Cardi B supports Black Lives Matter campaign to free 21 Savage
Metro Boomin and Killer Mike are also backing the campaign to free rapper 21 Savage from immigration custody
A number of high profile American rap artists have thrown their support behind a Black Lives Matter campaign to free 21 Savage, including Cardi B (pictured) and Run The Jewels member Killer Mike.
Black Lives Matter has launched a petition to stop the deportation of 'Savage Mode' rapper 21 Savage, real name She’yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, who was taken into custody on Sunday by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and accused of being a UK national staying in the US under an expired visa.
Cardi B, who has collaborated with 21 Savage, wrote on Instagram: “We will read and educate ourselves on this situation and we will take action! 21 did not come here illegally and was not caught doing anything illegal or doing any mischief! in fact he have change his whole life around and as ya can see he’s been very positive in his actions and music."
Run the Jewels MC and political activist Killer Mike also expressed his support for the #Free21Savage campaign, writing on Instagram: “My sincere hope is to see this young man who has made a way for himself allowed to stay and continue to prosper and grow his legacy.”
Other supporters of the #Free21Savage campaign voicing their solidarity include Quavo, Post Malone and Metro Boomin.
Speaking about the matter, Bryan Cox of ICE stated: “He is unlawfully present in the US and also a convicted felon.”In addition, has obtained a birth certificate, asserting that 21 Savage was born in Newham, London.
21 Savage's lawyer Charles H. Kuck, has issued a statement on the rapper's arrest, claiming that he made no attempt to hide his immigration status from the US and even made a U-Visa application in 2017, saying: "The Department of Homeland Security has known his address and his history since his filing for the U-Visa in 2017, yet they took no action against him until this past weekend,"
Kluck added 21 Savage will fight to stay in the US, saying: "Mr. Abraham-Joseph has US citizen children that he supports and is eligible for relief from deportation. We and he will fight for his release, for his family, and his right to remain in our country. No one would expect less from him."
Sign Black Lives Matters' petition to Stop the Deportation of She’yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph here.
Josh Vincent is a freelance writer, follow him on Twitter