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21 Savage & Metro Boomin’s “Savage Mode II”: The Darkest Beats

At long last, one of the year’s most anticipated projects has arrived: Savage Mode II, the nightmarish collaborative effort from 21 Savage and Metro Boomin. The reputation of its predecessor is well established. Seen by many as a modern classic, if only for the innovative blend of trap and horrorcore present throughout. Though some found Savage’s rudimentary flow and detached delivery to be off-putting, others appreciated the young Atlanta rapper’s unique and distinctive persona. Four years later, 21 has expanded his toolkit considerably, honing his technical prowess and truly allowing his imagination to run wild.

Behind the boards, Metro Boomin’s contributions proved invaluable in shaping the producer’s legacy in those early stages. Carrying the torch previously held by Dr. Dre, the once-reigning king of the dark banger, Metro’s spooky and atmospheric Savage Mode soundscapes laid the foundation for many of his subsequent musical endeavors. As time passed, his vision and creativity only expanded, though that iconic eeriness still lingered in many of his tunes; in fact, it seemed to be encouraged by 21 Savage, who pulled Metro back into his Savage Mode bag on 2017’s Offset collaboration tape Without Warning.

Now, in the month of Halloween, the pair have reunited to deliver another full-length album. Everything from the hype to the scale appears to have quadrupled in size; case in point, Morgan Freeman serves as a narrator through the fifteen-track journey. There is certainly plenty of material to unpack, especially given how focused and charismatic 21 is throughout, turning in what may amount to the best rapping of his career. And yet it still feels appropriate to shine a spotlight on Metro Boomin, who continues to campaign for the coveted title of the production GOAT; no easy feat, but a seat at that particular table is a victory unto itself.

Despite the intro’s Freeman-voiced thesis that the pair have essentially become one, here are five of Savage Mode II’s standout dark bangers…based entirely on a few early spins, of course.

RUNNIN’

Setting things off with an immersive bang, Metro wastes little time in showing off a few new tricks. Opting to build around a melancholic vocal loop Metro deftly loops a fragmented and pitched up sample, imbuing “Runnin’” with the slightest of golden-era qualities. The additional elements are straightforward enough — a haunting low-end piano bassline and up-tempo trap drums — but paired altogether, and Savage Mode II kicks off on an appropriately sinister note.

GLOCK IN MY LAP

The transition from “Runnin’” into “Glock In My Lap” is easily one of the project’s high points. A three-way collaboration between Metro, Southside, and Honorable C.N.O.T.E, “Glock In My Lap” lulls listeners into a false sense of security with its simple two-note piano riff. As the track progresses, unsettling string sections elevate the urgency, one of the most murderous sounds we’ve heard in a minute. Throw in some crafty synth work for good measure, and we’re looking at an easy highlight off Savage Mode II.

SLIDIN’

After a few stylistic deviations, Metro Boomin reroutes back into dark banger territory with “Slidin.” A master of simplistic arrangements, it’s the sounds he chooses that breathe life into his work. Here, his chosen element is a bizarre synth stab, once again following that two-note progression. Bobbing like will o’ the wisps over his lively percussion, the instrumental once again spurs a spirited performance from 21 Savage, whose menace only enhances once Metro brings yet another melodic layer into the mix.

MANY MEN

What makes Metro so effective is his willingness to work with both synthesized and orchestral elements, often pairing them together to create interesting soundscapes. On “Many Men,” the former serves as the dominant driving force of the instrumental, with the latter represented by some subtle, yet undeniably mournful woodwinds. Though the main riff seems to encourage a violence response, Metro allows for a soft hint of regret to shine through, adding a certain gravity to 21’s actions.

MY DAWG

When “My Dawg” first begins, things can feel rather disorienting. 21 pulls a DaBaby and kicks off a dexterous flow off the top, floating over an ominous, horror-film-esque piano progression. It’s initially difficult to catch where he’ll find the beat, but part of the excitement comes in knowing that Metro will make it work. Upon bringing the snares in, 21’s flow suddenly makes complete sense. It’s but one of many brilliant production flourishes to be found throughout, making this one an easy standout track on an album full of memorable moments.

