21 Savage, one of the most successful rappers and record producers in the music industry, has a turbulent past that involves a street gang affiliation. This news report will explore how his connection with a local gang in Atlanta, Georgia, linked to the broader Bloods gang, shaped his life and music.
From dropout to gangster
21 Savage was born in London, England. His real name is Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph. When he was seven, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with his mother. He had a difficult childhood, as he witnessed his father’s drug addiction and his brother’s death in a shooting. He dropped out of school in the seventh grade and joined a local street gang, part of the wider Bloods gang.
The “21” in his name refers to the 2100 Street Gang from his neighborhood in Atlanta. This affiliation meant that he was often amid street warfare, witnessing many of his friends either get killed or serve life sentences. He also became involved in various criminal activities, such as drug dealing, robbery, and car theft. He was shot six times on his 21st birthday, which he later described as a “wake-up call.”
From gangster to rapper
21 Savage began his recording career in 2013. He released three self-released mixtapes to regional acclaim. His breakout project was the collaborative extended play (EP) with record producer Metro Boomin titled Savage Mode (2016), which peaked at number 23 on Billboard in 2001. Its lead singles, “X” (featuring Future) and “No Heart” peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Later that year, he gained further recognition for his guest appearance on Drake’s single “Sneakin’”.
In January 2017, 21 Savage signed a recording contract with Epic Records. His debut album, Issa Album (2017), peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, and its lead single, “Bank Account,” reached number 12 on the Hot 1001. His second album, I Am > I Was (2018), became his first project to debut atop the Billboard 200 and spawned the hit single “A Lot” (featuring J. Cole).
As for awards, 21 Savage has been recognized for his contributions to music. His song “A Lot” (featuring J. Cole) won the Best Rap Song at the 2020 Grammy Awards. He has also received multiple nominations at the BET Awards, Grammy Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and more. In 2023, he co-led the BET Hip Hop Awards with 12 nominations, winning four awards, including Album of the Year for I Am > I Was.
From rapper to immigrant
In 2019, 21 Savage got into legal trouble. He was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They said he was an illegal immigrant from the United Kingdom.
It was revealed that he had overstayed his visa since 2006 when he was 14. ICE also claimed that he had a felony drug conviction from 2014, which would make him ineligible for any relief from deportation.
However, 21 Savage’s lawyer, Charles H Kuck, disputed ICE’s claims, stating that his client had never been convicted of any crime and that he had applied for a U visa in 2017. A U visa is granted to victims of crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. Kuck said that 21 Savage was eligible for this visa because he was a victim of a shooting in 2013.
After spending ten days in ICE custody, 21 Savage was released on bond in February 2019. He then faced charges of drug and weapons possession in Georgia, stemming from a 2019 traffic stop. He said he did not do it and was released on bail in March 2023. His immigration case is still pending as he awaits a hearing before an immigration judge.
From immigrant to icon
21 Savage’s journey of leaving his criminal past behind and embracing success as a rapper and record producer is remarkable. His music reflects his challenging upbringing and past gang affiliations, offering a narrative of resilience and transformation. He has also used his platform to advocate for social justice and immigration reform and support various charitable causes, such as education, financial literacy, and mental health.
21 Savage is not only a Grammy-winning artist but also an inspiration to many who have faced similar struggles. He has shown that anyone can overcome challenges and succeed, regardless of their origin or situation.