21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin Drop ‘Without Warning’

Rappers 21 Savage and Offset have collaborated with super-producer Metro Boomin on an appropriately titled, surprise mixtape, “Without Warning”. Dropping October 30, the night before Halloween, the cover art borrows imagery and a stylized font from its namesake 1980 horror film. The mixtape holds 10 tracks and features Quavo and Travis Scott, two artists who have routinely collaborated with the aforementioned trio.

As hinted by the cover art, and continuing the seasonal theme, the album is a medley of dark synths, minor chords, ominous bells and witchy sound effects such as gunshots, howling wolves and muffled screams. Never one to disappoint, Metro’s beats are flawlessly executed, and reminiscent of the same vibe he and 21 Savage delivered on 2016’s “Savage Mode” – gloomy and decaying. Offset exhibits his staccato’d-rap-scheme talent, while 21 maintains his quintessential combination of a calm tone spitting aggressive lyrics.

The opening track, “Ghostface Killers”, hosts Travis Scott for the third verse, as though including him as an after thought, as if the trio knows this project will sound just fine sans features. Metro throws in some heavy bells in this intro, setting the eerie tone for the entire album.

“Nightmare” opens with organs with a mystical, sci-fi effect and animal howls. Offset joins in, chanting. The pace quickens as the beat drops, with Offset delivering bars quicker than on any other track on the tape. He’s given free-reign and a chance to shine on this one – 21 doesn’t show up.

Further along on this project, “Run Up the Racks” calls in Southside for production help, and has 21 solo-rapping over a knotty drum pattern. The record is short, with just 2 quick verses and a repetitive chorus. The lyrical content is unremarkable, a typical braggadocios track discussing his newfound wealth.

Youtube comments already hint that fans believe this is 21 Savage’s best album, almost discrediting his formally released “Issa Album” (July 2107). Despite the (intentional) lack of publicity prior to its release, a work created by this tag team partnership surely has potential to enter every trap fan’s favorite list. The album is best described as each rapper furnishing their unique personal style at full throttle, seamlessly tied together with Metro’s production talent.

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