Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, known professionally as 21 Savage, was born on October 22, 1992, in Plaistow, London, England. The son of Heather Carmillia Joseph and Kevin Cornelius Emmons, he comes from a background rich in Caribbean heritage, with his mother's family originating from Dominica and his father's from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. His paternal grandfather was Haitian. After his parents separated early in his life, he moved with his mother to Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of seven. His early years in Atlanta were marked by significant challenges, including involvement in criminal activities and a near-fatal shooting incident on his 21st birthday.
21 Savage's music career began in earnest in 2013, following the tragic death of a close friend. He released his debut mixtape, "The Slaughter Tape," in 2015, which established him as a notable figure in Atlanta's underground music scene. His collaboration with Metro Boomin on the "Savage Mode" EP in 2016 catapulted him to mainstream success, with hits like "X" and "No Heart."
His debut studio album, "Issa Album" (2017), peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, featuring the hit single "Bank Account." He continued to build on his success with "I Am > I Was" (2018), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included the Grammy-winning single "A Lot." His collaboration with Drake on "Jimmy Cooks" in 2022 and the joint album "Her Loss" further solidified his position in the music industry. His latest album, "American Dream" (2024), has been a commercial success, marking his fourth consecutive chart-topping project.
In February 2019, 21 Savage was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa, revealing his status as a British citizen. He was granted bond and released, pending the outcome of an expedited deportation hearing. In 2023, he became a lawful permanent resident of the United States, with eligibility for citizenship in 2028.
21 Savage has been actively involved in philanthropy, focusing on financial literacy for the youth through his "Bank Account" campaign and providing free online financial literacy education during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also hosted annual back-to-school drives in Atlanta, offering free haircuts, hairstyles, supplies, and school uniforms to children.
21 Savage practices the traditional West African religion Ifá. He was in a relationship with model Amber Rose from 2017 to 2018. He has also taken flying lessons and has been involved in efforts to reduce gun violence through the "Guns Down, Paintballs Up" initiative.
Known for his "villainous monotone drawl," 21 Savage's music is heavily autobiographical, focusing on his experiences with violence, poverty, and survival. His style is influenced by Southern hip-hop, particularly the work of Three 6 Mafia, and he has been recognized for his contributions to the trap genre.
21 Savage has received critical acclaim for his work, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song for "A Lot" and multiple nominations across various award ceremonies. His music and advocacy work have made him a significant figure in contemporary hip-hop and beyond.
The 66th annual Grammy Awards, music's most illustrious evening, is underway, with live updates on the complete list of winners as they're announced.
This week's New Music Friday includes releases from The Rolling Stones, 21 Savage, d4vd, Blink-182, The Kid LAROI, Jung Kook, Central Cee, Charlie XCX, and Sam Smith.
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