Drake & 21 Savage – Her Loss

By: Ross Urso

It’s a rare occasion when an album sale reflects the project’s quality. Her Loss, from
heavy-hitters Drake and 21 Savage does just that by defying the odds and blessing us with one of
the most entertaining hip-hop albums in the entire year.
To start things off, Drake is rapping and singing at the hungriest we’ve heard him in
years. He takes charge in the majority of the record, to which he strongly
succeeds in doing by sprinkling creative and nostalgic vocal performances throughout the
track list. Tracks such as “Middle of the Ocean”, “Circo Loco”, “Spin Bout U”,
and “Broke Boys” have been in heavy rotation for me. Additionally, Drake confidently throws
disses at several public figures, as if there is something more to prove. This is especially due
from the backlash of Certified Lover Boy and Honestly, Nevermind. This is the Drizzy I so dearly
missed.
My main complaint is 21 Savage receiving the short end of the stick, since his rapping
capabilities is caliber enough to hold up his end. At very least, he shines in all of the moments
Drake gives him. Moreover, I heard much of the project’s inconsistencies during the front end of
the album, as some of the stylistic flows from both MCs came off dull, unoriginal and too basic
to their sounds. A few beats were left much to be desired, such as on Privilege Rappers and even
the beat switch on Major Distribution, for example. In spite of this, the record miraculously saves
the best material for last and picks up the slack. Her Loss ends up finding its groove, as the
closing eight tracks are all phenomenal and conclude the LP on a very high note. Definitely, a
Top 10 favorite Hip Hop album that was released this year, even with the stacked year in music
we have been getting.
Though I wished there was more 21 Savage, if there is something to take away, it is
Drake’s redemption arc and letting the world know he isn’t going anywhere. Plus, as far as 21
Savage is concerned, the Atlanta rapper hasn’t dropped a solo album since SAVAGE MODE II
with Metro Boomin, which released October 2020. Undoubtedly, we will be hearing more from
him in 2023 coming off this album’s success. \
All things considered, I am giving Her Loss an 8.25/10. Not Perfect. Nonetheless, this is
still tons of fun and drenched with memorable moments. Only time will tell how it ages within
21 and Drake’s discography.