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Find the Right Manager for Your Music Career—Even If You're Just Starting Out

September 3, 2024

The idea of hiring a traditional manager might seem premature, but finding someone who can handle your online presence and help you network could be exactly what you need to take your career...

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How to Be a Successful Songwriter When You Can’t Play an Instrument

August 26, 2024

If you’re a songwriter who can sing but can’t play an instrument, you may feel like you’ve hit a roadblock in your creative journey. You have the ideas in your head, but you’re unsure how to turn...

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What Is the Point of Mastering If the Mix Is Good? A Guide to Understanding Mastering's Role

August 26, 2024

For many newer producers, it can be confusing to understand the importance of mastering, especially when your mix feels polished and balanced. However, mastering is an essential step in the...

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Write a Vocal Melody That Stands Out: Tips for Phrasing and Dynamics

August 25, 2024

If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.

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Add FX and Ear Candy to Your Tracks: Tips for Taking Your Sketch to the Next Level

August 23, 2024

Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.

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Recreate a Vocal Stutter Effect Like Skrillex: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 21, 2024

If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...

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Get a Great Sounding Synth: The Deadmau5 Approach

August 21, 2024

If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...

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Make Music Again: Overcoming Creative Burnout Like Pharrell Williams

August 21, 2024

Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...

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Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

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Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

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Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

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Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

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"American Dream: 21 Savage's Solo Odyssey and the Big Drake Question"

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Photo Source: Billboard.com

In the rap cosmos, 21 Savage's third solo album, "American Dream," unveils a journey rooted in personal narratives, familial tribulations, and the duality of his public persona. Opening with his mother recounting their immigration story, the album provides a glimpse into 21 Savage's past while maintaining his signature gritty style.

Despite the introspective tone, 21 Savage's lyrical prowess remains intact, juxtaposing reflections on his past with unapologetic boasts. The album's success lies in its dreamy samples and collaborations, notably reuniting with Metro Boomin on tracks like "Pop Ur Shit," featuring an unreleased verse from Young Thug.

Noteworthy is the absence of Drake, sparking questions about the collaboration that never materialized. While the album showcases collaborations with artists like Doja Cat and Lil Durk, Drake's expected feature remains a glaring omission.

21 Savage's album, a mix of potent punchlines and underwritten choruses, navigates familiar territory. The rapper addresses ongoing legal dramas within the YSL camp, using his platform to dispense advice to aspiring teens in "Dark Days."

In the grand tapestry of "American Dream," 21 Savage's ability to craft compelling albums with industry elements is evident. The absence of Drake, however, raises eyebrows, leaving fans pondering the reasons behind the unfulfilled collaboration. As 21 Savage continues to evolve, the unanswered Drake question adds a layer of mystery to his solo odyssey.