Many people were shocked or confused when news came out that 21 Savage was arrested by ICE, claiming he was an illegal immigrant. Born in the UK and residing in Atlanta, 21 Savage overstayed his visa which expired in 2005.

The real shock doesn’t come from his arrest, but rather that he is not an United States citizen. Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, 21 Savage’s birth name, told viewers that he was from Decatur, Georgia. So, many fans came to shock when they learned he was really a British national.

The news, and memes, about 21 Savage were almost as entertaining as the Grammys. Many people, with a lot of time on their hands, even sat and dissected all of his songs. They claimed that Savage left hints and teasers in his lyrics that implied he was British.

“I think the response to him getting arrested was mixed. Some people were shocked and angry, some didn’t really know what was happening, and a lot of people were enjoying all the memes. I think those were the best part—the memes,” said Anurag Sridar (‘20).

“I think he will be allowed to stay. Also, he did drop some backlash and started saying things in his music against border control. In his music video for his song  ‘A Lot,’ he did stuff to show how he was against border control,” said Henrik Pettersson (‘20).

The community of Atlanta, one of the top cities for Hip-Hop and Rap, rallied together in support of 21 Savage. Savage never really tried to hide his immigration status, but now he fears deportation and up to a  ten year ban from re-entering the United States.

“He should apply for a visa again and try to come back if they allow him. Especially since he is a big musical personality here and I along with many people are really big fans,” said Shruti Sonekar (‘21).

In an interview, Savage explains that he felt he represented who he wanted to be with his tough upbringing.

“I’m not leaving Atlanta without a fight. We gon’ fight all the way till the last day even if that mean I sit in jail for 10 years,” said 21 Savage.

Being labeled a hometown hero by the people of Atlanta, Savage says he will fight on no matter what to stay in his real home and continue to do what he loves.