In 2016, Metro Boomin and 21 Savage brought out Savage Mode, a cornerstone mixtape of Atlanta rap. Four years later, Savage Mode II is here – a project in which even the smallest details make an impression. It’s been long time since an album that boasts cover art by the legendary Pen & Pixel studios has generated so much buzz. On paper, it’s hard not to get excited about this one. And then, to top it all off, there’s the guest list: Drake, Young Nudy, Young Thug and Morgan Freeman. That’s right, the intro features a monologue from the actor (as well as other interludes throughout the album) that explains how, when two great men come together and join forces, they magnify each other’s attributes. The amazing intro is a sign of the music to follow: high-quality, epic and thoroughly Atlantic. With the deep bass of Runnin, the threatening Snitches & Rats with Young Nudy (produced by 6ix9ine) and the foreboding strings of Glock In My Lap, Savage Mode II gets rather dark. Paradoxically, there are also moments of light. There’s a frenzy of old-school electro-funk on Steppin On N*****, linking Metro Boomin’s work to forty-year-old musical practices, as well as the sweet Rich N**** Shit with Young Thug and the sudden appearance of a Roland TR-808. 21 Savage has rarely seemed so inspired and comfortable in his sound. Unlike his last release, this record never drops off, placing itself among the best rap releases to come out of the US in 2020. © Brice Miclet/Qobuz