Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage, real name Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, is one of the true success stories of the record industry. His meteoric rise from the independent scene to the upper echelons of the mainstream music charts has been nothing short of monumental.
21 Savage’s Trap-style Hip-Hop tracks have been wooing fans since 2014. And he’s not done yet. His name was derived from getting shot six times on his 21st birthday in an incident where his friend died.
It’s difficult to choose the best 21 Savage songs of all-time, with so many gems to pick from his independent days right up until the 2023 Her Loss collaboration with Canadian rap superstar Drake. But, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of 21 Savage’s best songs, starting with…
Top 25 Best 21 Savage Songs of All-Time
1 Bank Account
“Bank Account” is routinely seen as his best song ever by fans and critics alike. It’s his most streamed tune on Spotify by a country mile and was from his debut studio album, Issa Album, back in 2017.
The album reached #12 on the Hot Billboard 100 and is still regarded as one of his best albums, if not the best. This self-produced track discusses his love for violence which was born out of a rough upbringing in the ghetto.
It’s easily one of his biggest hits…
So, it only makes sense to put this at the top of the list. Commercial success doesn’t always equate to artistic integrity. But, in this instant, the beat and flow are very raw and real and not polished like his newer cuts.
This level of rawness is what made it such a huge 21 Savage hit song in the first place. The classic guitar riff, the driving drums, and the perfectly delivered vocals make this one of the best 21 Savage songs ever.
2 No Heart
The story goes that the artist didn’t even want to release this track. But, after a few tweaks and different mixes from producer Metro Boomin, the track was accepted, and thank goodness for that.
“No Heart” has gone on to become one of the most popular 21 Savage songs with hardcore fans to date. It was included on the Savage Mode EP in 2016, which was a collaborative mini-album with Metro. The track was certified platinum by the RIAA, while the EP went on to get Gold status.
The song is hard, dark, cold, and purposeful…
The beat is Drill-like in its production. And, with Savage’s fast flows riding on top, it’s not hard to understand why this underground classic got so much commercial success.
Earlier tracks like this cemented his reputation as a new-wave rap artist. And he’s gone on from strength to strength ever since.
3 A Lot (feat. J. Cole)
“A Lot” is a collaboration between 21 Savage and J. Cole. And it is the duo that we didn’t realize we needed in our lives. This is one of the more standard rap tracks for his standout career, which shows that Savage could hold his own at any time over the past 20 years.
The track was released on his second studio album, I Am > I Was, back in December 2021. It has gone on to be one of 21 Savage’s most loved songs.
That cool and funky beat is just a vessel…
One for Savage and Cole to show off their rapping skills and lyrical dexterity. Both artists use this track to talk about their struggles and facing up to dark times. It’s a very sincere and honest tune that you can’t help but love.
The fact that it became an instant hit showed that the fans appreciated this track just as much as the critics. And that’s a good place to be.
4 FaceTime
“FaceTime” is considered one of his more unique tunes that shows his versatility as a rapper. The track is produced by DJ Mustard and perfectly balances a hard sound with lighter flows and raps on top.
In my opinion…
It’s more of a party tune that uses auto-tune effects in the best possible way without sounding robotic or unnatural. Sometimes, auto-tune can ruin a track, but it actually enhances this one.
Apparently, it was initially omitted from Issa Ablum, but it eventually got added to the project. And, thank goodness, it did.
It became one of 21 Savage’s most popular songs from the debut album. Not adding it would have been a massive mistake and oversight on part of the rapper and his label. But the right decision was made, and everything is fine with the world
5 X (feat. Future)
You can’t make a list of the best 21 Savage songs of all-time without including “X.” It’s a certified platinum track from the critically acclaimed Savage Mode EP from 2016. If aliens invaded earth and wanted to know about the Atlanta-based rapper, you would likely play them this tune.
The cool vibes of the beat, alongside the catchy rhyme schemes, made this an instant hit with Trap and rap fans alike. Future and Savage flex their way through the entire tune and massively complement each other regarding flow styles.
This is a track that helped Savage gain lots of new fans going forward. So, we should never underestimate its importance in the growth of his career.
6 Immortal
“Immortal” is the perfect example of how underground tracks can be more important to an artist than commercially viable songs. This was a standalone single that appeared in the trailer for Mortal Kombat 11.
It was to be released on the I Am > I Was album, but it didn’t make the cut in the end for several reasons. But that didn’t halt or derail the tune’s popularity, far from it. It only heightened its notoriety over time.
It wasn’t included on one of his major albums…
As a result, the track is sometimes overlooked and underestimated, but I wasn’t going to let that happen. Is this one of the best 21 Savage songs ever recorded? It is in terms of importance and quality, but it sometimes takes a back seat to other tracks, and that’s a shame.
