11 Intriguing Songs That are Hella SAVAGE | Playlist 🎧

1. Megan Thee Stallion, “Savage”

Suga • 300 Entertainment • 2020

“I’m that bitch / Been that bitch, still that bitch / Will forever be that bitch.” One of the hottest rappers in the game male or female is none other than Megan Thee Stallion.  High in demand, Megan has been pretty prolific as both a solo artist and collaborator during her career as of yet. She followed up her debut, full-length album, Fever, with a nine-track EP, Suga in 2020. On much of Suga, Meghan is entertaining and unapologetic AF.

Megan Thee Stallion is quite ‘savage’ on “Savage,” as the aforementioned lyrics from the intro suggest.  OF course, there are ample examples of such savagery, whether she’s a “Bad bitch, still talking cash shit / Pussy like water, I’m unbothered and relaxing,” or urging him to “Eat me and record it, but your edge-up all I’m showing…”  Wow, and all against banging production work by J.White. The centerpiece of the savagery comes by way of the kick ass chorus.  This is where the record can be accurately characterized as a certified bop:

“I’m a savage
Classy, bougie, ratchet
Sassy, moody, nasty
Acting stupid, what’s happening?
Bitch, what’s happening?”

Worth extending on the savagery, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to call the song that follows on the EP’s track listing, “Captain Hook”, savage as well:

“Dance on the dick, now, you been served
I like a dick with a little bit of curve
Hit this pussy with an uppercut
Call that nigga Captain Hook.” 

2. Joyner Lucas, “Devil’s Work”

ADHD • Twenty Nine Music Group • 2020

“I’m staring at this Bible as I keep glancing / Dear Lord, I got questions and I need answers / Tryna understand your vision all I see is damage / Just a bunch of dead bodies in the street camping.” … Did you know that the word DEVIL is synonymous with SAVAGE? If you didn’t, well, you know now, and you can consult Merriam-Webster! Devils have previously appeared on The Musical Hype, whether it’s the diss track “Rap Devil” (Machine Gun Kelly) or devilish playlists such as These 15 Songs Have the Devil in Mind. In this particular instance, the savage devil is portrayed through “Devil’s Work,” a record that appears on Joyner Lucas’ long-awaited, debut studio album.

Give Joyner Lucas credit – he is quite… um… savage.  Merely questioning the decision making of God is pretty savage in itself, though even the most devout inquire at some point.  His first lyrics, on the intr, are “Father, forgive me,” which sets up “Devil’s Work” for its fair share of controversy.  This, of course, is evidenced by the lyrics from the verse that commenced this blurb. Over a dramatic backdrop, whether you agree with the things he says or not, Lucas absolutely raps his ass off.  He makes some valid points, as he’s perturbed by the deaths of good people.  Where things truly get savage are him providing specific examples of who ‘The Most High’ should dispose of instead of who he’s chosen himself:

“… They say you never wrong, but you done made a few mistakes
‘Cause you taking the wrong niggas, maybe you should trade
Trade us back all the real ones, remove the fakes
…Give us 2Pac back, and take that nigga Suge
…Give us Biggie, give us Pun, give us Triple X
Take that nigga Trump with you, that’s a bigger threat
There’s too much power for a coward with no intellect
That’s a bigot with a collar, there’s a disconnect…”

Of course, there are plenty more potent examples, as Lucas wants Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Emmett Till back, while he tells God to take the likes of Martin Shkreli, R. Kelly, and Dylann Roof.  It’s controversial, but even if Joyner “Don’t go to church ‘cause I’m afraid of being judged,” and has issues with the all-knowing, he makes it clear at the end of the monstrous verse, “I know this ain’t your fault, it’s the devil’s work / Devil’s work.”

