21 Savage revisits his roots on 'What Happened To The Streets?'

21 Savage makes his return with the long-awaited album 'What Happened To The Streets?', a project that takes him back to the cold, razor-sharp Atlanta storytelling that first cemented his place in today’s rap landscape. It’s a familiar but sharpened version of Savage, tapping into the voice and perspective fans have come to know and respect over the years.

Sonically, the album feels darker and more stripped-back, with 21 diving deep into themes of survival, loyalty, and the emotional weight that comes with growing up in the trenches. His signature deadpan delivery sits comfortably over heavy, brooding production, while a strong list of features adds variety without taking away from the album’s focused tone. Appearances from Drake, Metro Boomin, Latto, G Herbo, Young Nudy, GloRilla, Lil Baby, and Jawan Harris help round out the project.

Visually, the album makes a bold statement as well. The cover art, designed by British-Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn, reimagines Kerry James Marshall’s 1980 painting A Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self. Slawn overlays a sorrowful, graffiti-style clown face onto the silhouette, with a knife etched into the forehead as a clear nod to 21 Savage’s iconic dagger tattoo. It’s a powerful visual that mirrors the album’s introspective and gritty themes.

Overall, 'What Happened To The Streets?' feels like a moment fans have been waiting for. It’s a return to form that reinforces 21 Savage’s ability to balance raw honesty with sharp storytelling, reminding listeners why his voice still carries so much weight in hip-hop today.