21 Savage's American Dream - Untold Stories From London, England to East Atlanta Zone 6

Summary

In this candid interview, rapper 21 Savage reflects on his remarkable journey from childhood in London to hip hop stardom in Atlanta. He discusses the struggles of immigrant life, losing friends to violence, and his resolution to build a better life for his children. With introspection on gang affiliations, public relationships, and artistic growth, 21 Savage also expresses gratitude for his success. Throughout the lively dialogue, he engages openly, offering insight into the mind of a multi-platinum recording artist.

Takeaways

• 😊 21 grew up in London until age 6-7 then moved to Atlanta
• 😮 Had a rough upbringing in Atlanta - evictions, sleeping 4 kids to a room
• 🤔 Realized limitations as an immigrant - no licenses, college, jobs. So he hustled
• 😢 Lost friends and family to violence while growing up in Atlanta
• 🎤 Got serious about rapping after he got shot at age 21
• 👍🏾 Values his kids and wants to give them what his absent dad didn't give him
• 💼 Built his career with producers like Metro Boomin and Sonny Digital
• 🤑 Gets big touring $$$, especially abroad where fans go wild for him
• 🙏 Appreciates his success coming from tough beginnings in London and Atlanta
• 🎶 Loves old school R&B like Jodeci, SWV, Mary J Blige

Q & A

What was 21 Savage's living situation like when he first moved to Atlanta from London?

When 21 Savage first moved to Atlanta, he lived in a small apartment with his mother, siblings, and other families who had also moved from London. They had to share rooms and beds due to limited space and money.

How did 21 Savage get involved with gangs and guns at a young age?

21 Savage got involved with gangs and guns growing up on the East Side of Atlanta. He was affiliated with them by default for being from that area. He also started stealing guns from around his neighborhood at a young age.

What inspired 21 Savage to start taking rap music seriously?

21 Savage decided to seriously pursue a rap career after he survived getting shot on his 21st birthday in 2013. His friend was killed in that incident, which made him want to change his life path.

How did 21 Savage meet Metro Boomin'?

21 Savage met Metro Boomin' through his friend and fellow Atlanta rapper Key!. Key used to bring 21 around producer Sonny Digital, whose home studio many rappers used. That's where 21 first met Metro and asked him for some beats to rap on.

What was 21 Savage's breakthrough song?

21 Savage's breakthrough song was 'X' featuring Future, which was produced by Metro Boomin. It was featured on his 2015 mixtape 'The Slaughter Tape' and helped launch his career.

Why couldn't 21 Savage travel outside of the US for a long time?

21 Savage couldn't travel outside of the US for a long time because he was born in the UK and stayed in the US past the expiration of his visa, making him an undocumented immigrant.

How did 21 Savage feel when he won his first Grammy Award?

When 21 Savage won his first Grammy for 'A Lot' with J. Cole, he felt bittersweet because it was the same day Kobe Bryant died in the helicopter crash.

What does 21 Savage say is his goal as a father?

21 Savage says his goal as a father is to be everything for his kids that his own father wasn't for him. He wants to always be present and active in their lives.

Why doesn't 21 Savage have a close relationship with his father?

21 Savage doesn't have a close relationship with his father because he felt abandoned by him as a child when his family moved to Atlanta without his dad. His father didn't make an effort to be involved in his life growing up.

What are 21 Savage's plans for the future in his music career?

For the future, 21 Savage wants to continue evolving his musical sound, touring worldwide, starting new business ventures, and spending more time with his family while building his legacy.