7 Runnin
When Savage Mode II was released in 2020, “Runnin” was its debut single, and rightly so. It swings from the hip like Sony Liston and comes out of the blocks like Usain Bolt on crystal meth. It samples Diana Ross’ “I Thought It Took a Little Time,” which gives the overall vibe a very haunting and mysterious feel.
The track ends with a Morgan Freeman narrative. So, it must be the first time that Ross and Freeman appeared together on a rap joint, unless you can prove me wrong, of course.
The lyrics are about Savage going back to his roots in a lyrical sense…
If you listen to the entire album, this track is the first song and starts with a vibe that runs throughout the record. And, if you are a fan of hardcore beats and street rhymes, this is the Savage tune for you.
It might not sound as commercial or frilly as some of his other releases, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
8 Rich Nigga Shit (feat. Young Thug)
This song does what it says on the tin. “Rich Nigga Shit” featuring Young Thug is a collaboration of bling and beauty. This was yet another single from the 2020 Savage Mode II album. It enjoys a very musical instrumentation produced by Metro Boomin. And, this time, has Young Thug on the lyrics.
It’s a different sound from most of his other tracks. But that’s why we love it and why it’s made the 21 Savage best songs of all time list.
It’s not as dark and moody as other Savage tracks…
But, it has a memorable bassline that is simple in its conception yet very effective in its delivery. This is another unique track that doesn’t get the acclaim that it deserves.
The lyrics use a myriad of metaphors and similes that need to be unwrapped over several listens, just like all the best rap tunes do.
9 Glock in My Lap
“Glock in My Lap” is another Metro Boomin-produced classic cut from Savage Mode II. When it initially hit the streets, it got rave reviews and was received well by fans and music critics alike.
The sinister and haunting beat makes this tune what it is…
The layers of beats and orchestral sounds create a deep and brooding ambiance that you seldom find in Hip-Hop today. This is a murderous track. Something that a serial killer might have played in the background while driving around looking for potential victims.
If you ever get a chance to watch the official video for this track, make sure you do because it stars a chainsaw-wielding maniac who can take rappers apart.
This is one of 21 Savage’s darker tunes and one that fans really like. It’s one of the best songs he’s ever made, and its commercial success proves that.
10 Ball W/O You
21 Savage is not usually known for jazzy-style beats. But “Ball W/O You” is something a bit different for you to chill with. In my opinion, this is one of his cooler tracks that showcases a different side of Savage.
Lifted directly from the award-winning I Am > I Was album, the vibe of the song is laid-back, reflective, and relaxing. Rarely is Savage so introspective as you find on this joint. It’s something that I could get used to going forward from his future projects.
The entire album was very hard and harsh. But, this track offered a bit of light respite from the darkness.
Love, betrayal, and loyalty are the key focus of this song…
It’s clear to see that Savage has something on his chest that he needs to get off. It’s been speculated by fans that the track was about Amber Rose. But the truth is that it’s more about relationships in general.
Furthermore, Savage fervently denies that it’s about Rose. That should be enough to put that rumor to rest, but you know what the internet is like. Regardless of these things, this is one of my favorite 21 Savage tracks, and he should do more like this.
11A Lot ft. J. Cole by 21 Savage
12Red Opps by 21 Savage
13Numb by 21 Savage
14Mad Stalkers ft. Offset and Metro Boomin by 21 Savage
15Can’t Leave Without It ft. Gunna and Lil Baby by 21 Savage
16Monster ft. Childish Gambino by 21 Savage
17Ocean Drive by 21 Savage
18Bartier Cardi ft. Cardi B by 21 Savage
19Numb Numb Juice Remix ft. ScHoolboy Q by 21 Savage
20Dirty K ft. Lotto Savage by 21 Savage
21Ghostface Killers ft. Offset and Metro Boomin by 21 Savage
22All The Smoke by 21 Savage
231.5 ft. Offset by 21 Savage
24Mr. Right Now ft. Drake by 21 Savage
25All My Friends ft. Post Malone by 21 Savage
Need More Incredible Rap and Hip-Hop Tunes?
Well, take a look at our detailed articles on the Best 90s Hip Hop Songs, the Best 2000s Rap Songs, the Best Birthday Hip Hop Songs, the Best Sad Rap Songs, and the Best Hip Hop Songs Of All Time for more banging song selections.
Best 21 Savage Songs of All-Time – Final Thoughts
The best 21 Savage songs are a mixed bag, just like his entire career. He worked hard to go from his independent roots from 2014 to 2017 to obtain a major record deal and penetrate the mainstream. His rise from a humble beginning is simply stunning and should be applauded from all quarters.
Savage has singled himself out as one of the best rappers of the Trap generation. And, whether you love or hate this incarnation of rap music, you cannot deny the man’s talents.
From club bangers to introspective tracks that take solace from his struggles to get off the streets makes Savage even more endearing. He is one of the few modern rappers that have managed to please fans and critics alike with his moody beats and complex rhyme schemes. And, long may it last.
Until next time, happy listening.
