ATLANTA, January 23, 2024 — A public dispute has erupted between rappers 21 Savage and Fivio Foreign after Fivio questioned the Atlanta artist’s authenticity and connection to street life, igniting a fiery exchange on social media. The conflict underscores a broader debate within the hip-hop community regarding evolving artist personas and the complexities of claiming street credibility.
Fivio Foreign Challenges 21 Savage’s Street Credentials
The disagreement began after Fivio Foreign appeared on the “Off The Record” podcast with DJ Akademiks, where he openly doubted 21 Savage’s claims to a street background.
- Fivio Foreign questioned 21 Savage’s authenticity during a podcast interview.
- 21 Savage responded with a direct and forceful rebuke on Instagram Live.
- Fivio Foreign doubled down on his stance via Instagram Story.
- The dispute follows 21 Savage’s recent call to move away from “street” narratives.
During the January 22 podcast conversation, Fivio challenged the notion that 21 Savage embodies a “street” lifestyle. “What’s making you think that Savage is a street ni**ga? He said f**k the streets,” Fivio questioned, adding, “Street ni**a where? In Atlanta?…Them ni**gas is all cap. You understand? Trust me. It’s all show.”
21 Savage swiftly responded to Fivio’s comments with a heated rebuke delivered via Instagram Live. “Fivio Foreign, shut your bi**h a*s up, ni**ga,” 21 snapped. He continued, “Stop saying my muthafu**in name…Don’t think ’cause Savage on some positive sh*t, that it’s ‘Oh, let’s talk about Savage every day.’ Nah, this ain’t that. Y’all ni**as will still get y’all a*s whooped. Straight up.”
Fivio Foreign further escalated the conflict on Friday, January 23, with a post to his Instagram Story. “I said what I said,” he wrote. “No back & forth w a n*gga who said F the streets. N*ggas a b*tch eat a d*ck p*ssy @21savage.”
21 Savage’s Recent Shift in Messaging
The exchange follows 21 Savage’s December declaration on X, formerly known as Twitter, advocating for a departure from glorifying street life. “F**k the streets we ain’t get sh*t but trauma from that sh*t,” he posted, also urging fellow artist Young Thug to reconcile with Gunna. While artists like Young Thug and G Herbo expressed support for this sentiment, others, including Fivio Foreign, appear to disagree.
What does it mean for a rapper to be considered “authentic” in today’s music landscape? This question lies at the heart of the dispute between 21 Savage and Fivio Foreign, as both artists navigate the evolving expectations and perceptions within the hip-hop community.
