All right, hip hop nerds, welcome back for episode nine
of the podcast.
This time, we're taking a deep dive into something
that honestly, when I first learned about it,
kind of sent chills down my spine.
And you guys know me, I'm all about those unexpected
connections in music.
So we're talking 21 Savage, his killer track, Re-Drum,
and a tie-in to horror movie history
that just might make you think twice
about turning off the lights tonight.
Yeah, it's fascinating how a single word
can carry so much weight.
Moving from the shadowy world of horror
to the heart of contemporary hip hop.
Right, we've all heard the word re-drum.
But how many of us have actually stopped
to think about where it came from?
Like, what's the origin story of this word?
So today, that's exactly where we're
going to unpack that word re-drum.
We're going to explore its journey from page to screen
to song and what 21 Savage's use of it
tells us about his artistry, and maybe even hip hop itself.
So Red Drum dropped in January 2024
as part of 21 Savage's American Dream album.
And it quickly climbed the charts.
It peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100,
which is actually his highest charting solo track to date.
And for good reason.
The song has this undeniable pull, this darkness,
that sets it apart from your typical trap banger.
It's definitely got that dark energy.
It was produced by the legendary Londonanda track.
And it samples Serenade do Adéus by Brazilian singer
Elza Laranjera.
It gives it this haunting, almost melancholic vibe.
And then you've got Usher adding his signature vocals,
even reciting lines from The Three Little Pigs
and The Shining.
It's like a sonic tapestry weaving together
these unexpected elements into something truly unique.
And speaking of The Shining, this
is where things get really interesting
for a word of the day.
Red Drum isn't just a catchy hook.
It's a direct reference to Stephen King's 1977 novel
and Stanley Kubrick's 1980 iconic film adaptation.
You remember that scene with little Danny Torrance writing
re-drum on the door and lipstick?
Dude, chills.
It's one of those scenes that's burned into your memory,
even if you try to forget it.
Exactly.
And the brilliance of that scene lies in the slow reveal.
The audience, along with Wendy Torrance,
gradually realizes that re-drum is actually
murder spelled backwards.
King and Kubrick use this simple word reversal
to create an atmosphere of creeping dread,
a premonition of the horror that's about to unfold.
It's genius, right?
Such a simple concept, yet so effective.
It plays with our perception, making
us look at something familiar in a completely different way.
And it's not just a visual trick.
It taps into something deeper.
Psychologists have talked about how reverse words can
have this unsettling effect, almost
like they're bypassing our conscious mind
and speaking directly to our primal fears.
That's a great point.
And I think that subconscious element
is key to understanding why re-drum has resonated
in popular culture for so long.
It's not just a word.
It's a symbol, a trigger for those deep-seated anxieties
we all carry within us.
So 21 Savage tapping into that with his song.
It's not just a random choice.
It's a calculated move to evoke a specific feeling,
a sense of unease that matches the song's overall vibe.
Exactly.
But before we delve deeper into 21 Savage's re-drum,
it's worth noting that he's not the first rapper
to use this word in a song.
50 Cent had a track called Re-Drum Murder back in 2009.
And we've also seen artists like Skepta and Big Boogie
incorporate the word into their music.
Interesting.
So there's this whole lineage of re-drum in hip hop,
and 21 Savage is adding his own chapter to that story.
But his track, I'd argue, is arguably the most mainstream
use of the word so far.
It's reached a whole new audience,
bringing that chilling imagery from The Shining
into the world of trap music.
Absolutely.
And the music video for 21 Savage's re-drum
adds another layer to this conversation.
It was directed by Danny Seth and was filmed in London,
which is where 21 Savage was born,
despite being primarily associated with Atlanta.
OK.
So we've got this connection to his roots right from the start.
What's the vibe of the video?
Does it embrace those London tourist spots?
Well, it starts with glimpses of iconic London landmarks,
Big Ben, the London Eye, those classic red telephone booths,
playing into that touristy image of the city.
But then the setting shifts, taking us
to Brixton in South London.
Ah, Brixton.
Now, that's a different London altogether.
Right.
