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Issa Album
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Issa Album
A drawing of 21 Savage wearing a red jacket and holding a white cup. A pile of hundred dollar bills is in front of him and burning palm trees are behind him. The word 'Issa' is superimposed in front of him.
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 7, 2017 (2017-07-07)
Genre
Length56:30
Label
Producer
21 Savage chronology
Savage Mode
(2016)
Issa Album
(2017)
Without Warning
(2017)
Singles from Issa Album
  1. "Bank Account"
    Released: August 8, 2017

Issa Album is the debut studio album by rapper 21 Savage. It was released on July 7, 2017, through Slaughter Gang Entertainment and distributed by Epic Records. The album features production from frequent collaborator Metro Boomin, alongside Southside, Pi'erre Bourne, Zaytoven, Wheezy, DJ Mustard and 21 Savage himself. It succeeds 21 Savage's collaborative EP with Metro Boomin, Savage Mode (2016).

Issa Album was supported by the lead single, "Bank Account". The album charted at number two on the US Billboard 200, and received generally positive reviews from critics.

Background

[edit]

On February 9, 2017, 21 Savage announced the title of the album.[1] On June 29, 21 Savage revealed the album's cover art, along with the release date.[2] On July 2, 2017, 21 Savage confirmed the album's producers.[3]

Promotion

[edit]

"Issa" featuring Young Thug and Drake, was a planned single to be released on Savage's album.[4] On December 19, 2016, Young Thug posted a video confirming that he will collaborate with 21 Savage on his debut studio album.[5] However, in May 2017, the original track was leaked online and made many fans unaware of the song being on the album. It is also been confirmed that 21 Savage has scrapped the song from his studio album.[6]

Singles

[edit]

The album's lead single, "Bank Account", was released to rhythmic contemporary radio on August 8, 2017.[7] The song peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[8]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?6.5/10[9]
Metacritic70/100[10]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[11]
ConsequenceC+[12]
Exclaim!8/10[13]
Gig Soup73%[14]
HipHopDX3.3/5[15]
HotNewHipHop72%[16]
Pitchfork6.5/10[17]
RapReviews6.5/10[18]
Tiny Mix Tapes4/5[19]
XXL4/5[20]

Issa Album was met with generally positive reviews. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 70, based on 10 reviews.[10] Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 6.5 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.[9]

In XXL, Scott Glaysher opined that the artist "manages to craft a fairly concise project with Issa Album about all the things that make him such a compelling rapper in today's hip-hop landscape".[20] Exclaim!'s M.T. Richards wrote that "Savage's strength of feeling against certain people cannot be overstated".[13] Corrigan B of Tiny Mix Tapes noted, "Despite expectations, it's an utter joy to listen to—a simple display of what 21 Savage sounds like when he's having fun rapping".[19] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times wrote positively, "Issa Album contains some of 21 Savage's best and most fully realized songs to date—especially "Bank Account" and "Bad Business"".[21] Justin Ivey of HipHopDX stated, "The budding star easily could have played it safe and stuck to a winning formula, which remains a strong suit (i.e. Issa's "Bank Account" and "Close My Eyes"). Instead, he challenged himself to be more musically ambitious. While his experiments didn't produce dynamic results, the positives overshadow the negatives".[15]

Steve "Flash" Juon of RapReviews said, "For better or worse the album also achieves a certain bland uniformity at times by staying so true to the trap aesthetic and having Metro Boomin produce so much of the music. It's not ill-conceived, it's just that it all winds up becoming a bit monotonous if you don't randomize it and/or mix in some songs by other artists".[18] Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork states, "He is so compelling when he digs deeper into his psyche this way, providing more than superficiality, but there aren't enough of these moments to sustain Issa Album, which is as basic as its title".[17] In a mixed review, AllMusic's Neil Z. Yeung stated: "Overall, Issa is a competent statement that demonstrates promise from the young rapper."[11] Brian Josephs of Spin said, "Issa Album needn't be The Infamous, but it could've benefitted from a clearer and tighter direction".[22] Wren Graves of Consequence criticized the "repetitive odes to getting high, getting laid, and getting lots of money".[12]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Issa Album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 with 77,000 album-equivalent units, of which 22,000 were pure album sales.[23] On November 24, 2020, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined sales, streaming and track-sales equivalent of one million units in the United States.[24]

