21 Savage puts the game on notice with the release of “ISSA.”

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TOP 5

5. FACETIME

Which broad is brave/stupid enough to be this Savage’s party boo? Whoever they are, I have added them to my prayers.

I never thought 21 can be sentimental! (You mean to tell me this dude has feelings?) On “FaceTime,” he outlines some romantic plans he has for this unsuspecting woman. 21 sings majority of the time, and does a pretty good job of harmonizing and laying down a nice little melody.

21 can actually make a record that can be played at a day party? Who would’ve thunk it?!

Any relationship 21 Savage is in is determined to end in a brand new episode of Forensic files.

 

 

4. THUG LIFE

I LOVE ”Thug Life!“ On the song, 21 combines some soul with tough ass lyrics about flexing, flossing, and life lessons.

I love it when 21 Savage thinks that he can do whatever he wants on the mic. With that being said, on “Thug Life,” 21 continuously finds unique ways to rhyme his words and feverishly searches for the next best topic talk about to keep the song going.

Only 21 Savage can make me want to hop scotch to a violent song.

 

 

3. BANK ACCOUNT

“Bank Account” boasts a hard-hitting beat and a catchy hook; that is the perfect formula for hyping yourself up to fight a lion.

The best thing about “Bank Account” is the hook. Even though 21’s delivery on it is somewhat elementary sounding, the real ones will definitely want to rap along to it.

You can tell that 21 Savage thought the hook on “Bank Account” was so hot that he could get away with saying whatever he wants on his verses on the song…

 

2. BAD BUSINESS

“Bad Business” is 21’s theme song. On it, he reminds listeners that he really is about that life.

”Bad Business” is very fast-paced, but 21 still takes his time in talking his s–t on the song. He also kills each line he drops and flows extremely well.

 

 

1. DEAD PEOPLE 

‘Dead People’ is like a darker version of Big Sean’s “Move.”

”Dead People” has a great bop to it, and the tone the song boasts is the exact one that 21 excels in.

I feel like 21 is very animated on the verses and chorus, delivering a highly energized sound throughout. You can tell he is having some fun on this s–t, something that I think reverberates well with the listeners.

The Winslows weren’t lame, bro! Eddie Winslow was damn-there a first ballot hall of fame pimp.

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SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. FAMOUS (4/5)

2. BANK ACCOUNT (5/5)

3. CLOSE MY EYES (4.5/5)

4. BAD BUSINESS (5/5)

5. BABY GIRL (4/5)

6. THUG LIFE (5/5)

7. FACETIME (4.9/5)

8. NOTHING NEW (4/5)

9. NUMB (4.2/5)

10. DEAD PEOPLE (5/5)

11. MONEY CONVO (3.8/5)

12. SPECIAL (5/5)

13. WHOLE LOT (4.8/5)

14. 7 MINUTE FREESTYLE (4.5/5)

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OVERALL RATING (7.9/10)

This album consists of 25 shootouts, about 15 mothers crying, and 35 women being treated poorly; calling him a ‘Savage’ might be a generous title to give him. If you are capable of blocking out such terror, you will be able to enjoy one of the best rap debuts in years! (Yea I said it)

Lets start off with the obvious: The beats on this album are nothing less than fire! production-wise, I give it 10/10, and coincidentally, Metro is responsible for about 80 percent of the beats on this album. A lot of producers make trap beats nowadays, but the beats on this album actually sound like they were made IN the trap.

Doesn’t 21 sound like he’s making a cover version of some of your favorite artists throughout this album?  On some songs he reminds me of a somber version of Juicy, and on others he reminds me of a somber version of Future; nonetheless, his versatility when it comes to creating a structure to a song is what makes this album very listenable.

Surprisingly, 21 is also very lyrical on this album — no he’s not saying the most clever s–t, or the most meaningful s–t in the world, but his cool kid demeanor certainly resonates with you as you listen to each song. I know I cannot relate to his gangster life style, but he somehow makes it sound appealing..

This album is almost a split image of ‘Savage Mode’ to me, as it is very consistent in terms of the musicality. 21 is a lot more intelligent than people probably give him credit for, which convinces me that he has a good ear for making music.