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Celebrity

50 Cent’s Legacy “Candy Shop” Video Racks Up 1-Billion Views on YouTube

In a year filled with achievements and a music scene where videos come and go, 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” has cemented a lasting legacy that many artists aspire to. Nearly 20 years after its release, the iconic music video features a captivating Olivia and catchy lyrics that people can’t help but remember, and it has reached an impressive 1 billion views on YouTube. This milestone places “Candy Shop” alongside his hit “In Da Club,” which also crossed the billion-view mark earlier, highlighting 50 Cent’s enduring popularity.

Released in 2005 as part of his album “The Massacre,” “Candy Shop“ quickly took the world by storm, spending nine weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became famous for its mix of daring lyrics, an infectious beat, and a sultry video that everyone was talking about. It featured appearances from artists like Lil Scrappy, Young Buck, and Lloyd Banks, showcasing the G-Unit crew. Now that the song has hit 1 billion views, it’s evident that nostalgia and great music keep fans returning for more.

This milestone comes as 50 Cent prepares for his first-ever residency in Las Vegas, which is set to begin next month. He’s excited about this new venture and told fans, “My first Vegas residency is going to be an experience; you don’t wanna miss this!” He will be performing six exclusive shows at Planet Hollywood from December 27 to January 4, and he even teased a special New Year’s Eve celebration featuring his own Sire Spirits, making it a highly anticipated event for fans.

While fans are eager for new music, 50 Cent’s focus has shifted slightly. At a recent event, he shared, “I have to tap into the st*pid side of me to write the right thing,” explaining that today’s music landscape doesn’t always inspire him. With so many projects on the go, including TV shows and business endeavors, it’s clear that 50 Cent is building his legacy far beyond just music, and this latest achievement is a testament to his impact on different generations.

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Celebrity

Vybz Kartel’s Engagement To Sidem Öztürk From Behind Bars, A Tale Of Love Forever

In a story reminiscent of a romantic movie script, Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, after nearly a decade of resilience defying the odds, has taken a heartfelt leap in his relationship with longtime girlfriend Sidem Öztürk. Engaged since his days in incarceration, Kartel’s recent proposal to Öztürk exemplifies a bond that’s been tested, strengthened, and made all the more resilient by love, loyalty, and redefined devotion.

Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014, a development that significantly altered the trajectory of his life and career. While many presumed that his influential voice would be silenced within the confines of his cell, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Öztürk emerged as a beacon of dedication, captivating music fans worldwide during this challenging period. As Kartel articulated on social media, she provided steadfast support throughout his most difficult times, conveying messages of encouragement and affection across the barriers of incarceration. Their relationship, sustained through regular phone calls, prison visits, and unwavering loyalty, evolved into an unconventional yet profoundly impactful love story.

Following his recent release, Kartel didn’t miss a beat in reaffirming his commitment to Öztürk. On November 4, he took to Instagram to share a deeply personal, celebratory video, flashing a ring with excitement before kneeling in a hotel room to officially propose. With Öztürk visibly stunned, the moment encapsulated years of shared devotion, further enriched by Kartel’s caption: “You were there when I needed you most, and I’ll never leave you, baby.” He reminisced on moments they laughed together, cried together, dreamed together, and now celebrate together even during periods when freedom seemed unattainable.

The genesis of their romance dates back to a bold move by Öztürk in 2015 when, as she later revealed, her admiration for Kartel’s music and persona led her to track down his Instagram profile. What started as admiration quickly evolved into a profound connection, one she describes as an “obsession” that felt decidedly destined. Almost a decade later, her instincts have proven right, and the two are now engaged, looking forward to building a life beyond the confines of prison walls together in a love forged through extraordinary circumstances.

This evolving saga reflects a resilience that mirrors the trajectory of Kartel’s music career. Vybz Kartel and Sidem Öztürk are ready to start their future together, not constrained by bars but united by a promise reaffirmed multiple times.