21 Savage Confronts Atlanta’s Pain in New Album What Happened to the Streets?

21 Savage released his new album, *What Happened to the Streets?*, this week. The Atlanta rapper returns with a project aimed at his core fanbase. It follows his chart-topping 2023 release, *American Dream*.

The album arrives amid ongoing turbulence in the Atlanta rap scene. 21 Savage attempts to address community trauma and personal success. Critics note a struggle to balance these weighty themes.

Album Navigates Street Codes and Commercial Success

The 15-track album features collaborations with Drake, Lil Baby, and Summer Walker. Production comes from frequent partners Metro Boomin and Southside. According to reviews, the sound offers a familiar trap foundation.

Lyrically, 21 Savage grapples with his elevated status. He repeatedly asserts he remains a “soldier” despite wealth. This tension between past and present defines much of the record.

Tracks like “Atlanta Tears” and “Code of Honor” directly address loss. They reference fallen peers like Lil Keed and Takeoff. These moments provide the album’s most poignant commentary.

Mixed Critical Reception Highlights Artistic Tension

Early critical response has been mixed. Reviewers praise the album’s raw emotion in spots. However, many feel it falls short of its ambitious premise.

The album’s second half is widely noted as its strongest section. Songs like “Gang Over Everything” and “Halftime Interlude” resonate more deeply. They offer a clearer focus on grief and reflection.

Some tracks are criticized for weaker choruses and recycled themes. The inclusion of a cover of R. Kelly’s “I Wish” has drawn particular scrutiny. This choice has sparked debate among fans and critics alike.

Ultimately, *What Happened to the Streets?* showcases 21 Savage’s enduring voice. It underscores the complex legacy he carries from Atlanta’s streets. The new album solidifies his role as a narrator for a generation’s struggles.

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Q1: What is the main theme of 21 Savage’s new album?

The album explores the changing landscape of Atlanta’s street culture. 21 Savage reflects on personal wealth, community loss, and the pressure to stay authentic. It questions what “the streets” mean after achieving fame.

Q2: Who are the featured artists on the album?

Notable features include Drake, Lil Baby, Summer Walker, and Latto. The project also includes verses from G Herbo and Young Nudy. Production is handled by Metro Boomin, Southside, and others.

Q3: How has the album been received by critics?

Reception has been mixed. Some praise its heartfelt moments addressing trauma. Others find it inconsistent and less impactful than his earlier work like *i am > i was*.

Q4: What is the controversy around the track “I Wish”?

The song is a cover of an R. Kelly single. This has led to criticism given Kelly’s convictions for sex crimes. The inclusion has been called a tonal misstep by several reviewers.

Q5: How does this album compare to *American Dream*?

*What Happened to the Streets?* is seen as more focused on core trap aesthetics. It has less of the broader immigrant narrative that defined *American Dream*. The newer album is considered a direct address to his longtime fans.