Can Lightning Strike Twice? 'Savage Mode 2' Album Review
By Carter Fife
Four Years ago 21 Savage and Metro Boomin released Savage Mode, a dejected and hyper-violent mixtape that helped elevate the two young trap artists into hip-hop stardom. The record was a dejected and bleak portrayal of poverty, betrayal, and gang violence - so miserable and grim that it was almost indulgent in the exploration of its own suffering. Metro’s innovative production and 21 Savage’s signature vocal tone and thematic register would work in tandem to create ubiquitous and universally-known tracks like ‘X’ with Future and ‘No Heart’ that still resonate in hip-hop’s canon today. After several months of rumors and cryptic hints, Metro Boomin and 21 Savage finally released the long-awaited sequel Savage Mode 2, sporting a nostalgic bling-rap cover with a knife separating the two icons. The record is six tracks longer than the original, and this time around Metro Boomin’s production is not only decorated with a host of new guests, but also a more developed 21 Savage. Thankfully many of the tracks were worth the wait, but whether or not it will stand the test of time like the first Savage Mode did is yet to be seen.
One of the first things one hears listening to Savage Mode 2 is not 21 Savage or one of Metro Boomin’s notorious production tags. The first voice on the record is instead, Morgan Freeman, who narrates over half of the songs on this record. Occasionally he will gracefully make an appearance to offer some wisdom on the nature of violence, snitching, or what Savage Mode means. While some found this to be corny, Freeman’s narration actually has two purposes - the first is to obviously flex on the audience with a star actor delivering ideas that you would never expect to hear come out of Morgan Freeman’s mouth, but the other is to add a sense of levity to the record. Since the release of Savage Mode, 21 Savage has gradually incorporated his subtle sense of humor into his music, perceivable only to those that keep a close eye on what Savage is putting down, which admittedly is easier said than done. Though the first track is entirely Freeman’s musings, the album wastes no time getting to the music.
Savage Mode 2 sees 21 Savage and Metro Boomin at arguably the prime of their careers. Though Metro frequently takes time off to ‘retire’, 21 Savage has spent the past 4 years consistently developing as an artist with each release. It is rather strange to think about how the original Savage Mode came out right after 21’s placement on the XXL freshman list in 2016, and now we see him 5 platinum singles later, with placements from artists like Travis Scott, Post Malone, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Offset under his belt. On Savage Mode 2 he shines, delivering hard-hitting raps that no longer need to rely on meme-esque threatening or overly-violent one-liners. 21 Savage demonstrates a versatility that is uncommon to see in an artist his age, flowing effortlessly on desolate bangers like ‘Glock In My Lap’, pop-rap hybrids like ‘Mr. Right Now’ with Drake, and even more laid back and vintage sounding cuts like ‘RIP Luv’, ‘Said N Done’ and ‘Rich N**** Shit’ with Young Thug. Where there used to stand an indulgent one-dimensional rapper, today exists a multifaceted and skilled artist who can hold his own when working with even the most commercially-successful industry heavyweights.
This time around Metro Boomin’s production does not seem as game-changing or innovative, which is not entirely his fault. Over the past few years, Metro has seen his production methods and styles become the industry norm, so much so that at this point songs like this rarely are classified as trap music. A negative side effect to Metro Boomin not being one of the only ones in his lane anymore is that now his style sounds generic - like commercial hip hop. Despite this, Metro Boomin still works against the trends to deliver some hard-hitting and incredibly well-composed mixes, even if seconds after their release he inspires a whole new wave of ‘type beats’ to drop on YouTube.
Album cuts like ‘Glock In My Lap’ and ‘Brand New Draco’ are spacious and cinematic - a surprising departure away from the ambient and dangerous beats that he used to compliment 21 Savage’s style so many years ago. The record’s first half is full of great beats, ‘Runnin’ and ‘Slidin’ both capture the energy of the first Savage Mode, albeit a bit more moderate. Though some of Metro’s mixes may appear as less lustrous as they would have 4 years ago, like ‘Snitches and Rats’ with Young Nudy and the first half of ‘My Dawg’, others are hard not to praise despite not being incredibly enjoyable. The first that comes to mind is ‘Steppin on N****s’, a percussion-heavy beat that sounds like it was ripped straight out of the ’80s, and the klaxons used on the chorus with 21 Savage’s monotone evoke almost Planet Rock-type vibes. It is easy to wish that Savage Mode 2 sounded more like the first, filled with haunting minimalism and low-key instrumentals that help capture 21 Savage’s misery and struggle, but the choice to include a more dynamic array of beats was likely the right one as 4 years later, neither Metro nor 21 are the same artist that they used to be. This may be a good thing, no matter how much love Savage Mode receives.
Ultimately there is not too much to criticize about this record. Like most records of its type, it is a lot to digest while listening to the entirety in one sitting, but this mixtape has many positives that its predecessor didn’t. Savage Mode 2 is far more versatile than the first, and though it may not have its euphoric highs, it makes up for this with consistency, talent, and versatility. 21 Savage’s departure from his reliance on extremely sinister lyrics signals a substantial change, and despite the fact that his writing is still far more melancholic and violent than the average rapper, he now has many more skills and tricks at his disposal this time around. Hearing 50 Cent on ‘Many Men’ was an incredible moment that wouldn’t have fit the monolithic register of the first Savage Mode, and this record certainly makes a strong argument towards investing in a new artistic direction. It is not easy to make lightning strike twice, and perhaps it did not with Savage Mode 2, but maybe that is a good thing. Metro Boomin and 21 Savage’s turn towards a more dynamic and insightful aesthetic will likely pay off in the long run, but only time will tell. If you haven’t checked out this album yet, you owe it to yourself to do so - it is streaming everywhere and best believe if they decide to tour once the pandemic is over, you’ll have to bite and claw to get a ticket.
Favorite tracks
Glock In My Lap
Said N Done
Many Men
Rating: 8
Listen to Savage Mode 2 here:
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