21 Savage & Metro Boomin followed up their 2016 EP, Savage Mode, with the full-length sequel, Savage Mode II on October 2nd, 2020.
I reviewed the album, unfortunately, an edit was made that affected the link where the review was published.
To commemorate Savage Mode II’s one-year anniversary (and our 21st newsletter), we’re republishing an updated review in today’s newsletter. Enjoy.
With these reviews, I can’t skip, rewind, replay, or stop the music once I start. I got to play the entire album, straight through, and give my immediate reactions. At the end of each song I’ll decide if I’d replay it or if I’m ready for the NEXT track.
21 Savage & Metro Boomin: Savage Mode II
“Intro”
The first voice on the album is Morgan Freeman, a pleasant surprise. Suspenseful keys, soaring string and a tense low bass play beneath his narration.
This script is well-written. Allowing Morgan to deliver a speech that’s both poetic and cinematic.
Feels like I’m listening to the beginning of a movie and not the start of an album.
“I now present to you, Savage Mode II”
“Runnin”
A seamless transition into a vocal sample. The woman’s voice is joined by a villainous laugh. 21 arrives like a supervillain. Strong opening verse into a repetitious hook.
“Runnin” starts the album with a boastful scowl. What the Boogeyman would ride around to if he drove a hellcat.
The production brings to mind Three 6 Mafia and haunted houses. A good contrast to the brass knuckle lyricism.
I love how 21 raps like his verses are recorded in dark alleys.
Love Future’s tag at the end. Production switches to a stripped down piano. Morgan is back:
“Are things better or worse the second time around?”
“Glock In My Lap”
“Glock In My Lap” sounds like Boogeyman just stepped into a party with a bottle of 1942.
21 Exudes fearlessness. I’m convinced he would taunt Satan if they ever crossed paths. I don’t love the hook, but the verses are sharp.
We must give Metro Boomin more credit for living up to his name.
One thing about 21, he’s going to reference the rats. The Elon Musk name drop was funny.
I expect the next ten years of rap will be filled with bars referencing Tesla.
Okay, the hook is growing on me. It’s his presence that wins me over. 21 raps like a shark circling his prey.
“You pray on your knees, I pray to my strap.”
“Mr. Right Now” (feat. Drake)
Track three switches to a more melodic mood. Sonically, this is far warmer than the previous records.
Not sure how I feel about the energy shift. The album went from graveyard insults to an island vacation.
Drake sounds fine.
“More concerned with blowing up than growing up.”
Says the pettiest rapper in all of rap. Drake dating SZA back in 2008 is not something I needed to know.
I rather hear these two on something much dirtier.
Although the production is worth revisiting, “Mr. Right Now” is a skip for me. NEXT
“Rich Nigga Shit” (feat. Young Thug)
Luxurious production. Savage is rapping with a millionaire's swagger.
Savage Mode II displays a maturity to his technical rapping.
He’s one rapper who makes all the right adjustments to his flow and delivery so that he never sounds like other rappers.
He lives in his own world by his own rules.
I love when a song lives up to its title. Thugger is bringing a more inspired performance than Drake while keeping a mellow delivery.
He sounds as rich as the production. He coasted with ease. I'll revisit this one.
“Slidin”
Another swift in energy. The album went from a duplex apartment to somewhere dirty and desolate. I love it here.
Why isn’t NBA Youngboy on this album? He exists in the same Black Air Force 1 dystopia as Savage. I imagine they would wreak havoc together.
“Slidin” is the one. The opening verse and the hook are excellent with the ideal beat.
Second verse keeps that same energy. 21 rapping about John Wick feels on-brand. They are kindred spirits. And now Morgan is back.
“When your vision is crystal clear, they say it's razor sharp. A focused mind is said to be like a knife.”
He’s giving quotables with each appearance.
“Many Men”
“Slidin” into “Many Men” is good sequencing. I need to revisit Metro Boomin’s NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES because the sequencing for that album is pristine.
“Many men want to kill me, I feel like 50.”
Few rappers embody the spirit of 50 Cent at the height of his hip-hop villainy like Savage does. He has that edge to him.
With that said, for a rapper of his stature, it’s impressive how he hasn’t switched to a safer palette.
Although more polished and the budget is much bigger, the music still places the listener in a concrete jungle.
