The Atlanta-based rapper's new album, 'I Am > I Was' receives favorable reviews from music critics in addition to debuting atop Billboard 200.
- February 18, 2019
AceShowbiz - Putting aside his troubles with the law, there's no denying that 21 Savage is one of the greatest rappers in the hip-hop industry today. Ever since attaining nationwide attention thanks to the release of his EP "Savage Mode", the rap star continues to make critically-acclaimed music. His latest album, "I Am > I Was", is an example of that.
Making its way out on December 21, 2018, his sophomore effort was greatly praised by music critics, receiving an average score of 81 at Metacritic. Eric Diep of HipHopDX was among those who enjoyed listening to the album, gushing, "At 15 songs and 51 minutes long, it's an enjoyable listen with good pacing, filled with the right amount of vulnerability, heartache, menace and savagery." A.D. Amorosi of Variety, meanwhile, dubbed the effort 21 Savage's "best and most dynamic" album.
In addition to receiving favorable reviews, "I Am > I Was" performed well commercially. It debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200 and remained at the spot for a second week. It marked his first No. 1 album on the chart. The album also ruled Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and peaked at No. 3 on Canadian Albums chart. Meanwhile, nine songs off the effort charted at Billboard's Hot 100, with lead single "A Lot" featuring J. Cole peaking at No. 12 in its seventh week.
Besides enjoying the success of "I Am > I Was", 21 Savage also scored his first Grammy nomination thanks to his hit collaboration with Post Malone, "Rockstar". The chart-topping single was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 61st Grammy Awards.
21 Savage has yet to announce plan to release new music anytime, but there's one thing that he's surely won't put into his upcoming song. In a recent interview, the British rapper revealed that he wouldn't talk about his recent arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on his forthcoming release. When asked whether he would put the issue into his new music, 21 Savage answered, "Not right now, 'cause I feel like putting it into music got me in this situation, kind of."