3. PARTYNEXTDOOR, “Savage Anthem”

PARTYMOBILE • OVO Sound / Warner • 2020

“Don’t hold your breath / Don’t wait on my love / Don’t hold your breath / Don’t wait on my love.” The penultimate cut from PARTYMOBILE, the 2020 studio album by Canadian R&B artist PARTYNEXTDOOR isn’t modest when it comes to length. That’s right, the 14^th track, “Savage Anthem” runs past six minutes in duration – the man has a lot to say, rather, a lot to sing. “Savage Anthem” features a slow pace, typical of the Canadian brand of R&B.  Furthermore, the production is incredibly lush, thanks to the skills of Andrew Cedar and Noah “40” Shebib.  Furthermore, when PARTYNEXTDOOR opts for longer melodic lines, he sounds incredibly expressive and nuanced.

The thing is, PARTYNEXTDOOR doesn’t limit himself to more legato melodic lines that fit the slow tempo.  He provides contrasts with more hip-hop oriented lines on the verses that provide the ‘savage’ element of this “Savage Anthem.” A prime example is the third verse:

“Wash my dick off before I get home
Maison Margiela on me, though
I’m the opposite of hero
The opposite of your hero
…Tucked you, then went to the strip club
VIP, I got my dick sucked
Came back to you and I kissed ya
That led to fucking on the tour bus…”

Savage AF. The gorgeous outro by the choir does provide some atoning grace to PARTY’s sketchy, sexed-up behavior though.

4. Watsky, “Savage”

Placement • Symmetry • 2020

Watsky (George Watsky) is never short on allure, at least in my eyes.  The rapper, singer, and slam poet always has something interesting to contribute.  “Savage,” the third track from his 2020 album, Placement is no different.  Before diving into the lyrics, it’s worth mentioning that “Savage” features unique production, courtesy of George as well as Ryan Spraker.  The sound contains elements of pop, classic rock, and hip-hop – quite distinct. Of course, the main attraction on “Savage” isn’t the production itself, but Watsky himself.

The centerpiece is introduced at the onset:

“You got me feeling like my tongue is a machete
Each time I think of you I’m sharpening the blade
Does that make me savage?
Say I’ll never hurt you while I twist the knife again.”

Wow, that’s certainly… um… yeah. Watsky actually does a lot of singing on this record, including the aforementioned passage.  That said, he shows off his rap chops on an impressive verse referencing murder, love, privacy, and Rapunzel.

“But if you shoot, I want the world’s greatest death scene
And the world’s collect treasure shoved inside my diamond-studded cask
… So when I went and told her that I loved her like I never loved another
It was burning in my marrow
I could not imagine how my world was gonna spin, but it spun
… ‘Cause I want my fucking privacy
But also sometimes I would like to really overshare
A silly golden chair
A throne to call my own, a home for my entitled ass…”

As you can read and listen for yourself, it’s jam-packed.  Watsky never gets boring – Facts!

5. Key Glock, “Monster”

Dum and Dummer • Paper Route EMPIRE • 2019

Two Memphis, Tennessee rappers would join forces in 2019 for the album, Dum and Dummer.  Those two rappers are Young Dolph and Key Glock.  Dolph, who is in his 30s, has been around throughout the 10s, and is known especially for his 2015 album, King of Memphis.  As for Key Glock, who is in his early 20s, appeared on the scene towards the end of the 10s, dropping projects including Glock Season (2017), Glock Bond (2018), Glockoma (2019), and Yellow Tape (2020). He is the protégé of Young Dolph.  Only Key Glock appears on the monstrous banger “Monster,” the 17^th track on the 22-track Dum and Dummer.

“Big boss shit, baby, I get it in daily / AP got my wrist achin’, I’m poppin’, hot bacon.” Safe to say, Key Glock is confident AF on the chorus from “Monster.”  Over smooth trap production by BandPlay, on the chorus he continues, rapping, “You know I’m not basic, no I am not basic / Just look what God created.” Oh shit! Big man on…well…earth, I suppose… On the verses, he touts his drip, mentions his come up, admits he’s cocky, and of course, talks about his taste in girls (“Told these hoes, they know I’m too real to have a bitch that’s plastic”).  Of course, on the outro, he reiterates the opening line of the second verse, which feels totally appropriate given the fiery attitude he brings on this brief number: “A monster, a motherfuckin’ monster / A monster, a motherfuckin’ monster.” The savage “Monster” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Monstrous Songs About Monsters.

