Released: 2018
Alright, let’s ride into the heart of Atlanta’s trap scene with “asmr” by 21 Savage. This track is a chilling reflection of Savage’s raw journey from being a small-time street hustler to becoming a heavyweight in the rap game. It’s about the struggle, the danger, and ultimately the gutsy resilience that defines his hustle. As we delve deeper into the lyrics, we’ll navigate through strong street narratives, layered with themes of violence, wealth, and the harsh realities of street life.
21 Savage opens with the iconic Metro Boomin’ tag, “If Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gon’-“, setting the mood for the heavy hitting verses to follow. He then drops lethal bars about his life in the streets, including both its brutal realities and the resulting PTSD. When 21 Savage speaks of “both sides of the gun,” he’s referencing both having to pull the trigger and losing close ones to gun violence. Those lines aren’t just for show, they’re rooted in his lived experiences.
When he goes on to say, “I come from the 6 where they chalk up lames”, he’s repping his birthplace, the Zone 6 neighborhood in Atlanta, notorious for its high crime rate. The phrase “chalk up” comes from crime scene investigations where chalk is used to outline bodies. It’s a grim reminder of the life he’s lived.
And when Savage raps about how, “You just wear Adidas, but in real life, I got stripes,” he’s flexing over his opponents. Stripes here is a reference to street cred, while also taking a jab at wannabe hustlers, suggesting they’re merely posing with the Adidas stripes, an iconic symbol in hip-hop fashion. It’s a clever way of drawing a line between his real life experiences and those who simply play the part.
The reference to Nas needing only one mic while he needs only a Glock further illustrates 21’s raw and ruthless perspective. While Nas, a legendary East Coast rapper, needs one mic to get his message across, 21 uses the Glock as a metaphor for defense and survival in the streets of Atlanta.
Finally, when 21 Savage boldly proclaims, “I know he gon’ be a rat one day,” he’s slamming those who turn informer or ‘rat’ under pressure. It’s a strong statement on loyalty and trust, concepts that are prized within the street culture that 21 narrates. His voiced awareness of potential betrayal adds a realistic edge to his portrayal of the streets.
“ASMR” is 21 Savage dropping knowledge on the code of the streets and the trials he’s faced. It’s more than just a banger, it’s storytelling from a man who’s lived every bar he raps. And it’s that raw authenticity that continues to solidify his position as a significant voice in hip-hop.
