A real-life blockbuster...
"Article published in CLASH Magazine. Author: Robin Murray."
The 21 Savage story was built for a big-screen multiplex. Born in London, his family relocated to the United States when he was still a child, a huge relocation that forced him to start again. Always unsure of his place in the world, the American government’s rules on immigration paused his career, placing him in crisis. It’s something he’s worked hard to overcome – the close of 2023 bore witness to a sold-out European tour, including an emotional homecoming in London.
‘american dream’ allows 21 Savage space to tell his story. Announced just a few days ago alongside a blockbuster film based on his life – with Donald Glover in the title role – it’s a widescreen experience, packed with detail, and vivid emotion. Opening with a voice note from his mother, the music directly ties 21 Savage to his roots – explicitly autobiographical, he’s never been as open as this.
A bold 15-track narrative, early highlights like ‘all of me’ and ‘redrum’ spotlight his effortless trap-leaning flows. A true rap stylist, 21 Savage is unmistakable – making each bar count, tracks like ‘sneaky’ ooze menace. The guest cast is formidable, but carefully curated: Doja Cat provides balance on ‘n.h.i.e.’ while a flurry of collaborations with Metro Boomin continues their decade-long dalliance.
The first half of the record leans on his rap flair, while the second indulges his softer, R&B inclinations. Curiously, this proves to have some of the project’s most creative moments – a beautiful feature from Summer Walker, and the wonderful ‘should’ve worn a bonnet’, boasting Brent Faiyaz. There’s even space for afrobeats, on the pan-diasporic Burna Boy link-up ‘just like me’.
At its heart, though, ‘american dream’ is one man’s story, and one man’s skills. ‘letter to my brudda’ is fantastic, a story of self-reliance and inter-community support, while closer ‘dark days’ shines a light on some of the rapper’s most traumatic moments.
A blockbuster that lives up to the hype, ‘american dream’ is 21 Savage at his most luminescent. In staying true to himself, he’s been able to build something unique – now he’s taking it to the world.
Comentarios