Interpolating and sampling “Many Men (Wish Death)” is a good, nostalgic nod. Another Morgan narration. The strings bring a magical close.
Good record. Not my favorite, though. I can skip it. NEXT
“Snitches & Rats (Interlude)”
In the year 2020, Morgan Freeman is on a rap album explaining the difference between Snitches & Rats.
This is the storytelling I didn’t know I needed.
“At least a snitch is human, but a rat is a fucking rat.”
Keeper.
“Snitches & Rats” (feat. Young Nudy)
21 Savage has to invite Morgan Freeman to Clubhouse. That would make the album rollout perfect.
“We cut off his tail and put slugs in his hats.”
I wonder who 21 visualizes when making a song like this. His disgust for rats is deep-seated. I’m convinced he’s the Shredder of hip-hop.
The bass is rattling with a force that could knock an Apple T.V. off its wall mount.
Young Nudy is another rapper who sounds like he’s only getting better.
Every line sounds like he’s rapping with one hand on a Bible or a pistol. You believe him either way.
Someone in Hollywood should cast these two in the next Purge film. “Snitches & Rats” is one of my favorites.
“My Dawg”
These keys foreshadow a heavier mood. Betting that he’s about to bare his soul.
Yep, Savage is getting into it. This is the sincerity of a soldier retelling war stories.
I like how the beat is building around him. They share a synergy. 21 just mentioned growing up not knowing he needed a Visa.
I love how pure he sounds. His truth is sweating off him.
Autobiographical raps hit differently when you believe the rapper. The candidness stands out.
“My Dawg” is raw, barebone truth-sharing. Metro gave him a great canvas to paint his life. Keeper.
“Steppin On Niggas”
Savage flow is strong here. The Rodney O & Joey Cooley’s sample leaves a fresh impression. I didn’t expect them to dig in the crates and build a rap record like this.
His songwriting keeps finding fresh ways to keep the listener interested.
Love the scratches.
“Brand New Draco”
Savage Mode II is 85% taunts. All his rhymes sound like he's writing the Art of War. “Brand New Draco” has my favorite beat so far.
There's an energy to how full it feels. He sounds invincible—Achilles in the flesh.
The "On God" ad-lib never gets on. He’s rapping quoteable after quotable. Some of his sharpest rapping yet.
Love how every record has been a reminder that he's one of the most improved artists to emerge in the last five years.
Every line feels thoughtful, concise, and intentional.
“No Opp Left Behind”
Metro Boomin is one hell of a producer. The textures of his beats continue to lean into the shadows without becoming repetitious.
"I might be a rapper, but it's 30 in the clip."
"No Opp Left Behind" moves with a steady bounce. I wish the tempo was a little faster. One thing about Savage, he doesn't have any issues with identity.
"From Atlanta, not Vegas, but I still sin."
I love that he still claims Atlanta as his home. That's part of his identity. Understanding who he is adds to the authenticity.
Savage Mode II has been a showcase of growth.
I don't hear any big, breakout records, but the album moves well as a collection of songs.
Morgan is back. He gives the album these break moments that help to make each transition seamless.
I’m going to skip this one. It’s a good record, I love the sentiment, but the tempo drags a bit. NEXT
“RIP Luv”
Zaytoven and Metro tags. Savage has all the right producers in his corner. This one is slower. The album’s snail.
Although an honest record, I’m still waiting for it to grip me.
“I used to drink my syrup while you drank your wine.”
I see promise in this record. He gives a transparent outlook on love. Hearing this reminded me that he had a relationship with Amber Rose.
Not saying it’s about her, but once you reach a certain stature, your relationships become public—the life of a rap star.
Morgan’s narration on this song reminds me of 500 Days of Summer. Who do we call to get 500 Days of Savage? I would watch it.
Another good record, but I’ll skip this one. NEXT
“Said N Done”
Last one. A warm, bouncy, melodic close.
“All the pain I endure just to ball.”
Metro Boomin is a secret weapon. I hope more artists utilize his talents.
Funny how 21 raps, “I’m the Boogeyman” on one of the few songs where he doesn’t sound like it. Morgan with the closing monologue.
“Until next time, stay in Savage Mode.”
I wish the album ended a bit more epic, but it’s heartfelt. Strong close.
4/15 Skips