The Incredible Story of 21 Savage

The Incredible Story of 21 Savage.
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written and animated by Philip Damico
additional animations by Christopher Damico
music by Lex Villena
Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph (born October 22, 1992), known professionally as 21 Savage, is a rapper based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Born in London, he moved to Atlanta with his mother at age seven. He became known after releasing two mixtapes in 2015, before attaining international attention with the release of the collaborative EP Savage Mode (2016) with Metro Boomin; its singles "X" (featuring Future) and "No Heart" peaked within the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 21 Savage's profile also later increased with a guest feature on Drake's 2016 single "Sneakin'". He then signed a recording contract with Epic Records in January 2017.
21 Savage's debut studio album, Issa Album (2017), peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 and its lead single "Bank Account" reached number 12 on the Hot 100. He then released the collaborative album Without Warning (2017) with Offset and Metro Boomin, with the song "Ric Flair Drip" peaking at number 13 on the Hot 100, though that particular song did not feature him. 21 Savage featured on Post Malone's 2017 single "Rockstar", which reached number one on the Hot 100 and nominated for Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 2019 Grammy Awards. His second album, I Am greater than I Was (2018), became his first U.S. number one album and spawned the hit song "A Lot" (featuring J. Cole), which won Best Rap Song at the 2020 Grammy Awards. 21 Savage's highly anticipated third album, Savage Mode II (2020), a sequel collaboration with Metro Boomin to their 2016 EP, debuted atop the Billboard 200, and spawned the U.S. top 10 singles "Runnin" and "Mr. Right Now" (featuring Drake). In 2022, 21 Savage would be featured on Drake's song "Jimmy Cooks" from his album Honestly, Nevermind;, where it debuted at number one on the Hot 100, making it 21 Savage's second number one on the chart and his first number-one debut.
21 Savage was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on February 3, 2019. Officials revealed his status as a British citizen who entered the U.S. in July 2005 and unlawfully overstayed a H-4 visa that expired in 2006. He was granted bond on February 12 and released the next day, pending the outcome of an expedited deportation hearing, which was initially scheduled for April 9, but was later postponed indefinitely, with 21 Savage's lawyers stating he was legally residing in the U.S. for several years prior to the 2005 H-4 visa.
00:00 Intro
01:35 21's Backstory
03:22 21's Early Music
05:20 Savage Mode
07:00 Issa Album
09:30 Without Warning
10:40 Rockstar
11:20 21 Savage's Record Deal
13:35 I Am - I Was
15:30 21 Savage's Arrest
19:05 Savage Mode 2
22:00 Spiral EP
23:33 Is 21 Savage Underrated?
26:25 Conclusion
#volksgeist #21savage #music #savagemode #metroboomin #atlanta #hiphop #videoessay

[@Volksgeist]

Join my discord server: discord.gg/Ew6avqhQfT

[@ethiopianshort]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ6raH6uh9R5l6M ETHIOPIA

[@What_was_wrong_w_jst_our_names]

21 never fails to blow away my low expectations that I set for him 5 years ago lol. He’s absolutely killing every feature he does.

[@Henrysmith537]

Same lmao

[@crispythablack5837]

Honestly, I never expected 21 Savage to have this level of longevity and I'm glad he is still in the game thriving. I hope he can maintain his doing well and continue on this path. Watching him come up was interesting, and now he has nowhere to go but up if he stays out of trouble unlike most of these rappers.

[@ixnexus]

The vibes Savage Mode 2 brings is unreal. Every song is so dark and gloomy, Metro and 21 went absolute crazy.

[@ricardoediza2690]

21 Savage is in my opinion the most unique evolution of any rapper in the SoundCloud age, from being single like a Pringle to being the best part of Honestly, Mediocre

[@mentalfortitude5718]

Agree with you on the first half, I have no idea what you’re talking about in the second half lol

[@liltupac1536]

@@mentalfortitude5718 his verse on Jimmy Cooks Honestly, Nevermind

[@soulmoney119]

Enough with the Honestly Nevermind hate. It’s so annoying when an artist releases an album that’s a return to form for them that gets shit on by everybody. It happened with Eminem’s Kamikaze, now it’s happening with this album. Stop being like this

[@bigultra]

@@soulmoney119 Your favourite artist gave us instrumentals as an album!

