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21 Savage & Metro Boomin “Savage Mode 2” Review

Savage Mode plays out like a low-budget horror film. An indie production in nine scenes filled with bleak raps detailing the horrors of East Atlanta through the sometimes-sociopathic mind of 21 Savage. Forever strapped with an arsenal of weapons, and a tattoo of a knife on his forehead to show for it, the latest Boogeyman out of East Atlanta emerged.

It’s a minimalistic body of work, down to the hollowness in 21 Savage’s voice. Metro’s production on Savage Mode is eerie and spacey, occupying vacancies in between each of Savage’s bars with suspense and analog static. Eerie flutes and murderous 808s become the score to Savage’s journey for money and power. They’ve attained both yet there’s still a hunger for more. In the years since they initially joined forces, they’ve dropped critically acclaimed solo efforts with Grammys and multiple accolades that followed.

Savage Mode 2, the glossy follow-up to their grainy 2016 cult classic, builds off of the bleak atmosphere that was created on the first installment, transforming it into a major motion picture event with eye-popping artwork and Hollywood star-power. This was evident immediately when the cinematic trailer used to announce the project was narrated by Morgan Freeman, who also extends his talents throughout the project’s skits.

Savage Mode 2 kicks off with a monumental introduction to 21 and Metro’s return. Freeman’s calming vocals juxtapose the anxiety-inducing piano loop, bringing the same sense of urgency as an opening scene of a 90s action-suspense “Great men with great ideals can be separated by hundreds or even thousands of miles and still be in the same place,” Freeman says. “When these men join forces to put the focus of reaching the same goals, to attain the same outcomes, they are not two, but one.” It’s the thesis to Savage Mode 2 — apart, they’re forces to be reckoned with, but together, they’re unstoppable. The beauty of Savage Mode and its sequel is that it’s really a brainchild of Metro and 21 Savage; a perfect middle point of their respective geniuses where Metro’s spooky production and 21 Savage’s often grim and sometimes nihilistic lyrics meet, down to the first drop. “Called the first one Savage Mode, my mood, that’s what it was/ 2016 we was runnin’ around, beatin’ n***as up in the club,” Savage raps in unison to the first kick of the project, following a villainous cackle and his latest go-to ad-lib: “pussy.”


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Since the release of NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES, Metro Boomin has gotten even more comfortable as an overall conductor, or executive producer, overseeing each song to detail. His success rate often depends on the collaborator, as witnessed with the underwhelming joint effort with Big Sean, Double Or Nothing. But Savage, too, has acquired a certain attention to detail and care to his rhymes. It was a noticeable development on i am > i was in comparison to Issa. There’s intent in each bar. He’s experimenting with flows further, taking note from Southern legends that he paid homage to on the cover art.

On “Snitches and Rats” ft. Young Nudy, 21 asserts himself as an authoritative voice for the streets in the commercial landscape. The Voice of God provides the definitive difference between a rat and a snitch, a topic that started to pick up in public discourse since 6ix9ine cooperated with authorities. Though relevant as ever, it’s an in-depth exploration of a subject that frequents Savage’s music — loyalty. Trust issues have remained a fixture in his years, stemming from when he was actively in the streets. 21 Savage presents himself to be this isolated figure, plotting away at world domination out of plain sight (or at least, that’s how I’ve seen him since those ESPN memes started circulating). The rapper’s mysterious nature has been his most alluring characteristic. The space he occupies in rap is one he holds in solitude frequently, and Metro is among the very few that can sit comfortably within it. The bond and trust that’s dramatically detailed by Morgan Freeman in the intro is proven by the execution of Savage Mode 2

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In the years since releasing their respective solo projects, much has happened for 21. “My Dawg” remains one of the most insightful looks into 21 Savage’s life. Eerie piano keys that sound like they’re coming straight out of a 90s slasher flick back Savage as he addresses the realities of his status in America. It’s an even deeper look into the rapper’s origin story, explaining that even with his legal status in America at risk, he was forced to provide for himself and his mother. “No social security, couldn’t get a license, but I still didn’t complain/ I went and got it, I ain’t ask for no handout/ Lil n***a, we are not the same,” he raps. Even still, it’s a moment where he extends his own penchant for memes to fire back at the ones that riddled the timeline in the wake of his arrest. “N***as keep talkin’ this U.K. shit like I ain’t got A.Ks.”

Sequels, especially ones with bigger budgets, often result in an overbearing amount of star power, whether it’s a film or an album. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case with Savage Mode II. Young Thug helps Savage explore his R&B side a bit more deeply on their ode the players, “Rich N***a Shit.” Meanwhile, Drake adds little to the project, if not allowing 21 Savage to further explore his loverboy side and of course, Metro’s vocal sample. Oh, and embarrassing SZA.

21 Savage and Metro Boomin created a unique strain of trap on Savage Mode that has become difficult to replicate or emulate to the same success. Even for the creators themselves. Their personal and professional growth wouldn’t have allowed them to recreate that same untapped rawness again on Savage Mode II. The sequel explores the influences of horrorcore legends from the South that came before them with elegant orchestral sections and colossal 808s. Savage Mode II is a glorious expansion of the undeniable chemistry they introduced four years ago, further cementing 21 Savage and Metro Boomin status in the pantheon of rapper-producer duos. A sequel that disappoints, Savage Mode II is not.

