Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, better known as 21 Savage, was born on October 22, 1992 in Plaistow, London, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia at age seven, where he grew up amid poverty and violence in a large Caribbean‑American family . After surviving a near-fatal shooting on his 21st birthday—a moment that shifted his trajectory—he turned to music, releasing his debut mixtape The Slaughter Tape (2015) and Slaughter King later that year . His major breakthrough came in 2016 with Savage Mode, a dark, atmospheric collaborative EP with Metro Boomin, featuring the hits “X” and “No Heart” that charted in the Billboard Hot 100 .
In 2017, 21 Savage signed with Epic Records and released his debut studio album Issa Album, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and included the hit single “Bank Account” that peaked at No. 12 on the Hot 100. His sophomore album I Am > I Was (2018) debuted at No. 1, featuring the Grammy-winning single “A Lot” with J. Cole, which won Best Rap Song in 2020 . Continuing his success, his Savage Mode II (2020) sequel again debuted at No. 1, and featured major charting singles like “Runnin” and “Mr. Right Now” (feat. Drake) . In 2022, he teamed up with Drake on the joint album Her Loss, and in 2024 released American Dream, his fourth consecutive chart‑topping album, anchoring the Billboard 200 and spawning top‑ten hits “Redrum” and “Née‑Nah” .
Beyond music, 21 Savage has emerged as a dedicated philanthropist: launching the “Bank Account” financial literacy campaign for youth and hosting annual back‑to‑school drives in Atlanta offering supplies, uniforms, and free haircuts . His personal life also made headlines: in early 2019, he was detained by U.S. ICE, which exposed his British nationality—a development that led to a public legal battle; by 2023 he had obtained permanent U.S. residency and will be eligible for citizenship in 2028 .
Artistically, 21 Savage is known for his deadpan delivery, unflinching storytelling of street life and trauma, and minimalist yet powerful trap production anchored by collaborators like Metro Boomin and Southside. His music reflects both vulnerability and resilience—capturing a voice shaped by a harsh upbringing while embracing growth and social impact