6. Ice Nine Kills, “SAVAGES”

The Silver Scream (The Final Cut) • Fearless • 2019

“We are the savages / Eating you alive / The original / Villains in the night / Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide / We are the savages, we are the savages.” Word, Ice Nine Kills – word!  The utterly savage “SAVAGES” appears as the fourth track on The Silver Scream, the metalcore collective’s fifth studio album. The Silver Scream was original released in 2018, with an expanded version arriving in 2019. The majority of the album is steeped in horror – specifically cinematic horror – featuring songs such as opener “The American Nightmare,” The IT inspired “IT is the End,” and among the most colorful, “Merry Axe-Mas.”

“Hey, hey, hey / This is our battle call / Mess with the horns, and you get the devil!” Where does the savagery of “SAVAGES” come from? According to the band via Louder Sound, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  According to the band:

“The song never lets up the entire way through, just like the deranged cannibal family that the song is based on.  If the film and the song could teach you one thing, it’s don’t fuck with the locals… especially in Texas.”

Yeah, that pretty accurately describes this full throttle, high-energy, pedal to the metal joint.  The lyrics reflect hellishness, rebelliousness, and of course, savagery! “Won’t heed the call of the law won’t follow the pack,” the band snarls on the first verse, continuing, “Because the sound of the saw is our soundtrack.” On the second verse, Ice Nine Kills adds to the savagery: “Stay at your side of the tracks if you know what’s good / Cause you won’t make it out of our neighborhood.” Definitely S-A-V-A-G-E!

7. Yellow Claw, “Villain”

Ft. Valentina

New Blood • Barong Family • 2018

Did you know that the word villain is synonymous with savage? Well, if you didn’t, just consult Merriam-Webster – they’ll set you straight.  Given that villain is synonymous, I have added a villainous song to this hella savage playlist.  Actually, I borrowed “Villain” from a previous playlist – 9 Songs Filled with Evil. “Villain” serves as one of the standouts from New Blood, the 2018 album by Dutch DJ/production duo Yellow Claw. The single marks the debut of 20-year old, LA-based singer, Valentina (Valentina Cytrynowicz), who gets off to a fast start, showcasing impressive vocal chops.

Yellow Claw does a fine job on the production end of things on “Villain,” giving Valentina an energetic record, featuring a sleek, rhythmic backdrop. The beat and the syncopated synths are surefire fuel for the fire. Throughout the course of “Villain,” Valentina reflects on a past relationship in which she’s the villain (#SAVAGE), apologizing on the pre-chorus for breaking his heart.  On the simplistic, yet catchy chorus, she confirms this villainous role.

“I’m the villain in your story, story
If I were you, I wouldn’t call me, call me
‘Cause I’m the villain in your story, story
If villains don’t get to say sorry
I’m sorry.”

8. Tank, “Savage”

Savage • Atlantic • 2017

“Savage” serves as the short and sweet opener and title track from Savage, the 2017 studio album by chiseled R&B singer/songwriter, Tank (Durrell Babbs). The production work (Bangerz, Jevon Hill, and Stanley Green, Jr.) is slick AF, featuring trap-oriented drums, looped synths, and set in a minor key.  Naturally, given the title and minor key, “Savage” is ‘sketchy-sounding.’  It’s clear that sex is on Babb’s mind; he’s thinking with his pants.  This is nothing new – a cliché within urban-pop and numerous styles.

