From Dreads to Blowouts: 21 Savage’s New Look Pays Homage To Snoop Dogg
In the world of hip-hop, style is everything, and it’s not just about the clothes you wear or the way you rap. Hairstyles play a huge role in shaping an artist’s identity, and 21 Savage has recently caught the attention of fans and fellow artists with his latest look: a sleek and fresh blowout hairstyle that’s reminiscent of Snoop Dogg’s earlier days. Known for his signature dreadlocks, Snoop Dogg once rocked a look featuring braids and blowouts that made waves in the rap community. Now, 21 Savage is embracing a throwback to this iconic style, adding a bit of nostalgia and flair to his persona.
In a new Instagram post, 21 Savage shared a picture of his healthy hair, captioning it with a playful message: “Thinking about going throwback Snoop on you female dogs.” The image immediately sparked reactions, with major figures in hip-hop like Drake giving the picture a thumbs-up, hinting that this hairstyle may be here to stay. But what exactly is it about this look that is so impactful, and why does it remind fans of the legendary Snoop Dogg?
Let’s dive into the evolution of 21 Savage’s hairstyle, explore the impact of Snoop Dogg’s signature looks, and analyze what makes this new style from 21 Savage significant in today’s rap culture.
How 21 Savage Became a Hip-Hop Powerhouse
21 Savage, born Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, is a British-American rapper who first rose to prominence in the mid-2010s. Known for his gritty, no-nonsense style, 21 Savage’s breakout moment came with his 2016 collaborative EP Savage Mode with producer Metro Boomin. The project was an instant success, earning widespread acclaim and securing his place as a rising star in the rap scene. With standout tracks like “X” featuring Future and “No Heart,” 21 Savage’s dark, brooding narrative resonated with fans and solidified his reputation as one of the most authentic voices in trap music. He quickly followed up with his debut studio album Issa Album (2017), which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, further establishing him as a key figure in the genre.
As his career progressed, 21 Savage continued to dominate the charts with subsequent projects like I Am > I Was (2018), which earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Song with the track “A Lot” featuring J. Cole. His collaborations with artists such as Drake, Post Malone, and Metro Boomin only increased his visibility, while his 2020 release Savage Mode II with Metro Boomin further solidified his status as one of hip-hop’s most influential voices. His versatile approach to music, combining elements of trap with introspective lyricism, has made 21 Savage a mainstay in rap. Most recently, his album American Dream (2024) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, continuing his streak of chart-topping success. Through it all, 21 Savage has remained a respected figure in the industry, both for his unique sound and his candid, often raw exploration of his life experiences.
The Evolution of 21 Savage’s Hairstyle
21 Savage, born Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, is a figure known not only for his razor-sharp lyricism but also for his distinct look. In his early career, 21 Savage sported a buzz cut, a look that reflected his minimalist, no-nonsense persona. As his career progressed, his dreadlocks became a major part of his identity. Like many hip-hop stars, 21 Savage used his hair to express himself, embracing a style that matched his gritty persona and his streetwise approach to music.
But recently, it seems 21 has been exploring a new territory. His decision to try out a blowout look—a style often seen on Snoop Dogg during the late 90s and early 2000s—marks a bold change. The blowout, which involves a well-conditioned, voluminous hairstyle achieved by blow-drying hair to achieve a fuller, natural look, is a style that has long been associated with artists like Snoop Dogg. This style not only speaks to 21 Savage’s confidence but also shows his versatility in terms of both his appearance and his creative expression.
Snoop Dogg’s Influence on Hip-Hop Hairstyles
Snoop Dogg’s hair journey has mirrored his transformation in the hip-hop world. From his early days as a gangsta rapper to becoming a beloved cultural icon. Snoop’s blowout style was popular before he transitioned to dreadlocks. With his braids, followed by the iconic silk press blowout. These were considered cutting-edge in hip-hop fashion at the time. The blowout style was a blend of relaxed volume and control. Offering a look that combined a cool, laid-back vibe with a touch of polish.
His blowout hairstyle became synonymous with his West Coast persona, but over time, Snoop transitioned into dreadlocks, solidifying the look that we most associate with him today. However, the Snoop Dogg blowout period was iconic—his silk press look paired with sharp suits and a calm demeanor made him stand out in the early days of his career.
When 21 Savage posted his recent photo channeling Snoop’s throwback style, it wasn’t just a hairstyle change; it was a cultural reference, a nod to the early days of hip-hop. The picture demonstrated a playful interaction between generations of hip-hop culture, reminding everyone of the ties that bind this new generation to the roots of the genre.
21 Savage’s New Look: A Sign of Versatility or Nostalgia?
In hip-hop, hairstyle transformations often signal an artist’s growth and evolution. Just like how artists such as Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar have used their looks to reflect different stages in their careers, 21 Savage’s new blowout look serves as a reflection of his own maturation both musically and personally.
The decision to channel Snoop Dogg could be more than just an aesthetic choice. Potentially, representing a deeper connection to hip-hop’s roots. While 21 Savage is known for his hard-hitting trap music, this style allows him to show another side of his personality. A side that’s playful, reflective, and rooted in the foundations of rap culture.
Many fans view 21 Savage’s evolution as an artist as more than just his music. But rather his public persona and the imagery he projects. By experimenting with a throwback style, 21 Savage is tapping into nostalgia. While also, asserting his place within a long tradition of hip-hop icons. This is not just about hair; it’s about the intersection of style, culture, and identity.
Why This Look Could Be Here to Stay
The attention to 21 Savage’s new hairstyle speaks volumes about the power of appearance in the modern-day music scene. Artists no longer just rely on music to shape their brand. They now craft entire identities through visuals, from their fashion choices to their haircuts. This makes it all the more significant when a well-known rapper like 21 Savage switches up his style. Especially, channeling someone as legendary as Snoop Dogg.
Snoop’s influence on the culture is undeniable. By sporting a similar blowout hairstyle, 21 Savage might be signaling a desire to be more versatile. Specifically in his image and style. This fresh style could also be an attempt to connect with a wider audience. Including fans who may not immediately gravitate to his typical look. However, they may relate to his throwback nod to Snoop’s early days.
With Drake liking the post, the move appears to be more than just a one-time hairstyle experiment; it suggests that 21 Savage’s new look may influence his public image in a long-term way. Given how impactful social media reactions can be in today’s world, it’s not surprising that we’ll likely see more artists experiment with nostalgic, vintage styles moving forward.
What’s Next for 21 Savage?
The blowout hairstyle seen on 21 Savage could be the start of a larger trend in hip-hop culture. Where older, iconic looks are revisited and reinterpreted by the newer generation of rappers. As the new rap giants continue to define their careers, hairstyle plays an increasingly important role in shaping their public identities.
Just like Snoop Dogg’s blowout became a defining part of his early career, 21 Savage’s choice to adopt this throwback style signals that the evolution of hip-hop is continuous—trends fade. However, the legacy of style in the rap world is always being rewritten. Only time will tell whether 21 Savage’s new look will become his new signature. Or if it’s a fleeting moment of nostalgia.
What’s certain is that 21 Savage continues to challenge the expectations placed on him. Using both his music and his appearance to carve out his unique space in the hip-hop world.