Track listing

[edit]
Issa Album track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Famous"3:54
2."Bank Account"
3:40
3."Close My Eyes"
  • Abraham-Joseph
  • Wayne
Metro Boomin4:52
4."Bad Business"
2:42
5."Baby Girl"
Pi'erre Bourne2:49
6."Thug Life"
Metro Boomin4:23
7."FaceTime"
3:59
8."Nothin New"
  • Abraham-Joseph
  • Wayne
  • Dotson
  • Metro Boomin
  • Zaytoven
3:39
9."Numb"
  • Abraham-Joseph
  • Wayne
Metro Boomin4:31
10."Dead People"
  • Abraham-Joseph
  • Wayne
  • Luellen
  • Metro Boomin
  • Southside
  • Jake One[b]
2:27
11."Money Convo"
  • Abraham-Joseph
  • Wayne
Metro Boomin3:33
12."Special"
Wheezy3:37
13."Whole Lot"
5:13
14."7 Min Freestyle"
  • Abraham-Joseph
  • Wayne
  • Luellen
  • Metro Boomin
  • Southside[b]
7:11
Total length:56:30

Notes

  • ^[a] signifies a co-producer
  • ^[b] signifies an uncredited co-producer

Sample credits

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Tidal and XXL.[25][26]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Issa Album
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[49] Platinum 80,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[50] Gold 10,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[51] Gold 7,500
United States (RIAA)[24] Platinum 1,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Issa Album is the debut studio album by American rapper 21 Savage. It was released on July 7, 2017, through Slaughter Gang Entertainment and Epic Records. The album, a follow-up to his 2016 collaborative project Savage Mode with Metro Boomin, features 14 tracks produced primarily by Metro Boomin, Southside, Zaytoven, among others. The album delves into trap themes, chronicling 21 Savage's rise to fame, the temptations of success, street life, and personal struggles, with standout tracks like the "Bank Account," which peaked at number 12 on the US Hot 100. Issa Album debuted at number two on the chart, selling 77,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, of which 22,000 were pure sales. It was certified gold by the (RIAA) in October 2017 and later platinum on November 24, 2020, for equivalent units exceeding 1,000,000 copies. Critically, Issa Album received generally positive reviews for its dark, moody production and 21 Savage's charismatic delivery, though some critics noted a lack of innovation compared to his prior work. Publications praised tracks such as "Bank Account" and "Bad Business" for their replay value and trap authenticity, solidifying 21 Savage's position in the Atlanta hip-hop scene.

Background and development

Announcement

On February 9, 2017, announced his debut studio album via , teasing the project with the message "#IssaAlbum very very soon!" and positioning it as his first full-length solo effort following the collaborative mixtape (2016) with . This reveal came shortly after Savage signed with in January 2017, marking a significant step in his career transition to major-label status under his own imprint, Slaughter Gang Entertainment, distributed by Epic. The album's anticipation built over the following months, with revealing the on June 29, 2017, alongside the confirmed release date of July 7. The artwork features an illustrated depiction of Savage holding a double cup in front of palm trees and a stack of money, shifting from his earlier gritty aesthetics to a more stylized, animated vibe reminiscent of his The Year 2100. Savage confirmed the production credits around the album's release via social media, emphasizing Metro Boomin's role as the lead collaborator while listing additional contributors including Southside, Pi’erre Bourne, Zaytoven, DJ Mustard, and Savage himself. This lineup underscored the album's trap-heavy sound and high-profile Atlanta connections, solidifying its status as a major label debut.

