Rapper 21 Savage has seen his share of legal issues in recent years. However, recently, the U.K.-born rapper ironed out his legal issues and is finally able to freely travel around the globe. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem like Canadian authorities got the memo. They denied him entry into the country last week. Despite that, he appeared onstage with Drake at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto Saturday night.
Videos by American Songwriter
TMZ reports that Canadian officials denied 21 Savage entry into the country on Friday. Luckily, though, he was apparently able to work things out. As a result, he was able to be there for the final stop of his co-headlining It’s All a Blur Tour with Drake. It isn’t clear why authorities barred him from Canada or how he eventually gained access to the country.
This comes just days after the rapper got his green card and became a permanent citizen of the United States.
[RELATED: 21 Savage, Cardi B, and Drake Lead This Year’s BET Hip Hop Awards Nominations]
21 Savage was born in London, England, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia with his mother as a child. There, he found himself attracted to the street life, joined a gang, and embarked on a life of crime. That came to a head in 2019 when an arrest led to him receiving drug and firearms charges. Additionally, authorities found that his visa had expired. As a result, he faced a years-long legal battle for citizenship.
Recently, 21’s team released a statement about his citizenship to HipHopDX. In the statement, he referred to the rapper by his legal name: “She’yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph followed all applicable immigration laws since his initial detention by ICE,” the statement read. “His immigration court proceedings have now been terminated and he is a lawful permanent resident of the United States with freedom to travel internationally.”
Additionally, a representative for the rapper told the publication that he will perform in London soon. This will mark his first time in his home country in years. To celebrate this good news, he posted a video to his Instagram.
This new development could mean many things for 21 Savage and his fans abroad. The rapper will likely embark on a world tour now that he’s legally allowed to travel outside of the United States.
Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage
