Top 13 Best Songs on I Am I Was: An Essential Playlist

1. a lot (i am > i was)

Sound: "a lot" boasts a dark, atmospheric soundscape, perfectly complementing 21 Savage's introspective lyrics and solidifying its place amongst the album's heavier tracks.

Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic tone and vulnerable lyrics resonate deeply, showcasing a different side of 21 Savage within the I Am > I Was context.

Vocals: 21 Savage's delivery is raw and emotionally charged, creating an intimate and impactful listening experience that enhances the album's overall narrative.

2. Ball w/o You

Gloomy Atmosphere: "Ball w/o You" masterfully crafts a somber soundscape, perfectly capturing the album's introspective mood with its melancholic melody and 21 Savage's signature contemplative flow.

Emotional Depth: The track delves into themes of loneliness and longing, resonating with listeners who appreciate the album's exploration of vulnerability and complex emotions.

Production Quality: The song's production is crisp and clean, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics and creating an immersive listening experience that showcases the album's refined sonic palette.

3. can't leave without it (21 Savage)

Sound: "Can't Leave Without It" boasts a dark, atmospheric trap beat that perfectly complements 21 Savage's signature flow, creating a haunting yet captivating soundscape.

Vocals: Savage's delivery is both chillingly nonchalant and intensely focused, making his lyrics about loyalty and street life feel visceral and believable.

Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic tone and raw lyrics about unwavering commitment resonate deeply, showcasing a more vulnerable side within the context of *I Am > I Was*’s broader themes.

4. 4L (21 Savage ft Young Nudy)

4L

Artists: 21 Savage, Young Nudy

Sound: The track boasts a dark, atmospheric soundscape, perfectly complementing the album's overall mood. The beat is menacing yet hypnotic, creating an addictive listening experience.

Vocals: 21 Savage and Young Nudy's distinct vocal styles blend seamlessly, creating a dynamic and captivating performance. Their delivery is both chilling and effortless, adding to the song's overall intensity.

Emotional Impact: "4L" evokes a sense of gritty realism and unflinching honesty, reflecting themes prevalent throughout *I Am > I Was*. Its impact lies in its raw vulnerability and unflinching portrayal of street life.

5. ASMR (2018)

Sound: ASMR's dark, atmospheric production on I Am > I Was sets a distinctly unsettling yet captivating mood, a departure from some of 21 Savage's more typical trap sounds.

Vocals: 21 Savage's delivery is particularly measured and controlled on this track, adding to the song's overall hypnotic effect.

Emotional Impact: The song's unsettling atmosphere contributes to a brooding, introspective vibe, perfectly capturing a specific emotional tone within the album.

6. Monster (2018)

Sound: "Monster" masterfully blends 21 Savage's signature trap sound with Childish Gambino's more experimental, soulful style, creating a surprisingly cohesive and dynamic track.

Vocals: The contrasting vocal styles of Savage and Gambino create a captivating interplay of hard-hitting bars and melodic hooks, adding depth and complexity to the song.

Emotional Impact: Despite its hard-hitting production, the lyrics explore vulnerability and introspection, making it a surprisingly emotionally resonant track within the album's overall context.

7. Gun Smoke (2018)

Sound: Gun Smoke boasts a dark, atmospheric soundscape, perfectly complementing 21 Savage's signature trap style, making it a standout track on I Am > I Was.

Vocals: 21 Savage's delivery is both chilling and compelling, his distinctive flow weaving seamlessly through the track's intricate production.

Emotional Impact: The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics explore themes of vulnerability and resilience, adding depth to its overall impact within the album.

8. Pad Lock (2018)

Sound: "Pad Lock" boasts a dark, atmospheric trap beat that perfectly complements 21 Savage's signature flow, creating a uniquely haunting soundscape within the *I Am > I Was* album.

Vocals: Savage's delivery is both chillingly detached and intensely emotive, making the lyrics hit hard despite the song's minimalist production.

Emotional Impact: The track's brooding tone and unflinching lyrics explore themes of isolation and vulnerability, adding a layer of emotional depth to the overall album's narrative.

9. Break Da Law (2018)

Aggressive Flow: 21 Savage's signature aggressive flow and delivery on "Break Da Law" perfectly encapsulates the raw energy and unapologetic attitude present throughout I Am > I Was.

Dark Atmosphere: The track's dark and atmospheric production creates a menacing soundscape that complements the album's overall themes of struggle and success.

Lyrical Depth: While boasting a hard-hitting beat, the song also features sharp and insightful lyrics that showcase 21 Savage's storytelling ability, adding another layer to its impact within the album.

10. A&T

Sound: A&T boasts a dark, atmospheric soundscape, perfectly complementing 21 Savage's introspective lyrics and adding to the album's overall somber yet captivating mood.

Vocals: 21 Savage delivers a raw and emotionally resonant performance, his distinctive vocal delivery perfectly matching the song's reflective and poignant themes.

Emotional Impact: The track's melancholic melody and confessional lyrics create a powerful emotional resonance, making it a standout moment on I Am > I Was for its ability to evoke deep feelings.