21 Savage & Lil Baby: The Ultimate Collaboration in “Outfit” – What’s the Hype?

A week after its release, Atlanta rapper Lil Baby’s album, “Who Hard as Me” (WHAM), has received mixed to positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Notably, the album has skyrocketed to the number-one spot on the Billboard 200, solidifying Lil Baby’s reputation for delivering highly acclaimed projects.

Collaboration Drives Success

While the album has achieved considerable acclaim, much of its success stems from collaborations with industry heavyweights like Young Thug, Future, and Travis Scott. The standout tracks from the album largely owe their appeal to these partnerships.

A prime example is the single “Outfit”, featuring 21 Savage, which has garnered significant attention. The track not only highlights the synergy between the two rappers but also delves into the current dynamics within the rap industry, particularly with references to the ongoing tensions between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

Breaking Down “Outfit”

The song opens with a few seconds of 808 beats before Lil Baby dives into his verses. However, his lyrics lack novelty, recycling themes of industry experience and resilience. One notable moment comes when Lil Baby references 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin”, emphasizing his rise from a tough childhood in Atlanta.

Despite this, Lil Baby’s performance falls short of expectations, with limited creativity and repetition making his contribution feel lackluster. The song would likely have remained unremarkable without the presence of 21 Savage.

21 Savage Shines in “Outfit”

The inclusion of 21 Savage is what elevates the track. With his confident delivery and distinctive rhythm, he breathes new life into the song, contrasting sharply with Lil Baby’s lackluster verses.

One of the most shocking moments in the song is 21 Savage’s commentary on the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. He mocks Kendrick’s “Kung-Fu Kenny” persona while subtly showing support for Drake – a relationship reinforced through their collaborations on tracks like “Rich Flex” and “Knife Talk”.

These lyrics have the potential to reignite the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which has mostly simmered down since Kendrick’s “The Pop Out” concert in June 2024.

Overall Evaluation

“Outfit” is a standard rap track that gains attention primarily due to 21 Savage’s feature and its references to current events in the rap industry. However, the song struggles to stand out, with its saving grace being the potential to rekindle a rap rivalry between Drake and Kendrick.

While Lil Baby remains ambiguous in his stance on the feud, the song provides an opening for other rappers to weigh in. Without this element, “Outfit” lacks significant reasons to be considered a standout single, following a formulaic approach with little innovation.

Verdict: Despite 21 Savage’s strong presence, “Outfit” remains a typical rap track, relying on references to industry events rather than its content to capture attention.