Album: "Her Loss" by Drake and 21 Savage
Release Date: Nov. 4, 2022
Label: OVO Sound, Republic Records
Runtime: 1 hour and 1 minute
Grade: A-
Drake and 21 Savage have reached the peak of their talent as a duo on their joint album "Her Loss." The album features amazing production and constant contrast in tone and delivery that keeps things fresh throughout. Going from smooth singing to upbeat rapping, the versatility and chemistry of the pair shines on full display.
The album starts with sublime production in the first two songs. Their beat switches change the tone of songs from easygoing to hubristic and energetic. Both of the switches are accompanied by Drake switching seamlessly from singing to rapping, setting the juxtapositional aesthetic of the album.
In song number three, "On BS," Drake and 21 split the first verse into thirds in a brilliant display of their chemistry as Drake picks up the verse where Savage leaves off in each part, maintaining the tone and energy perfectly. The verse ends with a confident proclamation from the pair.
"I jump on your song and make you sound like you the feature / I jump on your song and make a label think they need ya, for real," they rap.
The album continues on with freshness but adds a change of tone. The rapping duo go from supreme confidence to vulnerability, expressing genuine care for both a romantic partner and a close friend. It adds a new side to the artists — one that isn't seen much on the album up to this point.
They eventually return to an air of confidence but go deeper in their display of ability. And it only becomes further proof of their talented execution.
In the final leg of the album, the artists maintain the quality and tone of the previous songs. They explore one their own through slightly less memorable but fun moments on "Middle of the Ocean" and "3AM on Glenwood."
On "Middle of the Ocean," Drake goes back to one of his signature song styles, rapping at his most self-indulgent with clever one-liners over a slow beat with an up-pitched sample as seen on his 2017 single "Do Not Disturb." Who doesn't love Drake at his classic best?
"I wouldn't trade my life for none of y'alls, it's an embargo," he raps.
"3 AM on Glenwood" is a touch of irony as a song title featuring a time and place with introspective lyrics is one of Drake's most well-known calling cards. Savage emulates this trope perfectly as he discusses both his greatest successes and most agonizing pains, going from bragging about winning a Grammy to expressing sadness for friends lost to gun violence.
It's not every day that fans get to enjoy both artists together. Ultimately, they prove to be a perfect match.
"Her Loss" proves to be an all-engaging experience. With unique production, versatility in both tone and subject matter and immaculate chemistry from Drake and 21 Savage, this album definitely lives up to the expectations set by their past hits.