Savage

21 Savage, born Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph on October 22, 1992, in Newham, London, is a British-American rapper known for his raw storytelling and introspective lyrics. At the age of seven, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, with his mother, where he became entrenched in the city’s vibrant music culture. His stage name, “21 Savage,” is a nod to the 2100 Street Gang in Decatur, Georgia, reflecting the challenges of his early life.

He broke into the mainstream in the mid-2010s with his mixtape Savage Mode (2016), produced by Metro Boomin. The mixtape’s haunting beats and 21’s signature deadpan flow earned him a dedicated following. He cemented his position in the rap world with albums like Issa Album (2017) and I Am > I Was (2018), the latter of which earned him his first Grammy for “A Lot,” a collaboration with J. Cole that took home Best Rap Song honors.

In 2019, 21’s life took an unexpected turn when he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), revealing he was actually born in the UK and had overstayed his visa since 2006. This sparked a national conversation about immigration policies. After being granted bond, 21 became a U.S. permanent resident in 2023.

Outside of his music career, 21 Savage is deeply involved in philanthropy. He founded the “Bank Account” campaign, which focuses on financial literacy for young people, and regularly organizes back-to-school drives in Atlanta to help students with essential supplies. His journey from the streets to stardom has made him a powerful figure, both in music and in his community.