21 Savage 'American Dream' album review

21 Savage is back with a brand new album, which would mark his third studio album. This album is a little bit different in terms of it's premise and rollout. It has been linked to a movie that is based on the rapper's life and surprise immigration battle.

The album and movie are both titled American Dream, which is significant to his rise on the rap scene after coming over from London at a young age. This album has been marred with confusion due to the upcoming film.

However, we are not going to discuss the upcoming film, but will take a look into this album that shows glimpses of a different version of 21 Savage. He will never shy away from his roots with subject matter, but there are times where he is more introspective on his life.

21 Savage has become a big rapper in the industry. His fame has grown over the last few years, especially with his recent Drake collab album and tour. It is impressive for him to become more thoughtful after already reaching the highest levels of fame. It shows growth that rappers tend to lack when they get to a superstar level.

Positive takeaways from American Dream

Did 21 Savage sound mature on some songs? Yes. Is the best version of 21 Savage very disrepsectful and over trap beats? Yes.

His style might be basic to some, but man it is effective. The beat selection might also be simple, but the formula is perfect. 21 Savage is not going to wow you with his rhyme schemes, but he knows how to put lines together in a way that makes it so believable.

There were a few standout tracks on this album. "Nee-Nah" and "Redrum" are two perfect representations as to why 21 Savage is a star. Both are met with great production and 21 Savage finding his pocket within the production. "Nee-Nah" is perhaps the best song on the album due to it being put over the top by a great Travis Scott feature.

Travis Scott and Lil Durk both provide great verses on this album, as Durk appears on the track "Dangerous." They both allowed 21 Savage to feed off of their energy, which provided two great tracks.

"All of Me" is a different sound, but still a solid opening song that gets the ball rolling. The best version is by far the ignorant, disrespectful version of 21 Savage. I commend the growth of him, but did it make for good music?

Negative takeaways from American Dream

There is a disconnect on this album. It feels too disjointed. There was a concept dangling in front of you, but it is hard for 21 Savage to reel it in for a cohesive project. The latter half odf this album is him trying new stuff, but none of it lands.

His two love songs, "Prove It" and "Should've Wore a Bonnet", are awful songs. They do not fit the album in all honesty and just lack a spark. Summer Walker and Brent Fayiaz try their best, but nothing is working on those two respective songs.

Then there is "Red Sky", which has one of the worst hooks I've heard in a long time. Those three songs need to be taken out of the album completely. That is where in-cohesiveness comes into play.

The outro of the album is okay at best, but it is still too disappointing of an end for this album. If he took out some of these songs and went with his normal formula, the album would be a lot better.

Overall Rating for American Dream

Overall Rating: 4.5/10

Best Tracks: Nee-Nah, Redrum, Dangerous

Worst Tracks: N.H.I.E, Prove It, Should've Wore a Bonnet, Red Sky