Who is 21 Savage? Born Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, 21 Savage is a British-American rapper known for his gritty lyrics and unique voice. He gained fame with hits like "Bank Account" and "A Lot." Despite his tough persona, 21 Savage has a complex background that includes a troubled youth and a surprising immigration story. He moved to Atlanta at age seven, where he faced numerous challenges, including run-ins with the law. His music often reflects these experiences, making him a relatable figure for many fans. Beyond music, 21 Savage is also known for his philanthropy, particularly his efforts to promote financial literacy among young people.
Early Life and Background
21 Savage, born Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, has a life story filled with fascinating details. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years.
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Birthplace: Contrary to popular belief, 21 Savage was born in Plaistow, London, England, on October 22, 1992. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of seven.
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Family: His mother, Heather Carmillia Joseph, is of Dominican descent, while his father, Kevin Cornelius Emmons, is of Haitian descent. He has ten siblings, including twin sisters Jayda and Kyra.
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Childhood: Growing up in Atlanta, 21 Savage faced numerous challenges, including being expelled from school in the seventh grade for gun possession.
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Gang Affiliation: During his teenage years, he became involved with the Bloods gang, which significantly influenced his music and life choices.
Music Career Beginnings
21 Savage's music career took off in a unique way, setting him apart from many other artists in the industry.
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First Mixtape: In 2015, he released his debut mixtape, "The Slaughter Tape," which quickly gained attention in the Atlanta underground rap scene.
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Collaboration with Metro Boomin: His collaboration with producer Metro Boomin on the EP "Savage Mode" in 2016 was a turning point, propelling him to mainstream success.
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Breakthrough Single: The single "X" featuring Future from the "Savage Mode" EP became his first platinum record.
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Debut Album: His debut studio album, "Issa Album," released in 2017, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond his music, 21 Savage has a rich personal life and diverse interests.
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Philanthropy: He launched the "21 Savage Bank Account Campaign" to teach financial literacy to young people, inspired by his hit song "Bank Account."
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Tattoo: The distinctive dagger tattoo on his forehead is a tribute to his late brother, Quantivayus, who was killed in a shooting.
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Veganism: In 2017, he announced that he had adopted a vegan lifestyle, influenced by his desire to live a healthier life.
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Family Man: He is a father to three children and often speaks about the importance of being a good role model for them.
Legal Issues and Controversies
21 Savage's life has not been without its share of legal troubles and controversies.
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2019 ICE Arrest: In February 2019, he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa, revealing his British nationality to the public.
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Legal Status: After his arrest, he faced potential deportation but was released on bond. His legal status in the U.S. remains a topic of interest.
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Gun Violence: He has been an outspoken advocate against gun violence, drawing from his own experiences growing up in a violent environment.
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Feuds: 21 Savage has had public feuds with other artists, including Tyga and Layzie Bone, which have garnered significant media attention.
Awards and Achievements
Despite the challenges, 21 Savage has achieved remarkable success in his career.
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Grammy Award: He won his first Grammy Award in 2020 for Best Rap Song for "A Lot," featuring J. Cole.
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Billboard Success: His second studio album, "I Am > I Was," debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in 2018.
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Collaborations: He has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists, including Post Malone, Cardi B, and Drake.
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RIAA Certifications: Many of his songs and albums have received RIAA certifications, highlighting their commercial success.
Influence and Legacy
21 Savage's impact on the music industry and beyond is undeniable.
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Cultural Influence: His raw and authentic storytelling has resonated with fans worldwide, making him a significant figure in modern rap.
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Fashion: Known for his distinctive style, he has influenced fashion trends, often seen sporting luxury brands and unique accessories.
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Activism: He uses his platform to speak on social issues, including racial inequality and police brutality.
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Documentary: In 2019, he was featured in the documentary "Free Meek," which explores the criminal justice system and its impact on artists.
Fun Facts
Here are some lighter, fun facts about 21 Savage that fans might enjoy.
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Favorite Color: His favorite color is red, often seen in his clothing and accessories.
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Video Games: He is an avid gamer, frequently playing games like "Call of Duty" and "Fortnite."
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Nickname: Friends and family often call him "Savage" or "Savage 21," a nod to his stage name and persona.
Final Thoughts on 21 Savage
21 Savage's journey from the streets of Atlanta to the top of the charts is nothing short of inspiring. His music tells stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph. Beyond his lyrics, he's a dedicated philanthropist, giving back to his community through various initiatives. His collaborations with other artists show his versatility and influence in the hip-hop world. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remains grounded and committed to his roots. His unique style and authenticity continue to captivate fans worldwide. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering his music, there's no denying 21 Savage's impact on the industry. Keep an eye on this talented artist as he continues to evolve and make waves.
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