Introducing ‘Rhyme nor Reason’ – a SONGLYRICS’ look at lyricists that make us want to jam a pencil in our brain. Or as a man named Shakespeare once wrote: ‘Was there ever any man thus beaten out of season/When in the why and the wherefore is neither rhyme nor reason?’
21 Savage is a rapper from Atlanta, Georgia whose style can best be categorized as foul, a witless sucker with as much authority as a mall cop. He is one in a long line of imitation meat chumps who embrace a singular and altogether boring style; one that has been rinsed, washed and repeated to no end.
Lyrically 21 Savage embraces the obvious: the relentless pursuit of money, violence and sex. His unwillingness to venture outside these ideals is not totally uncommon among rappers who have little respect for the craft. Even when put into context he still ranks near the bottom; his D-League approach making Chief Keef sound like Rakim.
“Picky,” 21 Savage’s debut single, plays out like a cheap Hollywood thriller, filled with predictable dialogue and cliche narratives. He’s the M. Night Shyamalan of rap whose name is exclusively associated with mediocrity. He’s expressing discerning tastes, which is mind-boggling especially when considering his anemic skills on the mic: [LISTEN]
21 Savage has been lauded for his stark portrayal of his environment, which is notable in one way but also completely ignorant and exploitative in another. It’s like the cheap, ratings-seeking exposé where the angling news reporter picks the sleepiest person in the crowd to give a first-hand account. It may ring true in one sense, but it doesn’t begin to capture the truth behind what’s really going on.
From a creative standpoint, 21 Savage is only recycling what’s already been said and done. He is unoriginal and tactless, and handles the mic like JaVale McGee does the rock on a fast break; a comedy of errors that is just as sad as it is amusing. Being that goofy and shortsighted only makes his rise to stardom that much more loathsome.
“Red Opps” is a typical 21 Savage rap, filled to the brim with sameness. Instead of venturing out and doing something different he’s looking to fall in line and play himself to the left like every other one and done clone: [LISTEN]
21 Savage is just one of many thirsty rappers out there who will say and do anything for a quick buck and some shine. It doesn’t matter that he’s being taken for a ride, he’s just happy that he’s been invited to the party. There are countless rappers out there who do the same thing, and him stepping into the spotlight is like winning the lotto and saying you earned it with hard work. He was only plucked out from the crowd to keep status quo alive and well, a lyricist who perpetuates all the boring things about rap.