[@sagarkathuria8194]

@@bigultra He didn't, unfortunately. The album would've been better if it WAS just instrumentals.

[@rickyrichreacts9667]

The production on Without Warning is some of the best I’ve heard in the last 10 years. That’s the album that changed my mind when it came to this new type of music

[@kenilmonpara6320]

Same brother , I started getting trap music because of without warning

[@nutella1343]

I disagree i am> i was will be hallmarked as a classic in the next 5 years mark my words. Its shockingly coherent with plently of themes to take from.

[@nutella1343]

Excellent video as always by far one of the best ones ive seen about him

[@rogue9230]

nah I think without warning which I think is his best project will be a classic this year actually

[@lucasvslife]

I've seen it mentioned a couple times already on twitter

[@mako44444]

Ngl to this day that is one of my favorite albums ever dropped

[@thatsmaney8943]

I agree. Without warning too

[@yoavschmidt7082]

Yalls have some of the best video production on youtube, love the videos keep em coming

[@akashpathak6505]

When i first heard him i never thought he would have such longevity

[@ryanmoore4130]

Whether 21 will be remembered for a classic album he'll be an inspiration for the next generation, always improving, taking every feature seriously, staying independent. Always one of my favorites and I'm so glad to have grown up with his music

[@parker.alan.hawkins]

I remember in 2014 and 2015 hearing him and not thinking much, wasnt my genre. Just in the past year or two I've been exposed to his newer stuff and I looked back on his progress and I was blown away. This is really proof that you need to focus more on an artists drive and determination to succeed than their skill necessarily. You could have all the talent in the world but without motivation you're going nowhere. 21 Savage is proof that if you keep at it, what might be a niche or not widely accepted art may grow into something huge. Collaboration is key in this world. Money becomes obsolete at a certain level and you need resources/people more than anything. 21 Savage is a genius. Hes gained more than respect from me. Def going to watch more interviews and learn from him for the business I'm forming currently.

[@thebadassniggatomtom]

He improved so much as a rapper it's honestly crazy

[@ztay08]

Fascinating to see the videos go from Understanding Artists to the Incedible Story of Artists. Can't wait for a J. Cole video.

[@barry4649]

21 will start building that classic catalogue you talked about very soon, he’s one of the best rappers around right now

[@_createusernamelater_6041]

These are some of my favourite videos on KZbin as it gives you a really deep insight to some of my favourite rappers or topics. I either learn something about a rapper i regularly listen too or learn about a musician I’m fairly new to

[@erengabyreigns8413]

Tbh when I first seen his videos, I was terrified, until my daughter was watching the vlad interviews and the music video reaction, I fell in love with this young man his story was so inspiring and he as an artist is so unique and talented....

[@XxRedMambaxx21]

I started getting into new rap seriously once I graduated in 2016 and 21 was the first artist I got put onto. My listening evolved with his style changes and he's honestly helped get me into so many more artists that I wouldn't have normally listened to, imo ISSA Goat 🤷

[@hunterdowdrick5577]

Fire video bro, your channel is more underrated than 21 is. Couldn't agree more about Without Warning, one of my favorite trap albums of al time. Just can't get enough of those crazy metro beats and dark rapping. Shoutout Offset too for brining the same energy to most tracks.

[@drewxx3931]

21 isn't underrated wtf u talkin bout

[@BabyRogerCDR]

Such a great video about my favourite artist, good job Volk!

[@metalmouth5581]

That whole class of XXL freshman is absolutely master class. I was all boomer about it at first. Thought it was the “end of hip hop” , such a cringe take. All amazing artists.

[@syre_4714]

That Nebula class actually ended up being Really good. Do you have another one coming out soon?

[@Chevaux804]

Great work on this video. Love the way your mind works.

[@TronFN]

this is one of the most well produced documentsries i’ve seen ur channel is great

[@davidmunoz1683]

Dude ISSA album is amazing wtf, I can listen to it front to back No skips

[@demetriusmiddleton1246]

Same, I don't know what he is talking about

[@xXOr30Xx]

Issa Album Issa classic. Idk wtf he saying fr

[@BMDubsKid]

I appreciate you loving Without Warning as much as I do, hands down the best 21 project and one of my favorite rap collab albums of all time (Fight me)

[@brendensolis5349]

i've been pateintly waitng for this... so glad this is here. cannot wait to rewatch this and show to friends.

