How ‘Savage Mode II’ Tributes the Classic Rap Album Covers of Yesterday
The new 21 Savage and Metro Boomin album cover speak volumes for the project itself. That classic mixtape feel is no accident, find out how it pays homage to the rappers that inspire the duo.
A few weeks back, British-born Atlanta rapper 21 Savage and super-producer Metro Boomin reunited for the long-awaited ‘Savage Mode II’ project. After being teased for months, the sequel to the classic trap EP released on October, 2.
The album was well-received from fans and critics alike and has been called one of the best rap releases of 2020. The project was narrated by the legendary actor Morgan Freeman. Freeman’s presence throughout the album added gravitas and a cinematic feel to the LP.
Before Savage Mode II had even dropped, the record’s album cover had fans polarised online. The cover art is ripped straight from the 90s or noughties with a bold ‘pen and pixels’ style artwork.
This pen and pixels style graphic were particularly prominent across rap music, specifically southern hip-hop in the 90s. Cash Money Records artists like B.G, Lil Wayne and Juvenile often fronted this style of artwork for their releases.
This trend didn’t just exist among Cash Money artists, rap mogul Master P and his No Limit record label also embodied this cover art trend alongside countless others like; Gucci Mane, Snoop Dogg, Three 6 Mafia and DJ Screw.
This pen and pixels style graphic have been integral to the vintage fashion revival. Many brands and creators like Marino Morwood use this old style of graphic design for new vintage-inspired apparel. Whether you’re a Frank Ocean or Louis Theroux fan, there’s bound to be a pen and pixel graphic tee of them.
Also, SM2 features a sample and interpolation of 50 Cent’s 2003 song ‘Many Men (Wish Death)’ towards the middle section of the album. Many Men sees 21 using 50’s blueprint to craft something familiar, yet brand new also.
Many Men helps sum up the album as a whole. 21 and Metro have both evolved their sound since the first Savage Mode project. Here, the duo reunites with their sharpened skills for a second outing, crafting some of the years best music.
This melding of old and new throughout the record is what helps SM2 stand apart from its competition.
Stream Savage Mode II on Spotify and Apple Music here.
