Although he’s had quite an impressive feature run in 2021 — appearing on hits like Nardo Wick‘s “Who Want Smoke” remix and Drake‘s “Knife Talk” — 21 Savage has had a relatively low-key year.
However, with a end-of-year surprise for fans, the Atlanta rapper unveiled two brand new songs and a video just in time before the ball drops on New Years Eve.
Produced by Cardo Got Wings and Deats, the first track in his latest two-pack “No Debate” sees 21 rapping over nocturnal, soul-sampled production — touting similarities to his collabs with J. Cole. He raps about his disdain for his father, hopes that his lover sticks by his side and how he bulletproofed his Caddy so the people who depend on him can always feel safe.
The portion of the visual dedicated to “No Debate” focuses solely on 21, as well as intercutted footage of friends. It’s a contemplative moment for him as its airy instrumental compliments the deep-thinking that Savage exuded when writing the song.
Its companion track, “Big Smoke” touts dark, looming piano keys and hard-hitting production as Savage deliveres quotable after quotable in his respective verses.
Busta Rhymes, flip mode, who you tellin’ on?
Desert Eagle, big holes, and they comin’ for him
Shoot out all your windows, he moved to California
Ambulance tried to save him, they was disappointed
21 Savage — “No Debate / Big Smoke”
Kid Hazel Interview: Slaughter Gang producer finds balance between dark and ‘divine’
The dark beat by SG Kid Hazel calls back to some of Savage’s older classics, yet doesn’t feel like a retreat into his archives. In the double-track visual, 21 is wandering through narrow, dimly lit hallways while rapping inside of a club. Its violent imagery in the lyrics go perfectly with the aesthetic in the video as 21’s captivating verses make these tracks instant replays.
With introspective bars on “No Deabte” and bombastic rhymes on “Big Smoke,” 21 Savage can seemingly do no wrong — continuing to showcase why he’s one of the most unrelenting rappers in the game.
21 Savage and Metro Boomin continue to mesh perfectly on ‘Savage Mode II’
While it’s been over a year since his previous full-length release in Savage Mode 2 with Metro Boomin, “No Debate / “Big Smoke” further prove the Slaughter Gang head honcho is prepping for something big in 2022.
Watch ‘No Debate / Big Smoke’ by 21 Savage below!
