The hot topic of conversation at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards surrounded what happened while the stars were inside the Staples Center during the show. Controversy surrounding Drake’s mic cut during his speech and subtle shade thrown at the Grammys’ producers throughout the show had the Internet talking.
Outside of the big event, discussions about the recent arrest of 21 Savage by ICE continue to lead hip-hop. While on the Grammys red carpet, VIBE got the chance to press some hip-hop heavyweights and collaborators of the I Am > I Was musician, who was nominated for an award this year. He is reportedly still in custody after his arrest last weekend (Feb. 3).
Read the well-wishes sent out by some of 21’s contemporaries below.
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Jay Rock
“21 Savage been doing his thing. I didn’t know he was originally from Britain, but that shouldn’t even matter. He’s got a family he’s gotta get back to. They gotta let that man go so he can get back to his kids and provide for his family. Free 21 man, it’s a tough situation, I hope you can get out and get back to your family.”
J. White, Grammy-nominated producer of 21 Savage’s “A Lot” and Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow”
“He’s dope, I’m proud of him. With this album out now, the dude is working hard. It was his first number one album. 21 needs to come home, he deserves to be here. We’re all not from here, he needs to come home. He deserves to be here at the Grammys. It’s his first nomination this year, and it sucks. It sucks. Hopefully, he’ll be here next year with another nomination.”
Lorenzo Cardona, Grammy-nominated engineer of “Rockstar” by Post Malone and 21 Savage
“I think that whoever has a good judgment on him and a good relationship with him should support him. He’s done a lot for the community as I’ve been told, and we can’t take that away from him either, you know? He’s young, he’s trying to change, and everyone deserves a second chance, third chance, to make that change.”
Tay Keith, producer of Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode”
“21 did a lot for the game, I feel like he did more than just music-wise — he did a lot for his city, he put on for the people in his city. 21 I think really…he’s a pioneer with it, he set the tone. I just want to say free him. Free 21.”
Pardison Fontaine, collaborator with Cardi B on “Backin It Up”
“His contributions to hip-hop? I mean, the kid is a star. A bonafide star, and it seems that he has his head on straight. He’s a smart kid! I’d hate to see anyone in that predicament, so I hope he can go back to his family and continue to provide for those that he did help.”