When 21 Savage’s third solo album, american dream, was released, I was surprised by the British rapper’s mood. After the success of his collaborative project with Drake, his fans were expecting a return to a more gloomy sound, in the image of his previous opuses Savage Mode and Without Warning. Instead, it’s an inspired and composed 21 that we find on his latest offering.
The project opens with a monologue by the protagonist’s mother, a minute-long track on which she opens up about the sacrifices she had to make in order to guarantee her son the best possible future. Throughout the project, the rapper expresses his gratitude for his mother’s dedication. Compared to his previous projects, the lyrics on american dream are deeper and more elaborate.
Overflowing with samples, the project’s soundtrack is predominantly trap with a touch of R&B. 21 Savage’s laid-back, monotonous flow is a perfect match; “redrum” and “all of me” are two tracks where the magic between voice and instrumentation works wonders. Like the samples, the collaborations are just as abundant. In all, no fewer than eleven artists joined forces on american dream. Doja Cat, Tommy Newport, and Travis Scott shine brightest, the latter offering a rap clinic on “née-nah.”