[@Volksgeist]

Enjoy!

[@xikaya1]

21’s been my favorite rapper since middle school, watching him grow into the artist he is today is inspiring

[@Atuggy]

Thank you for the amazing video 21 savage is one of the best rappers alive for how he brings his listeners into his mind and what he sees with his flow

[@geescott5627]

Without Warning ⚠️ my favourite album

[@GEL0_12]

Savage mode II was a phenomenal album imo, catapulted 21 and metro to another level.

[@senjux7514]

You made me listen to seeing Double again thx :D

[@lctnzrtnzr5749]

The Freshman Freestyle with 21 in it is the best Video on YT by far.

[@nicolasacevedoferrate915]

Could you mean Sir Savage the 21st?

[@nononowhyno]

great video love to see 21 getting some critical shine. but also wanted to note when listing producers on issa album you phrase it to make it sound like theyre all from atlanta. although metro, wheezy, and bourne work with artists from the area non of them are atl-iens. and mustard is an LA cat. who is LA based in his catalog and sound.

[@nasariyasori]

Savage Mode 2 is like listening in a movie lol

[@bobbeta]

Morgan Freemans narrations with the smoothest transitions make it sound so unique. Such a good album

[@garrylong2993]

Bro savage mode 2 is as good if not better than savage mode original, change my mind

[@calculatedly]

21 xxl freestyle went so fucking crazy since day 1 and it still hits to this day. knew he was gonna be one of the best outta that class.

[@jhonoutside4323]

Your video has a very captivating production and editing

[@Volksgeist]

Thank you sir

[@gearlord1968]

Your visuals really are awesome

[@commandohazelnuts]

When I learned that 21 owned all his masters I began to appreciate him as human more. I'm not the biggest fan of his music, but I am a fan of his career. I think he's talented, funny, and pretty smart as far as career is concerned.

[@listamwakatala6480]

Best break down

[@xiaojingchang9475]

Savage Mode IS a classic

[@thekilluvast458]

Savage mode 2 was all I listened to for a year straight. So fire

[@ros_berth]

so inspiring

[@SitcomIxajelEyes]

pro tip : put the 21 savage music of the current narration in the backround for maximum immersion

[@Nielsen700]

Without Warning got an 8.0 by Pitchfork. I’d say that’s critically acclaimed.

[@gatesboy7645]

Savage mode for sure is a classic project

[@d2vin]

I always knew 21 would stay in the game. the 21 ad-lib was as iconic then as it is now.

[@LCSUME7IAN]

Without warning for me is easily top 5 trap projects ever

[@johnwayne6654]

Without Warning is still overlooked and it’s a crime. PHENOMENAL ALBUM. People were ranking Super Slimey over it that year which is a joke. Without Warning is my favorite album that Metro Boomin produced and the production speaks for itself. The only time I like Metro more than Wothout Warning is on Days Before

[@brooklynnwolfe4968]

I remember not being really into 21 savage at first..until I am greater than I was released. Now I give this man all props🔥🔥

[@orbash2636]

i don’t remember ISSA being wack lol.

[@deandrestreet322]

It wasn't!!!!! Still listening now

[@syre_4714]

Visuals on this video insane. Volks got talent.

[@talullahzuma397]

these videos are so well made though.

[@mo.shahan]

Sir savage the 21st🐐⚔️😈🔥

[@Whodnl]

Volksgieat did it again

[@chev5451]

good video , without warning goes nuts

[@landontalkington230]

Without Warning is a classic. No doubt at all.

