Favorite Album of 2020
No Doubt. No Question. No Uncertainty. 2020 will go down as one of the most chaotic and draining years, that most of us have experienced. But, despite the lingering sensation of uncertainty, the music gifted to us will be something that this generation we will not forget.
Of all the projects released this year, I would say that my favorite was 21 Savage’s and Metro Boomin’s collaborative joint, Savage Mode II. By no means was this an easy decision. But there is something about this Album that just made me, ecstatic.
Their previous collaborative Album, Savage Mode, was released back in 2016, another formidable year for music, and set precedent for their future works. Hit singles like; X (ft. Future), No Heart and Bad Guy were all featured on this 2016 project.
The kid was overtly anxious when the prospects of another joint was in the works. It was even more thrilling, when Savage confirmed that Morgan Freeman would be narrating the Album. At that moment, I knew - I just knew.
The confirmation of Freeman being the narrator was step in the right direction. But, it was the cover art that mad me loose my mind. Once one eye caught glance at the jeweled up Album cover I was hooked . I was mostly appreciative that they went in the direction of a cover that pays homage to a time where “bling rap” was sweeping the Dirty South, all I could think about was ; Big Tymers I Got That Work and of course Juvenile’s 400 Degrees.
On October 2, what I knew was manifesting into one of the most methodical body’s of work, was released into the world. Savage Mode II was here. What gravitates me more towards this Album, is the incorporation of a cinematic experience, as well as presenting an actually good, consecutive well thought out project.
Throughout the Album, Freeman is heard sporadically giving speeches, with his strong commanding voice. The Intro, is the first instance where we hear him discussing the joining of forces as a way of becoming one entity :
“to put the focus of reaching the same goals, to attain the same outcomes, they are not two, but one”
This was a powerful way of implying the successful collaborative efforts of Savage and Metro. We hear Freeman on 8 out of the 15 tracks, and his voice adds more sustenance and more experience to the overall project.
Runnin and Mr. Right Now (ft Drake), are the two lead singles and don’t miss. On Runnin, Metro samples Dianna Ross’s 1976 hit I Though It Took a Little Time, and Savage fervently raps about his growth as an artist. This Song is especially special, because of Savages’ appreciation for classic R&B tracks, so sampling Diana Ross was the most Savage way to pay homage.
My Favorite instance on the Album was when , Mr. Right Now (ft. Drake) transitioned into Rich Nigga Shit (ft. Young Thug). The way these two tracks blended so well together, provides a pictorial instance that I will never be able to get over. As the first track is flowing into the other, I especially love the intermission of the woman, speaking briefly on the powers of the world.
“This Worlds All About Money and Pussy”.
It’s difficult not to speak so freely about this Album and give it the most tumultuous praise. Each track provides a momentous amount of material, that I could go on and on. Slidin, Many Men, Snitches and Rats (ft. Young Nudy) and My Dawg, are all great ,so well thought out and so beautiful.
Stepping On Niggas, is another favorite on the project. It blends the many elements of West Coast Hip-Hop; Electric, Soul, Piano Synths , Disc Scratching and more, while still keeping constant with the Southern- esque sound. Savage floats on this high strong beat while rapping about the usual violence and literally keeping his foot on these niggas necks.
Brand New Draco , is my favorite track. I absolutely love this song. I love Savages flow. I love the beat, I just love this song. My favorite part was the Outro, when Savage mellows out his flow into some sort of Falsetto tone while the background track is heightened and brought more towards the front. As soon as I hear:
“Saint Laurent sweater
Rock Balenciaga when I rock the Barett-er (21)”
I run that shit back, immediately.
This Album is quite literally a cinematic master piece, and of all the Albums, in my opinion, it was the most diligent and consecutive project put out in 2020. Watching 21 Savage grow into such an impactful artist has been a joyous moment, and I am looking forward to seeing what more he has in store for us.
