21 Savage's Manager Asked Several Artists to Perform His 'Rockstar' Verse at Grammys
21 Savage’s absence was felt at the Grammys.
The rapper, who is in federal immigration custody while facing potential deportation, was slated to perform “rockstar” with Post Malone at Sunday’s show prior to his arrest.
According to one of his managers, Kei Henderson, his team tried to get other artists to perform in his place. “We reached out to several artists to perform Savage’s verse and/or stand in solidarity on stage on his behalf,” tweeted Kei.
We reached out to several artists to perform Savage’s verse and/or stand in solidarity on stage on his behalf.
— Kei (@keiopensdoors) February 11, 2019
His verse did not air during the performance and no one filled in for him.
Malone faced backlash on social media for not acknowledging Savage during his performance with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But he was seen backstage sporting a “21 Savage” T-shirt, which he wore underneath his jacket during the performance.
“Someone from Epic sent me the photo of Post wearing the Savage tee before he performed,” added Kei.” I appreciate the notion. Lord knows me, Meezy and our team attempted to solidify recognition for Savage during the performance of ‘Rockstar,’ it just didn’t work out that way.”
— not a salad dressing (@cmigueldelpozo) February 11, 2019
Someone from Epic sent me the photo of Post wearing the Savage tee before he performed. I appreciate the notion. Lord knows me, Meezy and our team attempted to solidify recognition for Savage during the performance of “Rockstar,” it just didn’t work out that way.
— Kei (@keiopensdoors) February 11, 2019
21 Savage, who was born in the United Kingdom as Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and faces deportation after overstaying his U.S. visa. He is being held without bail and was forced to miss the Grammys, despite his two nominations for “rockstar.”
Ludwig Goransson, producer of Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” was the only one to publicly acknowledge Savage, whose vocals appear on the Grammy-winning song.
“No matter where you’re born or what country you are from, you connect with ‘This Is America,'” said Goransson while accepting the award for Record of the Year. “It speaks to people, it connects right to your soul—calls out injustice, celebrates life, and reunites us at the same time. We want to thank all the rappers on the song. 21 Savage—he should be here tonight.”