by 21 Savage & Metro Boomin
Released October 2, 2020 via Slaughter Gang / Epic Records / Boominati / Republic Records
Reviewed October 11, 2020
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Many Men (61%), Runnin (56%), Rich N***a Shit (44%)
There is no survivor’s guilt when you bring the whole town on your shoulders. Whether they’re alive to see it or not, they live eternally in your heart. You know that without them you’d be a different person. The combination of 21 Savage & Metro Boomin for a second round seemed too perfect not to happen. And after more than two years without a proper release, 21 Savage – with Metro’s help – turned a famine into a feast. Being labeled a “savage” comes with a lot of preconceived notions. They shouldn’t exempt someone from becoming a better version of themselves, because without that, we wouldn’t have gotten SAVAGE MODE II. – Ben (Synth) (9/10)
It’s amazing to think that at one time, 21 Savage was one of the most generic in his field. Over the course of the last five years, he has pushed himself to become one of the best in his lane, leading up to what likely will be his masterpiece. Savage Mode II finds 21 and Metro not only showing off why they’re the deadliest duo in the modern trap game, but it shows how much they love the genre. The album takes a walk down memory lane through all the different styles of Southern hip-hop that have led to the trap movement. Metro Boomin’s best work is on this album as well, showcasing his immense diversity as a producer. Not only do we get the grimy, nocturnal, fight you in the alley type-trap that’s common today, but we are also presented with some Memphis rap, bling rap, and even some crunk elements all blended to create a multi-flavored project. When they aren’t absolutely killing the competition with the blown out bass, they’ll whip out a Memphis-like 808 cowbell based production piece for 21 Savage to go insane on. The rapper proves he’s more complex than his ruthless killer persona, frequently showing a more emotional side. From a ballad about lost love to reflecting on the consequences of a drug dealer life, 21 Savage presents a bigger lyrical and thematic sense of place than any of his colleagues. I believe this album is a benchmark point for the genre so far, as it just gets everything right; my only complaint is the song with Drake simply should not have been on it. Besides that, Savage Mode II is a prime example of how to do trap music. – Jared (8.5/10)
Sometimes sequels are better than the original. Metro Boomin’s production is impeccable and helps elevate 21 Savage to new heights, while the few features follow suit. Both artists show a new side of themselves, as Metro Boomin’ provides arguably the most diverse and unique collections of beats we’ve heard from him, while 21 Savage gets more emotional and introspective than ever before. Grimy and aggressive, while simultaneously flashy and boastful, SAVAGE MODE II maintains the grittiness of the duo’s debut while also serving somewhat as victory lap for two of trap’s biggest stars. – Dominick (7.5/10)
Ben (Synth): 9/10 | Jared: 8.5/10 | Alan: 8.3/10 | Cam: 8/10 | Enth: 8/10
Dominick: 7.5/10 | Hadley: 7.5/10 | Daniel: 7.4/10
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