Runnin

"Runnin" is a song by Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage and American record producer Metro Boomin. It was released on October 2, 2020, as the opening track from their collaborative album Savage Mode II. The "haunting" song samples Diana Ross' 1976 song "I Thought It Took a Little Time", with 21 Savage delivering lethal threats to his enemies in a casual fashion. The official video sees 21 take a victory lap through the streets of his hometown, celebrating his Grammy award for "A Lot". It was serviced to US rhythmic radio on October 13, 2020, together with "Mr. Right Now" as the dual lead singles from the album. Debuting and peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, it is Metro Boomin's highest charting song as a lead artist; it was also 21 Savage's highest charting song as a lead artist until the release of "My Life" with J. Cole and Morray, which debuted and peaked at number two. Composition and lyrics "Runnin" is a "soulful" and "spooky" track, with Metro Boomin converting a sample of Diana Ross' 1976 song "I Thought It Took a Little Time" into a "haunting" loop, built around an "ominous" set of drums. Lyrically, the song sees 21 Savage return to "the real, ultra-violent subject matter that brought him to the forefront of hip hop", as he delves into his "lethal tendencies", delivering lines about his arsenal of weapons and posing threats to enemies who refuse to stay in their place. The fast-paced beat coupled with 21's flow "denotes that he can 'run' with the track". As with other tracks on the album, the song features narration by Morgan Freeman, who poses the question: "Are things better or worse the second time around?" Critical reception Rap-Up and Complex both regarded the song as a standout from the album, with Complexs Jessica McKinney favoring the chorus, which, she stated, "while monotone, sends chills through the speakers". Noting the song's soul sample, Micah Peters of The Ringer said in contrast to 21 Savage's second album, I Am > I Was, "Runnin' slithers back into someplace deep and murky, and crackles with the manic energy needed to adequately soundtrack a weekend's madness". Revolt's Jon Powell stated: "Presumably, the three-and-a-half minute long gesture is a statement to remind his listeners that he's [21 Savage] still the same man from the critically-acclaimed Slaughter mixtapes".