Tank amplifies his lust with profanity and talking mad game.  Exhibit A – the first verse:

“I’m a real fucking trapper
Once I set the trap
I be fuckin something after
Pick ‘em hardly sweet
Just to run up out ‘em faster
She was kinda neat and
Now she almost a disaster
I’m a real fucking master
I took her to school
And now she taking up like massa…”

If nothing else, Tank captures the savagery throughout the course of “Savage.”  The song is built upon a cliché topic.  Tank plans to turn ‘good girls’ into ‘bad girls.’ All in all, “Savage” is a respectable opener even if it lacks transcendence.  Vocally, he shines, showcasing his beautiful, distinct pipes.

9. Queens of the Stone Age, “The Evil Has Landed”

Villains • Matador • 2017 

“The Evil Has Landed” ranks among the highlights of Villains, the 2017 Grammy-nominated album by Queens of the Stone Age. “The Evil Has Landed” is ambitious in length as well as its music.  From the start, the intro sets a foreboding tone, foreshadowing ‘the trip.’ The guitars are ‘souped-up,’ characterized by a heavy, distorted tone. The guitar riffs have a bite and the drums pummel, undoubtedly anchoring the evilness down.

Vocally, QOTSA front man Josh Homme isn’t quite as sinful sounding as the instrumentation.  He actually provides a musical contrast with a more even-keel approach and sound.  A guitar solo, following the first bridge, marks one of the elite moments. The form of the record is a bit unpredictable but definitely keeps things fresh. The best way to describe this most savage affair – Well, besides ‘savage’ itself, how about a JUGGERNAUT? “The Evil Has Landed” previously appeared on the playlist, 9 Songs Filled with Evil.

10. Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

Suicide Squad: The Album • Atlantic • 2016

“All my friends are heathens, take it slow / Wait for them to ask you who you know / Please don’t make any sudden moves / You don’t know the half of the abuse…” “Heathens” ranks among the very best songs from Suicide Squad: The Album. I’d even go so far to call the Twenty One Pilots feature the crown jewel.  Perhaps it’s not quite as potent as the Grammy-winning “Stressed Out,” but it’s hella enjoyable, in addition to qualifying as utterly savage. Written solely by Tyler Joseph, he produces alongside the always fantastic Mike Elizondo.

Besides the top-rate production work, one of the biggest selling points of “Heathens” are the clear vocals of Tyler.  Joseph’s tone is quite beautiful and always distinct.  Besides his standard vocals, “Heathens” uses a number of vocal tracks, using a variety of effects, including pitch shift.  (pitch shift was prominent on Blurryface, of course). The fact that Joseph’s ‘untouched’ vocals are so clear and ‘innocent’ makes the vibe of “Heathens” much creepier.  Savage indeed!

11. Machine Gun Kelly, “Wild Boy”

Ft. Waka Flocka Flame

Lace Up • Bad Boy / Interscope • 2012

“Yeah bitch, yeah bitch, call me Steve-O / I’m a wild boy, fuck and eighth I need o’s…” If that’s not SAVAGE, I’m not quite sure what is! “Wild Boy” served as the breakout hit by Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly. This savage list isn’t the stop for “Wild Boy” – it previously appeared on the wild playlist, 12 Incredibly Wild Songs. Besides the aforementioned line that I characterized as ‘savage,’ wild is actually a synonym.

On “Wild Boy,” Machine Gun Kelly dropped one of the most memorable rap hooks of 2011.  He continues potently on the verses, delivering clever lines like “I’m an East side Cleveland wild boy…we got baseball bats like the Indian and my team pop off like cowboys…” or “Lose control like Missy, but I’m a bad boy cause I’m with Diddy bitch!”

“Bricksquad! Uh oh, here come that bullshit.” Waka Flocka Flame delivers the second verse in his signature scream-laden style.

“They say they want that wild shit, mosh pit
Jump up in the crowd, bitch, I’m so motherfuckin’ violent
Yeah, bitch, yeah, bitch, I’m with Steve-O
We bustin’ bottles with bad bitches, blowin’ weed smoke.”

Yeah, that’s savage alright! As should be the case, Machine Gun Kelly outperforms Waka, if for no other reason than the signature line, “Cobain’s back, got these crazy white boys yellin’ Cobain’s back.”