The widely popular rapper 21 Savage released his most recent album, American Dream, on Jan. 12. His last album, a collaboration with the infamous Drake, was made just over a year ago, and with such a soon release date set for American Dream, some were understandably doubtful. Then the album dropped, and boy, were we in for a ride.
21 as an artist has a very interesting persona. As a rapper, a lyricist, he is just fantastic. He often does features for different famous artists—you may know him from J. Cole’s “m y . l i f e” or Drake’s “Jimmy Cooks,” both of which are not only arguably among the greatest rap songs ever made, but both include absolutely terrific performances from 21 Savage.
Regarding the artist’s own music, though, it hasn’t been quite as great of a success. His earliest albums are, in my opinion, nothing to write home about, and it is only with his two albums that came after that, particularly I Am > I Was and Savage Mode II, that are in fact rather noteworthy, especially in their showcasing of 21’s uniquely magnificent use of his words.
Then, after 2022’s collaborative Her Loss, came American Dream. I think, honestly, that despite not getting much attention at all from people, this album will go down as one of the most underrated albums of 2024. Its rapping is nimble, it features so many great music icons, whether it be Metro Boomin or Brent Faiyaz, and it definitely has a deeper message behind it.
The album’s first song, “american dream,” starts off with 21’s mother giving a brief, 63-second introduction describing her many sacrifices to allow her son to achieve what she calls “his American dream.” I suggest for you to listen to it yourself, just once to take in her message and reflect a little on your own relation to it.
Then, transition directly into the next song on the tracklist, “all of me.” It is an easy transition, flowing right into the sound melody of the tune, in which you promptly hear 21’s voice. He raps about his life and his relationship with God throughout his life.
Then, at the height of your experience and third on the tracklist, comes “redrum,” probably my own favorite song in the album. Its foreign introduction, its beat drop, its lyricism, everything is great. The rest of the LP follows in a similar fashion.
Perhaps what I like most about American Dream is its obvious symbolism as a benchmark in 21 Savage’s professional career. It shows his clear evolution from being a young rapper just about eight years ago into a full-fledged artist, experimenting with background music, adding famous collaborators to his album, and being able to produce something as unique and pleasing a creation as American Dream.
