Metro Boomin has unleashed the original iteration of “Knife Talk,” a 21 Savage-assisted cut that appeared on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy.
The newly surfaced version is handled by 21 without the Drizzy bars. The UK-born rapper takes on an extended second verse, in which he delivers lines about his wealth, fame, and foes:
I bought a Lambo’, I came from a Montecarlo
Sellin’ elbows, I did it right and went holo’
Back in the seventies, I prolly woulda robbed Pablo
Have my comprade knock the meat out your taco
You sneak dissin’, you gon’ get some teeth missin’
You weak bitches, we raw strip and kill snitches
Your bitch diggin’, she diggin’ all this damn drip and I’m chef sinkin’
I pink slip, the ink different
“Knife Talk,” which samples Project Pat’s verse on Juicy Jay’s 2017 track “Feed the Streets,” was supposed to appear on 21 and Metro Boomin’s 2020 joint project Savage Mode II. 21 spoke about Drake’s involvement during a sit-down on Akademiks’ Off the Record podcast, confirming the song — originally titled “Gang Shit” — was supposed to land on a completely different album.
“I sent [Drake] that song, like, two days before [CLB] came out,” 21 revealed, adding that “Knife Talk” was a last-minute CLB addition. “Swear to god. A day before the album came out, he did his verse … I had that song. That song was supposed to go on Savage Mode II … I’m glad it went the way it went, ‘cause I feel like it woulda just been another song on Savage Mode II.
You can stream the original “Knife Talk” version below.
Earlier this week, Metro Boomin shared an unreleased version of 2022’s “Trance.” The official record, which was part of the producer’s Heroes & Villains effort, included guest appearances by Travis Scott and Young Thug; however, this version also featured a verse by Drake. It's unclear why the 6 God’s contribution was ultimately cut.