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for Issa Album spanned from late 2016 through summer 2017, immediately following the July 2016 release of 21 Savage's collaborative project with , which had established the rapper's rising profile in Atlanta's trap scene. These sessions built directly on the momentum from , shifting focus toward 21 Savage's emergence as a solo artist while retaining the dark, atmospheric trap sound that defined their prior work. The process emphasized a streamlined creative environment to capture 21 Savage's raw lyricism amid his personal reflections on street life and success. Principal recording took place in Los Angeles studios, where 21 Savage had relocated, though additional sessions occurred in Atlanta to leverage local collaborators and infrastructure. The sessions featured intensive collaboration between 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, who contributed production to nine of the album's tracks, alongside input from guest producers like Southside, Zaytoven, and DJ Mustard during focused weeks of studio work in both cities. This teamwork allowed for rapid iteration on beats and verses, prioritizing moody trap instrumentation with heavy bass and sparse melodies to complement 21 Savage's monotone delivery. 21 Savage adopted a hands-on role throughout, demonstrating his growing production skills by self-producing the track "," which freestyled over a simple guitar loop during a late-session burst in . From dozens of initial demos, the team finalized 14 tracks that minimized guest features—limited to appearances by , , , and Offset—to spotlight 21 Savage's individual voice and narrative depth within the trap framework. This selective approach ensured the album's cohesive, introspective tone, avoiding overcrowding to let his on , wealth, and vulnerability stand out.

Production

Key producers

The production of Issa Album was led by a team of prominent trap and hip-hop producers, with serving as the primary architect, handling eight tracks including the hit singles "" (co-produced with ) and "Famous" (co-produced with ). His contributions emphasized his signature style of booming 808 basslines and atmospheric synth layers, which reinforced the album's core trap aesthetic and provided a moody, expansive backdrop for 's delivery. Southside contributed to two tracks, such as "Bad Business" and "Dead People," infusing the project with his characteristic high-energy, aggressive beats that amplified the album's intense, street-oriented energy. Pi’erre Bourne handled the production for "Baby Girl," incorporating melodic and dreamy elements drawn from his signature sound, as heard in his collaborations with artists like , to add a layer of introspection to the otherwise hard-edged tracklist. Zaytoven, DJ Mustard, and each delivered one to two tracks, with DJ Mustard bringing his West Coast bounce influence to "," introducing bouncy rhythms and brighter production tones that diversified the album's sonic palette. Additionally, received a co-production credit on "" with , highlighting his emerging skills as a beatmaker and allowing for a more personal touch in that selection.

Scrapped content

During the development of Issa Album, a planned titled "Issa" featuring and Drake leaked online in late May 2017, shortly after a snippet had been previewed the previous December. The unauthorized release garnered significant attention and fan excitement, with many speculating it would serve as the album's title track given the shared name, but it ultimately received mixed reception for its production and flow compared to 's established style. This leak led to the track's scrapping, as and his team decided against including it to preserve the project's cohesive vision and avoid timing issues with an already-circulated song. The exclusion sparked minor among fans, who expressed over the absence of such high-profile features on the final product, prompting questions about the album's direction. later confirmed the track's permanent removal from consideration, emphasizing a desire to maintain artistic integrity and focus on tracks that aligned more closely with his . Other demos were also cut during this process to keep Issa Album relatively feature-light and centered on 's solo storytelling, prioritizing a streamlined, street-focused sound over expansive guest appearances. This emphasis on quality control was highlighted by producer , who noted in interviews that discarding less essential material helped preserve the album's authentic, gritty tone without dilution from mismatched elements. The May leak notably influenced the promotion timeline, shifting the project toward a surprise release on July 7, 2017, without traditional pre-release singles to regain control over the rollout.