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David Cloyd triumphantly returns with a reflective new album, “Red Sky Warning”

David Cloyd

David Cloyd, a seasoned artist whose creative luminescence has only intensified over his career, makes a noteworthy re-entry following a decade-long hiatus with an emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated new album, “Red Sky Warning,” released via ECR Music Group. This album marks his reintroduction to the music scene as he aims to reclaim the spotlight. Co-produced and mixed by the acclaimed indie architect Blake Morgan (known for his work with Lenny Kravitz, Lesley Gore, and Janita), the masterful ten-track album encapsulates a significant evolution in Cloyd’s sonic profile, where intricate craftsmanship meets intense emotional exposition.

Spanning ten compelling tracks, “Red Sky Warning” is a profound exploration of openness, identity, and the intimacy of human connection. The very first notes of the opener, Ocean of Hours,” envelops listeners in a euphoric wave of melody, with the magic of Cloyd’s lyricism resonating like heartbeats, consistently engaging while maintaining a clear direction. This immersive tone sets the stage for a record that demands to be felt as much as it is heard.

It is followed spontaneously byIf We Could Escape,” the second track, delving into themes of emotional ambivalence and quiet longing for escapism. Its soulful balm and shimmering aura capture the ache of unspoken truths, laying bare the intimate confessions Cloyd expresses through his signature vocal warmth and layered instrumentation. Each hypnotic rhyme that follows builds on this honesty, embracing a therapeutic narrative of accepting imperfection.

In the third track,The Day Before,” a contemplative light emerges as Cloyd masterfully blends soul-pop sensibility with mature finesse. It evokes the quiet anticipation that precedes change, revealing Cloyd’s ability to distill quotidian experiences into a resonant metaphor. Conversely, A Far Cry From Nothing presents a robust rhythmic foundation that underscores lyrical potency, driven by piano-centric confidence and heartfelt phrasing that illuminate emotional resilience. InCage of Water,” Cloyd adeptly navigates the emotional landscape through an audacious sonic tapestry that reflects the fluidity of love’s ever-changing tides. This piece captures the inherent unpredictability of romantic experiences, evoking a captivating composition that accentuates its dynamism. The ambientDrive With Me employs lush ambient textures to guide listeners through reflective pathways, invoking the nuances of nostalgic relationships and emotional bonds often left unarticulated.

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Into The Sea dazzles with melancholic elegance, threading love and mystery into a cohesive storytelling framework. Subsequent tracks, such as Climbing Ivy,” maintain this thematic momentum, focusing on unity and the complexities inherent in celebrating brotherhood and kinship through a storytelling lens steeped in poetic nuance.Small Wooden Boat offers a poignant reflection on the past, emphasizing rediscovery and personal growth while capturing the bittersweet clarity that revisiting old memories often brings. The album culminates with the stunning trackWalk the Earth,” a soul-stirring finale that lingers in the heart of listeners long after its chords fade. Cloyd’s use of tremulous vibrato and unwavering vocal performance echoes the weight of lived experience, providing a fitting closure to an album that’s both a personal manifesto and a universal commentary.

Each composition sequentially builds upon the previous one, thereby enhancing the thematic essence of “Red Sky Warning” and symbolizing not only a reawakening but also a rebirth for David Cloyd. His distinctive vocal style as a singer and songwriter approach draws comparisons to notable figures such as Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, and Peter Gabriel while remaining distinctly his own. With this release, Cloyd effectively positions introspection at the forefront of his artistry, transforming emotional vulnerability into a cathartic experience. This meticulously curated body of work serves as a testament to David Cloyd’s enduring musical vision, establishing it as a timeless addition to any music aficionado’s collection. “Red Sky Warning” is essential for those seeking genuine artistry that transcends genre and invites listeners on an evocative expedition of heartfelt optimism and recuperation.

 

For more information about David Cloyd, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM David Cloyd’s AlbumRed Sky Warning on Spotify.
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Yonatan’s “Jah Is My Guide” is a soulful journey rooted in faith and island vibes

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Yonatan, the gifted singer from the pulsating island of Martinique, shares his latest spiritual track, “Jah Is My Guide.” This recording is a spiritual song inspired by the timeless Psalms of David, a unique combination of soulful music and a message of faith and inspiration. “Jah Is My Guide” envelops the listener in a tuneful sense of sincerity. Yonatan’s sound boasts authenticity, encouraging listeners to life’s ups and downs through spiritual affirmation. Using the Psalms for inspiration, the song taps a universal longing for strength, wisdom, and protection, which, as themes, never really become aged but instead seem incredibly personal and relatable.

What stands out about this single is the way in which Yonatan is able to incorporate that island reach into the music, however, without sacrificing its holy essence. The rhythms subtly bounce toward Martinique’s rich musical heritage, which gives the song a vital heartbeat that manages to feel both contemporary and timeless. It’s a potent reminder of how old-time spirituality and newfangled artistry mesh seamlessly. Listeners will feel enveloped in a meditative bubble, each verse like a conversation with the divine. Production is slick and slick, taking a backseat to Yonatan’s vocals and the depth in the lyrics. For Yonatan, “Jah Is My Guide” has become a testament to the inspiring power and hope that music can provide.

It provides a spiritual compass for those of us adrift on the uncertain waters of life, and we are all reminded that when faith is our guide, we are never lost both for peace and direction. “Jah Is My Guide” is simply a must listen for lovers of music that feeds the soul and taps into deep spiritual concepts. Yonatan has written a song that reflects the venerable tradition of the Psalms and celebrates his special island identity, a mix that carries with it the potential to inspire and uplift across lands and lifetimes.

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