It's got that gritty, authentic energy
that you don't see on postcards.
Exactly.
Brixton is a historically working class, predominantly
black neighborhood.
And it's a place that holds a lot of significance
for black British culture.
So this choice of setting for the red rum video is deliberate.
It's a nod to 21 Savage's own heritage, a way
of reclaiming his British identity,
especially after facing scrutiny and questioning
of his authenticity back in 2019,
when his British origins became public knowledge following
an ICE arrest.
Wow.
So the video isn't just a visual backdrop.
It's a statement.
He's showing us a side of London that's often overlooked,
a side that represents his own story and the complexities
of his identity.
Precisely.
And this focus on Brixton also speaks
to a larger conversation happening
within hip hop about authenticity, belonging,
and the global reach of the genre.
By showcasing Brixton, 21 Savage is not just
reclaiming his own narrative.
He's also highlighting the diverse roots and influences
that shape hip hop culture worldwide.
It's like he's saying, this is where I come from.
This is part of my story.
And it's just as valid as any other narrative within hip hop.
I'm already seeing how much depth there is to this song.
And we've only just scratched the surface.
What about the video itself?
What's the visual style like?
Does it lean into the horror aesthetic?
Visually, the re-drum video is striking.
It's shot in black and white, giving it a timeless, almost
film noir feel.
There are scenes of 21 Savage rapping in a dimly lit studio
interspersed with shots of people dancing
in the streets of Brixton.
It's gritty, energetic, and captures
that raw energy of the song.
And while it doesn't explicitly depict scenes from The Shining,
the choice of black and white and the overall dark tone
definitely create a sense of unease
that aligns with the word re-drum and its horror origins.
Yeah.
I can picture it all in my head.
It's like a visual representation
of that darkness intention we were talking about before.
So we've got this horror reference in the title.
But how does that translate to the actual lyrics?
Does 21 Savage go full on slasher movie in his verse?
Re-drum is definitely a hard hitting track
with some intense imagery.
But it's not a literal retelling of The Shining.
Remember, re-drum is murder backwards.
And 21 Savage is known for his street life narratives.
He's not shying away from the realities of violence
and its consequences.
But in this case, it feels more like he's
using the word re-drum to set the tone,
to create an atmosphere of danger and intensity
that permeates the entire song.
OK, so he's not just rapping about violence.
He's immersing you in it.
Yeah.
Using re-drum to heighten the sense of threat and urgency.
But it's interesting that you mention his street life
narratives, because there's this ongoing debate
about the role of violence in hip hop
and whether artists have a responsibility to address it
in a certain way.
Some argue that glorifying violence
perpetuates negative stereotypes,
while others believe that artists
have the right to express the reality,
even if it's uncomfortable.
That's a complex issue with no easy answers.
And I think 21 Savage with re-drum
is navigating that conversation in a nuanced way.
He's not glorifying violence, but he's not
shying away from it either.
He's using the word re-drum with all its baggage and history
to create a space where we can confront
those difficult realities to explore the darkness
without judgment.
And that's where it gets really interesting, right?
Because re-drum, this word born from horror fiction,
suddenly becomes a tool for social commentary,
a way of prompting a larger conversation about violence
and its impact on our lives.
Exactly.
And I think that's one of the most powerful aspects of music,
its ability to transcend genres and expectations,
to take something seemingly simple, like a single word,
and turn it into a catalyst for critical thinking and dialogue.
So before we dive deeper into the lyrical analysis of re-drum
and what it reveals about 21 Savage's artistry,
I want to pause for a moment and hear from you, our listeners.
Knowing the origin of the word re-drum
and its connection to The Shining,
does it change how you hear the song?
Does it add a new layer of meaning?
Head to the comments and share your thoughts.
We'll be right back after a quick break to explore the lyrics
and unpack the deeper messages embedded in 21 Savage's re-drum.
It's incredible how a word like re-drum,
originating from a horror novel, can become so deeply embedded
in our cultural consciousness.
It's a testament to the enduring power of storytelling
and how certain words or phrases can just
tap into our collective fears and anxieties.