[@Cat-xu5wo]

Knew 21 was gonna be goat status when savage mode dropped my senior year of high school

[@michaelromig9007]

His first two albums are 🔥

[@traplover6357]

Nothin New needed a mention from Issa. A conscious song from 21 made me see him differently

[@Volksgeist]

Great song yeah

[@wandile_x_dlamini]

21 is a goat man, so underrated

[@NathanSunt]

Without Warning is so good. My favorite album 🔥

[@Theloud_GardenersZM]

Hope you'll be consistent this time😬

[@boj091]

Love 21 he been in my top 3 for 3 years hope he keeps growing. I agree I am I was people don’t talk about it to much, Underrated probably my fav 21 album

[@ConorOG]

the quality raises with every video

[@Volksgeist]

Thank you!

[@barkingaxe833]

CAN WE GET A DENZEL CURRY VIDEO

[@Volksgeist]

Good question

[@drewev]

21 is legend ppl don’t talk about him enough

[@hedgd361]

Good vid

[@theworldofblue4385]

Without Warning is such a fire album sheeesh 😭🔥🙌🏽

[@j.m.3600]

21 has got a superior krabby patty formula

[@SicariiDC]

I thought there might be something in this about his time the Nuwaubian Nation of Moors and Dr. York but I dig it

[@drake1371]

21 savage saving everyone albums rn

[@aldoringo439]

21 savage is the type of artist that consistently released a great standard of music but there are a few songs by him which are another level , and that's what makes him so popular (such as red opps, his feature in rich flex, knife talk feature, no heart, rockstar feature, no heart, a lot, x, and 10 freaky girls). Not many artists can do that - a lot just release music of a similar standard, which is why lil baby or Dababy for example haven't yet reached his level - they have no hits.

[@emmanuelyap6796]

without warning str8 up no cap

[@AlcoholicAlbert]

21 imo aside from his work is also one of the best artists to be a feature on others songs, shit hits different

[@sweetwa089]

He starting to get rolling in big

[@johnnyklaus7124]

Without Warning is a Classic

[@rahuldevalla4176]

I AM > I WAS is 21's best body of work to date IMO. Ball w/o You is one of the most underrated songs from 21's discography.

[@wandile_x_dlamini]

Issa is better.

[@shotline2674]

Great video, I really enjoyed it 👍

[@Volksgeist]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Ahmad-kr2pn]

He's the king of features these days. Have a pop song that needs carrying? Slap a 21 savage verse on it

[@JaeMarkwick]

I don’t think he has a classic, but I do believe he’s already released the one that will be viewed as classic

[@tekashisaratt2369]

As a fan of u and 21 I can’t wait to see this vid

[@anthonywright8952]

So glad you mentioned 21 savage chopped n screwed Check out Lil uzi first mistake chopped n screwed

[@ntsubeats]

He was produced by the best producer ever. Metro Boomin

[@SpanishBarbieWorld]

21💓💯

[@WhiteTenpenny]

Brand New Draco from Savage Mode 2 is the hardest song and on my top three from him.

[@arthxrl899]

ngl metro and 21 best duo in trap by far

[@shnikez]

Bro how did you gloss over red opps and drake turning up to that song before anyone even really knew him?? Also, Savage Mode 1 is a classic and is his best project imo

[@pohlman1]

personally for me, savage mode 2 is his best album.

[@evanbasic347]

21 old shi fye

[@J777F]

international* @4:53

[@camrynjames3669]

21 savage is an incredible artist he is my favourite artist and in my opinion he’s the only artist you can listen to the whole album that he releases and love every song rappers these days have one hit songs on albums and the other songs are trash 21 has all round great albums and when he features he takes over every track he features on.

[@Phoenix_Football]

Can u cover slaughter gang please Interested to listen more about SG

[@md.m.8372]

The first two tracks on 21's 'Slaughter King' mixtape are hard as fuck & still are solid bangers thru & thru in my opinion 🤷‍♂️

[@davidnaylor2831]

was genuinely shocked to see 33k views on this vid

[@iranherrera2793]

21 the first artist that made me change my perspective on trap music entirely hes the Goat

[@wandile_x_dlamini]

No future is the goat

[@midtiien]

Wtf did he do in that year between going to the studio and dropping a single is the question I have after every 21 savage interview

[@SubwooferKing100]

Just for you liking Chopped & Screwed music. I’m going to give you a subscribe! Thanks for showing love to the Chopped & Screwed community

[@CatDribble]

Him and paper boi should do a project

[@SUPERSHYRE]

🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