Promotion

Marketing strategies

The marketing for Issa Album began with teasers in early 2017, building anticipation through cryptic posts and previews shared by and frequent collaborator . In May 2017, debuted a snippet of an unreleased track featuring during a DJ set, explicitly tying it to the upcoming project and fueling fan speculation about the album's direction. By late June, escalated the hype by posting the official cover art on , confirming the July 7 release date and the title Issa Album, which had been hinted at through his signature "issa" catchphrase in prior interactions. In partnership with , which handled distribution, pre-order options were made available digitally via platforms like , allowing fans to access instant gratification tracks upon purchase and bundling opportunities with exclusive content. Complementing this, 21 Savage launched the ISSA lifestyle brand on the album's release day, offering limited-edition merchandise bundles that integrated the project's aesthetic, including the "ISSA Album" capsule collection featuring apparel printed with the , alongside biker-inspired jackets and T-shirts from the Slaughter line, priced from $8 to $250. These items were sold exclusively through issa.shop, merging music promotion with to enhance fan engagement and brand loyalty. To generate pre-release buzz, performed at high-profile events in June 2017, including the BET Experience concert series in , where he showcased live renditions and previews of material from Issa Album alongside artists like YG and . Post-release, visibility was sustained through music videos for standout tracks such as "" and "Nothin New," emphasizing raw, street-authentic narratives that aligned with the album's trap themes; the "" video, released in November 2017, depicted opulent yet gritty lifestyles to reinforce 21 Savage's persona.

Singles

"Bank Account" was released as the from Issa Album on August 8, 2017, when it was serviced to rhythmic and urban radio. The track, produced by and , peaked at number 12 on the chart. It has been certified six-times platinum by the RIAA, reflecting over six million units sold and streamed in the United States. No additional official singles were released from the album following "Bank Account," though "Close My Eyes" garnered promotional attention, including radio airplay in late 2017. Produced by , the song charted at number four on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. The official for "Bank Account," directed by Matt Swinsky and featuring comedian , was released on November 10, 2017, and amassed over 100 million views on by 2018. The video visually emphasizes themes of accumulation and survival, aligning with the song's lyrics about 21 Savage's rise from street life to financial success. Originally, plans for an official single titled "Issa," featuring Drake and , were scrapped prior to the album's release. "" instead served as a key promotional tool post-album launch, helping sustain chart momentum through Metro Boomin's signature dark, trap-influenced production, which was frequently highlighted in contemporary press coverage.

Music and lyrics

Musical style

Issa Album is characterized by its predominant Southern trap sound, featuring dark, minimalistic beats that emphasize heavy 808 bass, eerie synths, and sparse percussion to create a moody, atmosphere. The production draws heavily from trap influences, akin to those of artists like and , while incorporating Metro Boomin's cinematic style with ambient textures and syncopated drums. The album's sonic palette varies across its 14 tracks, spanning a total runtime of 56:30, with upbeat club-oriented tracks like "Thug Life" contrasting slower, more melodic cuts such as "." This range includes hard-hitting, bludgeoning trap strains and looser, hypnotic rhythms, all unified by a grim yet controlled vibe. As a solo-focused project with no guest features, the album highlights 21 Savage's individual sonic identity, diverging from his later collaborative efforts that incorporated more diverse production elements. Metro Boomin's contributions, including prominent 808 bass lines, further reinforce the dark, atmospheric trap foundation throughout.

