Known more for his relationship with Amber Rose than his music, which is popular among millenials and children, rapper Savage 21, who often promotes violence, misogyny and drug abuse in his hit songs, has done an about face in light of recent incidents of inner-city violence across the country, giving us a glimpse into the growth he is experiencing as he matures into manhood.
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Ocean Drive- 21 Savage https://t.co/hbrHmfZWCY
Chicago wasnt the only urban war zone heating up across the country this weekend.
According to XXL magazine, What should have been a family-friendly back-to-school drive on Saturday (Aug. 4), turned ugly when a man opened fire with no remorse at the Zone 6 Day community event in Atlanta filled with kids. Now, 21 Savage, who attended the event, is denouncing the incident.”
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We’re trying to show the kids that grown people can come together and do something positive.”-21 Savage https://t.co/2lCjkjP0UW
Speaking with Channel 2 Action News of Atlanta, the “Bank Account” mumble rapper did his best to distance himself from the shooting, while calling out those responsible.
“That ain’t right,” Savage said. People need to think about their actions. Were coming together to push positivity, to get all the negative stuff away. Were trying to show the kids that grown people can come together and do something positive.
The Atlanta rapper made his comments during his own community event on Sunday, the third annual Issa Back 2 School Drive.
The event, held in the Decatur neighborhood where Savage grew up, provides backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts and financial advice to young folks. Atlanta police have charged Santonio Foster with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the shooting.
Hopefully Savage 21s acceptance of responsibility for making his hometown a safer place for kids to grow up will spread to other rappers who have also flamed the fire of violence and encouraged violent behavior through their music.
It makes me feel good just to know that Im touching people, 21 said.
More importantly, touching people with a message that breeds unity, applauds education and brings balance to the music that often incites youngsters to indulge in negative activity.
Rap music has always had a hard edge to it. The genre has often tackled the harsh realities of drugs, guns, violence and the battle out of poverty. But the high visibility and celebrity of these artists presents them with a rare opportunity to influence what kids feel and do in a positive way by offering a solution to rising out of their circumstances rather than reinforcing the same failing behavior.
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21 Savage is throwing his 3rd annual “Issa Back to School Drive” this year. The event provides kids in Atlanta with school supplies, clothes, and hair cuts. He will also begin his campaign “Bank Account” which helps kids learn how to handle their finances.
As his platform grows, hopefully 21 Savage will continue to use his celebrity platform to enlighten and influence young people in a positive manner.
