterpart to set aflame, and 21 does just that. Spitting bars about gang violence and his experience with lethal weapons, 21 portrays his paranoia and alertness, a glock in his lap protecting him from any danger.
Steppin on N****s
The vibe we immediately felt from the first few seconds of this track was N.W.A’s signature “Cruisin’ in My 64”, with its ‘80s/’90s West Coast rap themed production. The beat caught our ears and never let go, the disco synths and disc scratches dancing on our eardrums. 21 raps about figuratively having his foot on the neck of the entire rap game, along with his telltale topic of violence and retaliation for wrongdoings. The sample for this track, in particular, is Rodney O and Joe Cooley’s “Nobody Disses Me”.
Snitches and Rats (Interlude)
The Snitches and Rats (Interlude) is one of two tracks on Savage Mode II helmed by renowned actor, director, and narrator, Morgan Freeman. Almost as cinematic as his first appearance on “Intro”, Freeman tells the listening audience the difference between a snitch and a rat, concluding towards the beginning of the actual track, that rats are much worse. Freeman’s voice adds a heightened sense of darkness to the already murky atmosphere, providing a powerful and provocative pathway for 21’s sound.
Brand New Draco
Brand New Draco is another classic Metro-Savage banger, with 21 boasting about a brand new draco he’s purchased, which he can’t wait to use on his enemies. This track holds an anthemic feel behind the heavy 808s and consistent high-hats. A synth melody tickles at the edge of the listener’s hearing, adding a nice two-melody layer over the deep production. On the track 21 also speaks on other illegal activities, wealth, and sexual endeavors.
Many Men
Many Men is a call back to 50 Cent’s viral track under the same name, and even samples the song in the last few seconds of the track. On the song 21 speaks on all the illegal and dangerous activities he’s partaken in and confesses that though he wants to leave his past behind him, there are still those who are out for his head, wanting revenge for his past wrongdoings, violence, and anger. This track was teased in the trailer for Savage Mode II.
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