Lyrical themes

The lyrical content of Issa Album centers on themes of street life, violence, and survival, deeply rooted in 21 Savage's experiences growing up in East Atlanta's Zone 6, where he navigated , gang affiliations, and frequent encounters with danger. In tracks like "Nothin New," he addresses systemic issues such as police brutality, rapping, "Police gunned his brother down, this shit too hard to handle / Loading up his chopper, he gon' show 'em ," which draws from real-life observations of racial injustice and community loss in his neighborhood. Loss and mortality emerge prominently in songs such as "Close My Eyes," where raps about seeing "dead bodies when I close my eyes," reflecting the psychological toll of and trauma. In contrast, "Bank Account" shifts to boasts of newfound wealth and independence, with lines like "I buy a new car for the bitch / I tear down the mall with the bitch," symbolizing his escape from financial hardship, though laced with threats like "Wanna see a body, nigga? Get you killed, dog" to maintain ties to his aggressive roots. Recurring motifs include to his crew, by snitches, and strained relationships, often delivered in 21 Savage's signature , monotone flow that conveys amid turmoil. "Baby Girl" explores fleeting romance and , portraying a partner as temporary amid his chaotic lifestyle, while "Numb" captures 's aftermath with "Numb the pain with the money," highlighting how financial success masks interpersonal wounds. surfaces in warnings against disloyalty, reinforcing the code of that defined his early life. The album marks an evolution from the raw aggression of his mixtapes like to more vulnerable introspection, allowing 21 Savage to mature as a storyteller by incorporating personal insights beyond mere bravado. Tracks like "FaceTime" reveal longing in relationships—"I'm too drunk to text so can we ?"—and "Close My Eyes" delves into inescapable trauma, signaling a shift toward emotional depth while retaining his gritty authenticity. This progression is evident in his deliberate lyricism, moving from body-count tallies to broader reflections on family and growth, as he notes in "Nothin New": "They thought I only rapped about and pistols / I’m trying to feed my family."

Release and content

Release details

Issa Album, the debut studio album by American rapper , was released on July 7, 2017, through Slaughter Gang Entertainment and distributed by . The project launched digitally worldwide via major streaming platforms and download services, with physical formats following later that year. Physical distribution included CD editions released on September 29, 2017, and a double vinyl LP set, both available globally through . In addition to standard formats, a limited-edition pink cassette was pressed in 2017, with only 500 copies produced exclusively for merchandise bundles and retail promotions. No major reissues or special editions have been released since 2017, though the album's availability on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music has remained consistent and expanded with platform updates. The album's artwork features a minimalist animated illustration of 21 Savage in a red jacket holding a white cup, emphasizing simplicity in its design. Packaging for physical editions, including the CD and vinyl, incorporated liner notes that credit the production team, such as Metro Boomin and Southside, without additional deluxe content.

Track listing

The track listing for Issa Album consists of 14 tracks with a total runtime of 56:30. All tracks are written primarily by 21 Savage (Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph), with co-writes from the listed producers unless otherwise noted.
No.TitleDurationWriter(s)Producer(s)
1"Famous"3:54, Metro Boomin, Zaytoven,
2"Bank Account"3:40, ,
3"Close My Eyes"4:52,
4"Bad Business"2:42, SouthsideSouthside
5"Baby Girl"2:49,
6"Thug Life"4:23,
7"FaceTime"3:59, DJ MustardDJ Mustard
8"Nothin New"3:39, , ,
9"Numb"4:31,
10"Dead People"2:27, SouthsideSouthside
11"Money Convo"3:33,
12"Special"3:37, Wheezy
13"Whole Lot"5:13, , Young Thug, CuBeatz
14"7 Min Freestyle"7:11,
Durations are as listed on the standard edition.

