21 Savage - American Dream (Album Review)
Starting the album with 'Track 1, American Dream' features a voice sharing poetry about a mother expressing her decision. She made choices that provided her son with a chance for a better life, acknowledging challenges. Despite the changing locations and situations, her mission is for her son to become a man and live the American dream. I found myself deeply thinking, 'Wow, every decision you make is for the next generation.
Track 2, 'All of Me,' delves into 21 Savage's life and journey, shedding light on how people take advantage of him. The song also addresses those claiming to be real. Listen to 1 minute 36 seconds, and you'll hear him say, 'All I got is these lil’ pictures when I think bout all the G’s, memories in my head, devil talkin’ to me (on God).' It's a raw expression of his pain, providing glimpses into his mental state. Dive deep, but be cautious, especially if you resonate with street life.
Explore 'Track 3, Redrum' where the spelling 'redrum' backwards reveals everything about this track. The artistic work invites deep thought, and many might not be aware of its significance. Listening up to 2 minutes and 52 seconds sheds more light. While you may not appreciate the ladies' voices emerging from underground, the line 'I can’t let a bit€h play me, no way' stands out for me. Proceed with caution, especially if you resonate with street life.
Check out 'Track 4, N.H.I.E. ft Doja Cat.' Despite my efforts to understand the track's meaning, the lyrics convey a vibe that speaks volumes. This track is dedicated to all the fake people out there. Doja Cat's contribution perfectly justifies the essence of the track. It's an ideal choice for playing when someone accuses you of something you wouldn't do, yet they find it easy to associate it with your name.
Let's talk about 'Track 5, Sneaky'. If you're a Nigerian with that serious money, this track is for you! Play it when you've got that girl who always shows up when her man claims she's on vacation in Dubai. 21 Savage suggests letting them in for a quick encounter and appreciating their sneaky moves. And if they're flaunting, ask those girls who's the one man that ever posts about them.
"Check out 'Track 6, Pop Ur Sh!t ft Young Thug, Metro Boomin.' If you're street street, you'll grasp the deep conversation between him, Young Thug, and Metro Boomin. It's all about popping sh!t if you believe you've got the money. I can't help but laugh hearing Young Thug rap even while in jail; his voice is still selling. You better pop ur shit."
Let's talk about 'Track 7, Letter to My Brudda.' This is my favourite track, a dedication to all the hustlers out there. It's a real gem for those striving to make ends meet with family always on their minds. It's been on repeat for me. I resonate with the line 'it’s not that easy putting your pain into music.' To everyone surviving and making decisions they didn't plan due to others taking advantage—stay strong.
Dive into 'Track 8, Dangerous ft Lil Durk, Metro Boomin.' Lil Durk's part is a standout for me, especially when he says, 'y'all homie switchin(gang), I can’t talk, my voice bigger, whatever you think, my boys did it.' If you're well-versed in American rap, you'll catch that this line carries a message directed at someone, a name I won't mention, but you should know.
Let's talk about 'Track 9, Née-Nah ft Travis Scott, Metro Boomin.' Sorry, but not sorry for saying this – I think Nigerian rap artists might need to work with Metro Boomin. Now, back to the track, Travis Scott did justice to it. To understand everything he's saying, you have to be well open-minded because there are many stories all together at once. I found myself shaking my head while listening. And you already know 21 did what is expected of him. Tune in, especially to 2 minutes and 10 seconds .
Let's explore 'Track 10: See the Real.' At 17 seconds, hearing 21 Savage's voice with the statement 'my dog want nothing out of life but to k!ll niggas' sets a deep metaphor if you can understand it. The track revolves around questioning yourself and everyone around you. Listening again and again, I laugh because I find a trace of toxicity in this track. But I guess toxic is the new name for love now for the Gen Z.
"Explore 'Track 11: Prove It ft Summer Walker,' a perfect song to send to that one-in-a-million girl you love. 21 Savage masterfully expresses his love for a special woman, possibly his wife, keeping it private. Summer Walker finishes the verse with everything every woman says when they see their man acting in a way they can't understand. It's a love rap song.
Let's delve into 'Track 12: Should've Wore a Bonnet ft Brent Faiyaz.' The first 14 seconds of the intro might not be something most Gen Z quickly grasp, but it's a classic track if you want to feel the 70s and 80s rap vibes. The title of the track should give you a clue about what you're listening to. 'Babe, run it for him,' and with Brent delivering that old-school blues, it's nothing but a song to play while holding your babe, dancing, and imagining the 70s vibes. He's coming!!! Run it for him when you see 21 Savage.
Let's talk about 'Track 13 ft Burna Boy, Metro Boomin.' Having Burna Boy on this album has me smiling, not just because of the track itself, but because it's a song that is different for Burna's fan base. It's not Afrofusion; Burna Boy is giving us another side of him, jumping on 21 Savage's album, creating this magical vibe. Many people might not appreciate it because they lack the visual of the future to understand that this is history for the generation coming after us – showcasing the connection between African and African American cultures with a strong bloodline of London, all while Metro Boomin does his thing.
Dive into 'Track 14: Red Sky ft Tommy Newport, Mikky Ekko.' This one's for the ladies. 21 Savage is throwing shade at makeup enthusiasts while cautioning about dating rappers who might be snitches. Ever wondered how your story leaked? Look no further. And ladies, ease up on the excess makeup—it might make a man stiff. Having two singer-songwriter-record producers on one track, Tommy Newport and Mikky Ekko, should tell you all you need to know.
"Dive into 'Track 15: Dark Days ft Mariah the Scientist.' The instrumental is perfectly done, creating a backdrop for 21 Savage to share his life lessons with the younger generation—emphasizing self-love, staying in school, and thinking beyond street codes. He addresses failed gang members attempting rap, warning about the consequences of skipping school. Mariah the Scientist brings her blues vibes into this track, adding a unique touch. Let me know your thoughts. How would you rate this track? Remember, even gangsters cry, and I appreciate his mom's voice ending the album.
