In the age of Spotify, opens a new window and similar music services, it's pretty easy to find that one song you've been searching for. An added benefit is the ability to easily find the whole album and experience it in its entirety as the artist intended (most of the time, that is). This year, we've had standout whole albums especially within hip-hop, such as Jay-Z' 4:44, Kendrick Lamar's Damn, and a few others. One album that surprised me with how quality it is front to back is the collaboration project between 21 Savage, Offset, and Metro Boomin.
The album, entitled Without Warning, opens a new window, is one of my favorite albums of the year and has been in my rotation since it released. It is littered with bang up tracks such as Ric Flair Drip, My Choppa Hate N****s, and my favorite track Mad Stalkers. What best stands out from this project is the perfect melding of delivery style with 21 and Offset all accentuated by Metro's production, who is masterful on the buttons.
Just before this album released we also got to hear another obvious collaboration in the form of Young Thug and Future with Super Slimy. While another well complemented performance between the two, the omission of Metro Boomin on production (due to some well documented drama between Metro, Thugger, and Future) keeps the album from reaching its full impact. Even taking into account that it has credits from Southside, London On Da Track, and Mike Will Made It, there is just something sonically missing.
Therein is where Without Warning benefits, as ALL of the tracks are produced or co-produced by Metro. This may sound like the talent actually lies in how well the production work is carried on, but in the case of Without Warning, I would just say that the expert lyricism and delivery of 21 Savage and Offset is further accentuated by the smooth sounds of Metro Boomin and boy does it come together.
If you have yet to listen to this album, use our Freegal service for free streaming or free download with your library card!
Note: This album contains strong language and adult themes that some may find offensive. Listen at your own risk.
Have you listened to the album? What were your thoughts?
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