Grammy award-winning artist 21 Savage captivated audiences with a sold-out performance at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre last Saturday, marking the second to last stop on his highly anticipated, 30-stop, “American dream” tour. Born Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, known professionally as 21 Savage, turned the amphitheater upside down with banger after banger in support of his newest solo studio album, “American dream,” treating fans to an unforgettable night of music and spectacle.
The American Dream album made a significant impact upon its release, marking 21’s debuting at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 200 Charts where it stayed two consecutive weeks. Additionally, all 14 songs from the album charted on the Billboard Hot 200, further cementing 21 Savage's status as a chart-topping sensation, and one of the most decorated rappers of the modern era. On that note, it’s no surprise that the event saw fans of all ages from teenagers to older adults jamming out to the Atlanta-raised artist like never before.
Amongst carefully placed fire cannons and roars of the crowd, the massive LED screen on stage raised up to reveal 21, as he opened the show with his first hit of the night, “No Heart.” Known for his flashy streetwear style, the rapper donned a gray and black tracksuit with an Atlanta Braves snapback, and crisp white Air Forces to match. Split loosely into three sections, the show raced through 21’s catalog, as things really popped off during songs like “Dip Dip” and “X” from early mixtape “Slaughter King.” The crowd knew every word as some moshed and others grooved to the beat. Matching the playful production by bouncing across the stage while smoke cannons exploded around him, Savage launched further into tracks such as “Ball w/o You” and “Out for the Night”, from the album “I Am> I.” Rollicking through his set, fans were not only blessed with some of his most popular songs from his newest album, but also his most highly favored features such as “Spin Bout You,” “10 Freaky Girls,” and “Knife Talk,” among others. Fans were swarming and as the rapper’s setlist was perfectly catered to generate a show full of certified bops.
Closer to the third act, 21 was joined onstage by J.I.D for their hit collaboration “Surround Sound” and later by Nardo Wick for “Who Want Smoke??,” showcasing 21’s versatility and collaborative spirit. His verse from J Cole’s My Life is followed up with “A Lot”, an exposing autobiographical track that is easily the night’s most impressive performance, showcasing 21’s soulfulness. Here, 21 raps as if he’s sharing stories with a close friend, with the audience taking that friend's place, ready and willing to support the call-and-response chorus. This solo performance amongst an only instrumental backtrack paid testament to his magnetic star power and undeniable ability, that may be glossed over if not experienced live.
Enhancing an already electrifying show were stunning visuals, including images of his childhood home, vibrant laser-like lights, an Atlanta backdrop, and, of course, classic smoke effects. Closing out the show with “redrum”, 21 bid goodbye to his supporters, which only made them hungry for more.
Setlist
No Heart
Jimmy Cooks (Drake)
Topia Twins (Travis Scott)
Dip Dip
Dangerous
Ball w/o You
X
Out for the Night
Bank Account
Glock in My Lap
Prove it
Many Men
Peaches & Eggplants (Young Nudy)
Spin Bout U
10 Freaky Girls (Metro Boomin)
Creepin’ (Metro Boomin)
Should’ve Wore A Bonnet
Rich N***a Shit
Rich Flex
A Lot
Knife Talk (Drake)
Rockstar (Post Malone)
Who Want Smoke?? (Nardo Wick)
All of Me
Surround Sound (J.I.D cover)
Redrum