Yeah, it's like that word unlocks a specific feeling, right?
A sense of dread that transcends any particular genre or medium.
And 21 Savage, by using it in his music,
he's tapping into that collective understanding,
that shared experience of unease.
But it's not just about shock value, is it?
There's a purpose behind his choice.
Exactly.
It's about creating a specific atmosphere,
a mood that complements the themes he's exploring in the song.
Remember, re-drum is murder backwards.
And 21 Savage isn't one to shy away from the realities of violence.
He's known for his gritty street narratives,
his willingness to confront the darker aspects of life in his music.
And re-drum definitely doesn't hold back.
It's got those hard-hitting lyrics, that raw energy
that makes you sit up and pay attention.
But I'm curious, beyond the surface level of violence,
what else is he trying to convey with this song?
Well, if we look closer at the lyrics,
we see a lot of wordplay and double meanings
that hint at deeper themes.
For example, he raps about re-drum being a lifestyle, a mindset.
It's not just about physical violence.
It's about the mental and emotional toll of living
in a world where danger is always lurking,
where survival is a constant struggle.
That's a really insightful observation.
It's like he's using re-drum as a metaphor for the constant pressure,
the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of violence that's hard to escape.
Precisely.
And this connects to the larger themes of trauma resilience
and the search for identity that run through much of 21 Savage's work.
He's not just rapping about violence for the sake of it.
He's exploring its psychological impact,
the way it shapes individuals and communities.
And that's where the song's brilliance lies.
Yeah.
Right?
It's not just a banger.
It's a reflection on the complexities of life
in environments where violence is a daily reality.
It makes you think.
Yeah.
It makes you feel.
It makes you question the systems that perpetuate these cycles of harm.
Absolutely.
And that's what sets 21 Savage apart as an artist.
He's not afraid to delve into these uncomfortable topics,
to challenge our perceptions, and make us confront the harsh realities
that many face.
He's using his platform to amplify those voices,
to shine a light on the struggles that are often ignored or marginalized.
And he's doing it in a way that's both authentic and artistically compelling.
Thinking of artistry, we haven't even talked about the musical elements
of re-drum yet.
The production is top-notch, as you expect from London on the track.
Yeah.
But there's also this interesting interplay
between the darkness of the lyrics and the haunting beauty of the sample.
Right.
The sample Serenade du Audeus by Alza Laranjera
adds this layer of melancholy that contrasts
with the aggression of the lyrics.
It's like there's this underlying sadness, a sense of loss
that permeates the track.
And then you have Usher's vocals adding another dimension
of emotion and complexity.
His verses with those references to the three little pigs and the shining
create this eerie link between childhood innocence
and the looming threat of violence.
It's like he's weaving together these different threads of storytelling.
The darkness of re-drum, the haunting beauty of the sample,
Usher's evocative vocals to create a tapestry that's
both sonically rich and thematically layered.
Exactly.
And this attention to detail, this masterful blending of musical elements
speaks to 21 Savage's evolution as an artist.
He's not just relying on shock value or surface-level aggression.
He's crafting a sonic experience that's both thought-provoking
and emotionally resonant.
It's like he's pushing the boundaries of what trap music can be,
using it as a vehicle to explore complex themes
and challenge societal norms.
And it's working.
Re-drum has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations
and debates about violence identity and the role of art
in reflecting and shaping our world.
And it's fascinating to see how the song's impact has extended
beyond the music itself.
The word re-drum has taken on a life of its own,
appearing in memes fan art, even merchandise.
It's like 21 Savage has reclaimed this word from the horror genre
and injected it into the mainstream consciousness,
imbuing it with new meaning and relevance.
It's like he's tapped into something primal, a collective fear
that resonates across generations and cultures.
And by bringing that fear into the light,
by confronting it through music, he's opening up
a space for dialogue and reflection.
Precisely.
And that's the power of art.
It can challenge our assumptions, push us out of our comfort zones,
and make us confront uncomfortable truths.
Re-drum might be a dark song, but it's a darkness
that illuminates a darkness that forces us to confront the shadows
within ourselves and our society.
