21 Savage American Dream Review: Struggle, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Success
21 Savage American Dream Review
21 Savage’s third solo album, “American Dream,” takes listeners on a profound journey that interweaves the themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the pursuit of the American dream. Opening with a poignant narrative from his mother, Heather Joseph, recounting their family’s immigration from Britain to America, the album establishes a foundation of unwavering determination amidst adversity.
At the heart of the album lies 21 Savage’s skillful juxtaposition of his current life as a successful rapper and humanitarian with his raw, street-oriented persona that has captivated fans for years. The tension between these two sides becomes a central theme, prompting introspection and a questioning of whether his audience would accept a departure from the image he has crafted.
“American Dream” is sonically rich, seamlessly weaving dreamy samples into the hard-hitting trap beats that define Savage’s sound. Notable tracks like “Redrum” and the reunion with Metro Boomin on “Pop Ur Shit” showcase a masterful blend of samples, creating an immersive and electrifying listening experience. Collaborations with Doja Cat on “N.H.I.E.” and Lil Durk on “Dangerous” further enhance the album’s depth and versatility.
21 Savage’s lyrical prowess shines through on tracks like “Redrum,” where he delivers uninhibited punchlines that showcase his wit and storytelling abilities. I find the many references to Black British culture to be an intelligent device to weave storytelling of his journey to the US throughout the whole project. It helps create a narrative thread throughout an album which can at times jump from theme to theme with every track.
A notable departure from traditional trap narratives is “Dark Days,” where 21 Savage encourages aspiring teens to stay in school. This message of positivity and self-improvement offers a refreshing contrast to the album’s predominantly street-oriented themes. Despite what the media would often have you believe – rappers often remind impressionable listeners to not follow in their often difficult footsteps and here we have another example of that.
21 Savage’s ability to create a cohesive project that balances expected features, surprises, and a nod to current trends like Afrobeats is commendable. 21 Savage demonstrates his mastery of his craft and while some might have wished for a more experimental sound, 21 Savage did 21 Savage on this record and it was FAULTless.
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