As the rapid-hi-hat and triplet-rapping aesthetics of trap rap continue to flood the mainstream and pop music, it’s important to acknowledge the folks in the genre with some some actual shit to say. Which, in most cases of trap-rappers, is seldom heard. Between “skrrts” and “yuh’s” though, there are artists who set themselves apart from their mumbling counterparts and actually communicate through their art. 21 Savage is one of these folks.

Processing his life experiences through stumbling trap beats and visually brutal lyrics that might shock listeners not exactly ready for, say, a story about shooting up some dude's mom's house, 21 Savage's persona isn't exactly an act.

In an interview with Hip Hops Revival, 21 Savage, born Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, revealed he was expelled from middle school after the young rapper brought a .55 caliber handgun to class. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Abraham-Joseph's vibe is reminiscent of the rise of the mid-'90s gangsta-rap era that many rappers in the sub-genre are falling into these days.