Rapper 21 Savage Charged With Possession Of Codeine, Handgun

Rapper 21 Savage is facing charges of drug possession and having an illegal handgun in connection with the musician's prior arrest by Immigration officials.

According to multiple reports, the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office says the 'Rap Saved Me' rapper is now facing two new charges in connection with his arrest in Atlanta back in February of 2019, possession of a schedule II controlled substance, and possession of a gun.

Savage turned himself in to authorities on Thursday and was released on bond right away. Unfortunately, this most recent booking was connected to his ICE case from almost three years ago. Apparently, during the 2019 arrest, authorities claims Savage threw a bottle of liquid out of his car which contained codeine. Plus, they claim during a subsequent search of the vehicle they found a handgun.

The rapper's lawyer responded to the recent arrest, saying, "Last night’s manufactured charges are yet another example of how our justice system, from ICE down to the local level, unjustly targets young Black men who seek to exercise their rights. There is no legitimate basis for these charges nor for ICE’s continued antics, and we will fight until Mr. Joseph is justly vindicated."

As we reported, Savage's legal problems started after immigration officials discovered his visa into the country had expired and they started the process of deporting him to England. At the time, reports claimed 21 was in the U.S. legally in 2005, but his visa expired. Plus, authorities started deportation proceedings due to him being and convicted felon. He was convicted of drug charges in 2014. Apparently, the rapper came to the United States when he was 12.

After the initial arrest, Savage's lawyer responded to the allegations, saying, "We are working diligently to get Mr. Abraham-Joseph out of detention while we work with authorities to clear up any misunderstanding. Mr. Abraham-Joseph is a role model to the young people in the country -- especially in Atlanta, Georgia and is actively working in the community leading programs to help underprivileged youths in financial literacy."

The other massive problem with the ongoing case is it essentially derailed part of his music career. 21 Savage was essentially a prisoner of the immigration system while facing deportation he couldn't leave the country and his ability to earn a living as a rapper was severely impaired.

The rapper reportedly wasn't able to get a work permit for 8 months, which meant he couldn't work in the U.S. Finally, after months he was able to get the permit, but still wasn't able to travel outside of the country to perform. As you know, selling albums isn't exactly the way to earn money in music anymore -- most heavily rely on concerts and performances to make a living.

The immigration case is ongoing, and now Savage is adding a criminal case in Georgia to his legal problems.

A hearing is set for November in the case.