Personnel

The personnel involved in the creation of Issa Album encompass the lead artist, production team, technical staff, and additional contributors. 21 Savage performed all vocals and raps across the album's 14 tracks, with no guest features. Metro Boomin served as executive producer and contributed production to multiple tracks, including "Famous," "Close My Eyes," "Thug Life," "Nothin New," "Numb," "Money Convo," "Whole Lot," and "7 Min Freestyle." Additional producers included Southside on "Bad Business" and "Dead People," Pi'erre Bourne on "Baby Girl," Zaytoven on "Famous" and "Nothin New," DJ Mustard on "FaceTime," Wheezy on "Special," 21 Savage on "Bank Account," and CuBeatz on "Whole Lot." Technical credits feature mixing by Alex Tumay on all tracks. Mastering was performed by . Recording engineering was led by Ethan Stevens, with contributions from additional engineers such as Derrick Selby, Blake Harden, and Anthony Gonzales on select tracks. Further roles included artwork by Somehoodlum. The album was released under Slaughter Gang and , with management handled by the Slaughter Gang team.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in July 2017, Issa Album received generally favorable reviews from music critics, earning a aggregate score of 70 out of 100 based on 10 reviews. Several publications praised the album's production and 21 Savage's delivery. XXL highlighted the cohesive trap sound, crediting Metro Boomin's contributions on over half the tracks for creating a unified, hypnotically vicious aesthetic with recurring drum patterns and intricate keys. Tiny Mix Tapes described it as an "utter joy to listen to," emphasizing 21 Savage's straightforward enjoyment in his performance and the project's unpretentious energy. Other reviews were more mixed, pointing to limitations in variety and depth. awarded a out of 10, noting that 21 Savage's muttering and repetitive flows on money-focused tracks like "Bank Account" and "Money Convo" diminished the album's impact compared to his prior work. Consequence of Sound gave it a C+ grade, critiquing the lack of innovation in its repetitive odes to wealth, partying, and indulgence, which made the project feel formulaic despite strong hooks. Critics generally agreed that Issa Album served as a solid debut that affirmed 21 Savage's viability as a solo artist, building on the success of with bangers like "," though it was sometimes viewed as a safe extension of his established style without significant risks.

Cultural impact

Issa Album marked a pivotal mainstream breakthrough for , establishing him as a prominent figure in contemporary through its blend of dark, introspective narratives and minimalist production. The album's autobiographical exploration of street life and personal struggles helped shape subgenres of trap by emphasizing emotional vulnerability alongside aggression, influencing the genre's evolution toward more personal storytelling in Southern hip-hop. The project significantly bolstered Metro Boomin's reputation as a leading producer in hip-hop, with his contributions to over half the tracks showcasing his signature atmospheric soundscapes that amplified the album's moody tone. This collaboration paved the way for their subsequent joint efforts, including the collaborative album Without Warning with Offset, which further solidified Metro Boomin's status in the industry. Tracks like "" left a notable cultural imprint, becoming a staple in pop culture through viral memes, unofficial videos, and widespread use as ringtones that popularized its catchy refrain about financial success and bravado. The song's reach extended to unexpected corners, such as conservative commentator reciting its lyrics, highlighting its permeation beyond hip-hop audiences. Beyond an early of the anticipated title track "Issa" featuring Drake and —which sparked minor debate but was ultimately excluded from the final release—the avoided major controversies. In the years following its release, Issa Album has endured as a benchmark for Southern rap debuts, maintaining relevance amid 21 Savage's personal challenges, including his 2019 immigration detention by that briefly halted his career momentum but ultimately amplified discussions on immigrant experiences in hip-hop.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Issa Album debuted at number two on the US chart in July 2017, earning 77,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 22,000 from traditional album sales. On year-end tallies, it ranked number 55 on the 2017 and number 141 on the 2018 edition. Internationally, the album achieved moderate success, peaking at number eight on the Canadian Albums Chart. It reached number 42 on both the Australian Albums Chart and the .
Chart (2017)Peak Position
US 2
Canadian Albums ()8
Australian Albums ()42
Albums (OCC)42
The "" contributed to the album's visibility by peaking at number 12 on the Hot 100.

Certifications and sales

Issa Album achieved platinum certification from the (RIAA) on November 24, 2020, for 1,000,000 album-equivalent units, encompassing sales and streams. By 2023, its total consumption in the United States surpassed 1.5 million units. In its debut week, the album accumulated 77,000 equivalent units. Internationally, the album earned platinum status from Music Canada for 80,000 units. It also received gold certifications from IFPI Danmark in Denmark for 10,000 units and from Recorded Music NZ in New Zealand for 7,500 units. Worldwide, streaming performance further amplified its reach; by 2025, the album had exceeded 2 billion streams on Spotify alone. No further updates to the RIAA album certification have occurred since 2020, though individual track certifications—such as "Bank Account" attaining 2× platinum in 2022—have continued to drive equivalent album units through increased streaming.

References

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