And in doing so, it offers a glimmer of hope.
Because by acknowledging the darkness, by confronting our fears,
we open ourselves to the possibility of healing,
of transformation, of creating a better world for ourselves
and future generations.
Beautifully put.
And I think that's a perfect segue into the final part
of our deep dive.
We've explored the origins of re-drum, the song's musical elements
and its deeper thematic layers.
Now let's shift our focus to 21 Savage himself,
his artistic evolution, and what re-drum
reveals about his place in the ever evolving landscape of hip hop.
Yeah, we've covered a lot of ground in our deep dive into 21 Savage's
re-drum, haven't we?
From its horror movie roots to the song's complex lyrical layers
and its impact on hip hop's global landscape.
It's amazing how much there is to unpack in just one song.
Yeah, right.
And I think what's really striking is how 21 Savage has taken this word
re-drum and turned it into something so much more than just a horror
reference.
It's become like a symbol of the struggles he's rapping about,
the darkness he's confronting, and maybe even a path
towards something better.
I completely agree with you.
It's like he's using re-drum as a lens to examine the complexities
of violence, identity, and survival in a world that often
feels chaotic and unforgiving.
And by doing so, he's pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can be,
both sonically and thematically.
He's definitely not your typical trap artist.
There's a depth and vulnerability in his music that sets him apart.
You can hear it in his delivery and the way
he weaves together these intricate rhyme schemes of wordplay
that reveal layers of meaning with each listen.
His evolution as an artist has been fascinating to witness.
From his early mixtapes to his breakout album, ESA Album,
he's consistently pushed himself creatively experimenting
with different sounds and styles while staying true to his authentic voice.
And with re-drum, I think we're seeing him reach a new level
of artistic maturity.
Yeah, it's like he's found a way to blend his signature darkness
with this newfound sense of introspection and social awareness.
He's not just rapping about his experiences.
He's reflecting on them, dissecting them, and inviting us to do the same.
And that's what makes him such a compelling artist.
He's not afraid to be vulnerable to expose his own flaws and contradictions.
And in doing so, he creates a space for listeners
to connect with him on a deeper level, to see themselves
reflected in his music.
Right, it's that authenticity that resonates with so many people.
It's like he's saying, I'm not perfect.
I've made mistakes, but I'm still here, still fighting,
still trying to make sense of this crazy world.
Exactly.
And that message of resilience, of finding strength
in the face of adversity, is incredibly powerful,
especially for young people who are navigating their own struggles
and searching for their place in the world.
And it's not just about personal struggles, is it?
21 Savage is also using his platform to address larger social issues
to shed light on the systemic inequalities and injustices that
plague our society.
Absolutely.
The choice to film the Red Drum music video in Brixton
is a prime example of that.
He's highlighting a community that's often overlooked,
a community that represents the rich tapestry of Black British culture
and the complexities of identity in a globalized world.
Yeah, and by connecting his own story of immigration
and the questioning of his authenticity to the experiences of others,
he's fostering a sense of solidarity, of shared struggle and resilience.
It's like he's saying, we're all in this together,
and we can overcome these challenges if we support each other.
That message of unity and collective action is incredibly important,
especially in today's world, where division and fear are often used
to pit people against each other.
So as we wrap up this deep dive into 21 Savage's Red Drum,
I think the key takeaway is this.
Music has the power to transcend boundaries,
to spark conversations, to challenge our perceptions,
and to connect us on a deeper level.
And 21 Savage, with his unique blend of darkness, vulnerability,
and social awareness, is at the forefront of that movement.
Beautifully said.
He's an artist who's constantly evolving,
pushing the limits of his craft,
and using his platform to make a real difference in the world.
And Red Drum is a powerful testament to his artistic vision
and his commitment to using music as a force for change.
All right, hip hop nerds, that's a wrap on episode nine.
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into 21 Savage's Red Drum.
What started as a simple exploration of a word
has turned into a journey through the complexities of violence identity
and the power of music to spark meaningful conversations.
Until next time, keep exploring the unexpected,
keep those minds open,
and keep pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can be.
We'll catch you on the flip side.