Scenes from 21 Savage’s Issa Back 2 School Drive
The Eastside rapper gives back to the community that raised him
On Sunday, August 6, Eastside rapper 21 Savage hosted his second annual Issa Back 2 School Drive at Club Libra, near the intersection of Glenwood Road and I-285. In May, 21 Savage, born Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, reached gold record status when his Savage Mode EP sold a half-million copies. In July, he earned a third platinum certificate when “Red Opps” from the Free Guwap mixtape (following “No Heart” and “X” feat. Future from Savage Mode) topped a million sales. In the wake of such rising success, countless families descended upon Club Libra’s parking lot for a genuine block party. The smell of BBQ and the sounds booming trap beats filled the air as heat rose from the asphalt. Long lines of kids from grade school to high school formed an assembly line along the outside wall where they were given notebooks, backpacks, pens, pencils and other school supplies. Inside the club, a long line of barbers and stylists gave kids new haircuts so they could all look fresh come the first day of class.
“I’m doing this because these kids need it,” 21 Savage said in the midst of a small but chaotic frenzy of photographers who swarmed around him when he pulled up to the scene in a shiny red Ferrari. An entourage of massive, black-clad bodyguards led by his manager Mega Meezy kept the crowd walking from the car to a red carpet behind the stage. “This is where I’m from,” he said. “I want to give back to this community, so I’m just giving these kids school clothes and things they need.”
It’s no secret that 21 Savage was in and out of juvenile detention centers during his school days. It’s reported that he expelled from middle school for gun possession, and was even shot multiple times later in life. His gang affiliation with the Bloods is also fodder for many of his most popular songs. In “Red Opps” he chants the lyrics, “I just bought a pistol it got 30 rounds in it/Pull up at yo momma house and put some rounds in it.” But the message he had for the kids in the crowd on Sunday was: “Stay in school. Do your homework. Eat right.”
The gang presence in the crowd was minimal but visible (dagger tattoos and intricate handshakes were spotted in the crowd), countered by a heavy police presence, as officers stuck to the periphery. People were there to celebrate the community, and the vibe remained pleasant.
Before making his way to the crowd to meet fans and pose for pictures 21 Savage took the stage to perform “Bank Account” from his latest album, Issa. Hundreds of people chanted along to the hook: “I got 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-Ms in my bank account.”
His acquisition of wealth appears to be true, and he’s more than happy to spend it where the neighborhood needs it.
21 Savage plays the Tabernacle Fri., Aug. 18 and Sat., Aug. 19. Friday night’s show is sold out, but tickets for Saturday are still available. $35-$140. 152 Luckie Street. 404-659-9022 www.tabernacleatl.com.