by Soham Erasani ’27
Releasing on January 12th, 21 Savage’s hit album “american dream” currently tops the No. 1 on Billboard 200. Once again, 21 Savage, also known as Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, has hit the music industry with a unique soundtrack with a hidden message. In his reminiscent journey, this time, with an album, he discusses his internal struggle with crime, poverty and immigration from London to the United States.
This musical hit, containing 15 powerful tracks, explains the sacrifices that he, his siblings, and his mother made to live a comfortable life in Atlanta, Georgia, but three of these tracks stood out:
american dream (intro) – The introduction to this album weaves a web of pain, struggles, and the pursuit in the hopes of the American dream. When Heather Carmillia Joseph (Joseph’s Mother) declares this piece, she powerfully explains, “The mission is as it’s always been / For my son to become a man and live free in his American dream.” Everything she did was for her son, displaying the sacrifices she had to make in order to raise Joseph in a safe environment.
redrum – Spell this title backwards, and see what you get. Murder. He expresses the violent themes that his life had, including murder in Georgia, and when he got shot. In his song, he asserts, “Want it all, I won’t leave a breadcrumb,” displaying 21’s hungry nature for achieving more and not leaving a trace behind.
n.h.i.e. – Now, now, it’s not the hit Netflix TV show “Never Have I Ever,” its the well-awaited song by Doja Cat and 21 Savage! 21 illustrates how he’s never gone against his morals. SImilar to Doja Cat, she displays how she respects herself and her own identity.
At 31 years old, 21 Savage remains one of the most influential rappers in the industry. From popping in hidden meanings into his soundtrack to producing lyrical hits to vibe to, it remains clear that he will be in the music industry for a long time. Well, that’s all for now, but for 21 Savage, we’re always eagerly awaiting his next album!
Rating: 9/10