Her Loss, a collaborative studio album by Canadian rapper Drake and Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage, was released on November 4, 2022, through OVO Sound and Republic Records. The album features a guest appearance from Travis Scott and is the third installment of a trilogy following Certified Lover Boy and Honestly, Nevermind.
Despite garnering mixed reviews from critics, Her Loss achieved commercial success, debuting at number one on the Canadian Albums and US Billboard 200 charts, as well as in other countries.
Background: Her Loss builds upon the duo’s previous collaborations on “Sneakin'” (2016), “Issa” (2017), “Mr. Right Now” (2020), and “Knife Talk” (2021). The album’s announcement came with the release of Drake’s song “Jimmy Cooks” featuring 21 Savage, which became a major hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Drake’s appearance as a surprise guest at one of 21 Savage’s concerts in Atlanta further fueled anticipation for the album.
The music video for “Jimmy Cooks” was strategically released on 21 Savage’s 30th birthday, October 22, 2022, and featured text teasing the release of “Her Loss” on October 28, 2022. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the album’s release was postponed to November 4, 2022, after OVO record producer 40 contracted COVID-19 during the album’s mixing and mastering process. The tracklist was unveiled on November 3.
The cover art showcases Quiana “Qui” Yasuka, known as Suki Baby, a renowned adult dancer and model, whose image was discovered by Lil Yachty and proposed as the album’s cover art. The photograph, taken by Paris Aden three years prior, was posted on Drake and 21 Savage’s Instagram profiles on November 2, generating excitement among fans.
As part of their unique promotional strategy, Drake and 21 Savage embarked on a joint fake press run for the album on November 1, 2022. This included spoofing contemporary music promotion techniques, such as distributing Vogue covers with edited photos of Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Lawrence featuring 21 Savage’s face tattoos. Additionally, they created fake advertisements, interviews, and live performances to captivate the audience.
The first official single from the album, “Circo Loco,” was sent to Italian contemporary hit radio on November 11, 2022, generating further anticipation for the release.
Her Loss stands as a testament to the artistic collaboration between Drake and 21 Savage, solidifying their place in the contemporary music landscape and leaving fans eager for more from this creative duo.
