Following over a year of teasing and four years of public demand for the follow-up to the rapper-producer duo's breakout album, Savage Mode, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin return with their second installment in the series — Savage Mode II.
Both the Atlanta rapper and St. Louis producer have reaped the benefits of Savage Mode since its release. The album put a spotlight on 21 as a talented lyricist served best on Metro Boomin's specialty — murder music beats. Savage Mode II was to be a return to their roots, with the Pen & Pixel-created, '90s-esque album artwork solidifying their intention to create throwback music reminiscent to their earlier works, even if that was just half a decade ago.
Whether they hit the mark with their sequel is debatable. While Savage Mode II is by no means a lacklustre album, it may not be the exact product their fans hoped for. Songs like "No Opp Left Behind" and "Glock in My Lap" are up the right alley, while tunes like "Said N Done" and "RIP Luv" give the album a softer touch. Unsurprisingly, guest features by Drake, Young Thug and Young Nudy add a delightful switch-up from Savage's flows.
Riddled with sporadic narration by Morgan Freeman, his involvement feels more like crossing off an item on the duo's bucket list rather than a necessity for the album. As well, 21 could have benefitted from toning down his use of female genitalia as his go-to adlib (a whole 85 times).
In all, Savage Mode II will satisfy any 21 Savage and Metro Boomin fans who have been awaiting its release. Yet, in response to Freeman's question on "Runnin," "Are things better or worse the second time around?," it is no debate that the follow-up is not better than its predecessor.
Both the Atlanta rapper and St. Louis producer have reaped the benefits of Savage Mode since its release. The album put a spotlight on 21 as a talented lyricist served best on Metro Boomin's specialty — murder music beats. Savage Mode II was to be a return to their roots, with the Pen & Pixel-created, '90s-esque album artwork solidifying their intention to create throwback music reminiscent to their earlier works, even if that was just half a decade ago.
Whether they hit the mark with their sequel is debatable. While Savage Mode II is by no means a lacklustre album, it may not be the exact product their fans hoped for. Songs like "No Opp Left Behind" and "Glock in My Lap" are up the right alley, while tunes like "Said N Done" and "RIP Luv" give the album a softer touch. Unsurprisingly, guest features by Drake, Young Thug and Young Nudy add a delightful switch-up from Savage's flows.
Riddled with sporadic narration by Morgan Freeman, his involvement feels more like crossing off an item on the duo's bucket list rather than a necessity for the album. As well, 21 could have benefitted from toning down his use of female genitalia as his go-to adlib (a whole 85 times).
In all, Savage Mode II will satisfy any 21 Savage and Metro Boomin fans who have been awaiting its release. Yet, in response to Freeman's question on "Runnin," "Are things better or worse the second time around?," it is no debate that the follow-up is not better than its predecessor.
