From Bling to Ballin’: 21 Savage’s Low-Key Chicago Visit Sparks Speculation
Surprising no one more than Chicago’s own radio station Power 92, the city streets were abuzz this week with photos of rapper 21 Savage—one-night-holder of high fashion implications—trading in his signature diamonds for a Nike tracksuit and some hoops. Fans’ interests have been peaked at this rare display of athleticism and downgraded style, leaving them to wonder just what the most anticipated man in hip-hop is up to.
No more heavy chains and flashy watches around 21 Savage’s neck. The viral social media post, which has since been widely distributed on the internet, showed the rapper playing basketball in a Nike tech uniform rather than one of his typically gaudy outfits. This seems to dovetail with a previously reported change in 21 Savage’s financial approach. “Ever since 2018, he talks less and moves away a lot more from that previous hardcore American-style conspicuous consumption to seek stock investment opportunities, land purchases and art work,” he continued. It’s a major opportunity for long-term wealth to take place rather than fly-by-night suggestions of grandeur.
Man claims 21 Savage came in Chicago to play basketball with a Nike tech and no jewelry. PIC.TWITTER.COM/1TJTIPFHCK
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) MAY 23, 2024
To add a further mystery to the sighting, is also where it took place. And there are the legendary courts, and all those fans. After all, this is Chicago basketball we’re talking about. The city is also a key center for Nike, whose headquarters are in Beaverton. The sportswear powerhouse sponsors local runners’ competitive teams and holds events there. Perhaps 21 Savage was just in town for a day of talking mad trash among friends or maybe there could be something else to consider? As always on social media though, speculation is rife. And fans are cooking up the theory that it’s simply a collaboration with Nike or promotional smear.
It wasn’t 21 Savage’s first step into the allowed list, though. You’ve also probably seen his name in “The Crew League,” a celebrity basketball league where he finally has cemented himself among the competition. His presence in the basketball mecca of Chicago only stoked speculation.
Meanwhile, in a case of local basketball news with an interesting parallel, Hinsdale South high school student Brendan Savage recently secured his reinstatement to the team after a successful lawsuit by his mother. The case, which garnered significant local attention, highlighted the importance of fair treatment for young athletes.
21 was in the Windy City for less than 12 hours, but his small jewelry collection and insistence on where he intends to store it all is the making of a really cool story about someone who’s focused more on securing his finances with investments rather than flashy rocks. “This is quite the wrinkle in the tale of rich and famous people suffering from ‘the sin against generosity’,” said The Associated Press’ Hillel Italie.
As always, we ask our readers to send any tips, photos or videos on 21 Savage’s trip in Chicago or recent moves. This spotting also provides an entry point into discussing a broader shift taking place among celebrities where they are channeling funds away from lavish purchases and out towards smart investments. Check back for more on this developing story and other news from the worlds of celebs and local sports.
