21 Savage turns the dream into reality by unleashing American Dream (via Slaughter Gang and Epic Records), his first solo studio album in nearly six years.
Dropping at the stroke of midnight, Savage’s third set features a dreamy lineup of collaborators, including Brent Faiyaz, Summer Walker, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Lil Durk and Mariah the Scientist.
In a novel campaign for the LP, the Atlanta, GA-based British-American rapper revealed his guest artists ahead of release by sharing their baby pictures on his Instagram.
Fifteen tracks in total, American Dream was announced earlier in the week, and is said to serve as the soundtrack for 21 Savage’s debut film American Dream: The 21 Savage Story, for which he unveiled a trailer on Monday (Jan. 8).
American Dream is the followup to his 2018 sophomore album I Am > I Was, which earned the hip-hop artist his first Billboard 200 No. 1 album and was nominated for best rap album at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Its hit single “A Lot,” featuring J. Cole, won the Grammy that year for best rap song.
Then, in 2020, Savage Mode II with Metro Boomin went to No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Another collaborative project, Her Loss, recorded with Drake, bowed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2022, for his third leader. In December of that year, the state of Georgia recognized Dec. 21 as 21 Savage Day in recognition of his philanthropic efforts, which include his foundation Leading by Example, established in 2018 to provide financial literacy education to underserved youth nationwide providing thousands of scholarships, access to bank accounts and job placement for youths and more.
Directed by Donald Glover, American Dream: The 21 Savage Story rolls out in theaters on Independence Day 2024. Savage’s live commitments this year include spots on the U.K.’s Reading and Leeds Festivals.
Stream American Dream in full below.