Podcast Summary: Traditional Talk - Episode Featuring 21 Savage

Episode Title: 21 Savage on Weed, Wealth & Why He Doesn’t Do Rap Beef
Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of Traditional Talk, host Aaron welcomes international superstar and Grammy-winning artist 21 Savage for an in-depth conversation about cannabis, his journey in the music industry, and his perspectives on societal issues. The episode, released on June 25, 2025, delves into 21 Savage’s personal experiences with cannabis, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his advocacy for federal legalization.

Personal Anecdotes: First Experience with Weed

The conversation begins with Aaron reminiscing about his first experience with cannabis, which parallels 21 Savage's early encounters. 21 Savage recounts his initiation into smoking weed during middle school:

21 Savage [03:34]: "The first time I smoked weed, I think I was in middle school. Maybe elementary. No, middle. Like, sixth grade."

He describes rolling a blunt in a brown paper bag and the subsequent effects, highlighting how even mid-quality weed could lead to significant intoxication at a young age.

Selling Weed and Legal Encounters

Transitioning to his past involvement in the cannabis trade, 21 Savage shares his experiences of selling weed during his youth and the challenges that came with it. He narrates a pivotal incident where he was caught by the police:

21 Savage [08:38]: "I got shot selling weed? Yeah, kind of. It was slick. Over weed?"

He details a specific event where police found him with weed and a scale, leading to a confrontation that ultimately didn’t result in severe consequences due to his juvenile status and his mother's intervention.

21 Savage [11:29]: "The officer kept it clear. He said, I ain't gonna lock you up. He like, if you gonna sell weed and have a scale, why would you do it and smoke weed in the car..."

This experience instilled a sense of caution in him, influencing his decision never to smoke in a car again, even as an adult.

Cannabis Industry Insights and Legal Status

The discussion shifts to the broader cannabis industry, where both Aaron and 21 Savage express frustration over its current legal standing and regulation. They highlight the discrepancies in how cannabis is treated compared to other substances:

Aaron [14:53]: "I think so, like health wise."

Aaron [17:07]: "It's in the same category as LSD and heroin. So schedule one drugs."

21 Savage emphasizes the economic potential of legalizing cannabis federally, arguing that it could transform the industry into a multi-trillion-dollar market:

21 Savage [17:59]: "I think the weed is better for you than alcohol. What do you think?"

Aaron adds his perspective on the overregulation and taxation hindering the cannabis industry’s growth:

Aaron [16:27]: "It's so expensive... the over regulation is from government."

They advocate for removing federal restrictions to enable interstate and international commerce, thus unlocking significant economic benefits.

Advocacy for Federal Legalization and Global Impact

Aaron passionately discusses his mission to lobby for federal legalization, suggesting influential figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk could play pivotal roles:

Aaron [17:58]: "I think something that's huge is... federal legalization, right?"

Aaron [18:22]: "I want to sit with Donald Trump and I want to talk to him about legalizing cannabis."

He underscores the disparity in scheduling between cannabis and substances like cocaine, questioning the rationale behind current laws.

Aaron [52:32]: "How does it... this ain't adding up. Somebody got to tell us, like, are we reading it right?"

21 Savage shares his interaction with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, highlighting a significant step towards global cannabis normalization:

Aaron [31:05]: "By decriminalizing cannabis, they raised the quality and the safety of the product, but also raised literally millions and millions and millions of dollars in relation to taxes being paid."

This collaboration showcases the potential for international cooperation in advancing cannabis legalization.

Cannabis Preferences and Usage

The conversation lightens as Aaron and 21 Savage discuss their favorite strains and smoking methods. 21 Savage mentions his preference for blunts, specifically Swishers, and shares his favorite strains like "Mind Blown":

21 Savage [21:05]: "Mind Blown, but don't nobody really got it like that."

He also touches upon the impact of cannabis on his creativity, admitting that while it sometimes hampers his focus, it can also shift his mindset beneficially:

21 Savage [24:19]: "Sometimes, it'll just put you, like, in another little mind frame."

Collaborations and Music Industry Dynamics

21 Savage reflects on his numerous collaborations within the music industry, emphasizing the organic nature of these partnerships. He recounts his collaboration with Post Malone, detailing how it evolved from sending verses to creating a globally recognized track:

21 Savage [45:13]: "He just got shook. But now it's funny because, like, now I got X hitting me up like, yo, hey, what you up to?"

He also shares his aspirations to collaborate with icons like Rihanna and Snoop Dogg, illustrating his deep-rooted connections in the industry.

Philanthropy: Leading By Example Foundation

Dedicated to giving back, 21 Savage discusses his Leading By Example Foundation, which focuses on financial literacy for youth. Inspired by his own lack of financial knowledge growing up, the foundation conducts various community-driven initiatives:

21 Savage [40:50]: "I do like Christmas drives, back to school drives, Thanksgiving giveaways..."

He credits Miss Fly Style for inspiring the foundation’s early efforts and continues to expand its reach through partnerships and donations.

Views on Rap Beef and Industry Respect

When addressing the prevalent rap beef culture, 21 Savage expresses his disinterest and detachment from such conflicts:

21 Savage [57:04]: "I don't really believe in rap beef. Like, I don't. I'm not a... I don't come from that world, though."

He emphasizes his focus on maintaining authenticity and avoiding unnecessary conflicts, contrasting his approach with the aggressive nature often seen in the industry.

Future Ambitions and Industry Expansion

Looking ahead, 21 Savage envisions expanding his influence into the cannabis industry, aiming to build a brand that can operate on an international scale. He discusses the potential for innovation in cannabis cultivation and distribution, including leveraging alternative energy sources to reduce operational costs:

21 Savage [50:19]: "I want to build some shit... and then just sell these cars and just be... become the richest person in the world."

Aaron and 21 Savage also dream of collaborations with figures like Elon Musk to revolutionize the cannabis industry through sustainable practices and technological advancements.

Closing Remarks and Challenges

As the episode nears its end, Aaron and 21 Savage engage in a light-hearted challenge, attempting to smoke a large blunt together. Despite 21 Savage's apprehensions about smoking in a public setting due to paranoia, the segment underscores their camaraderie and mutual respect.

The episode concludes with Aaron expressing gratitude for 21 Savage's participation and reiterating their shared mission to normalize cannabis and advocate for its legalization.

Notable Quotes:

• 21 Savage on his first time smoking weed:

  "I got kicked out seventh grade. Then I got kicked out eighth grade and then ninth grade."

• On federal legalization:

  "I want to sit with Donald Trump and I want to talk to him about legalizing cannabis." [18:22]

• On the economic potential of legal weed:

  "When you have interstate commerce, you can do any kind of commerce for weed. You're only allowed to operate per state because weed is still federally illegal." [16:27]

• On avoiding rap beef:

  "I don't really believe in rap beef. Like, I don't. I'm not a... I don't come from that world, though." [57:04]

• On philanthropy:

  "I was just like, I'm gonna make something to help them..." [40:21]

Conclusion

This episode of Traditional Talk offers a comprehensive look into 21 Savage's multifaceted life, intertwining his personal experiences with broader discussions on cannabis legalization and industry dynamics. Through candid storytelling and thoughtful insights, 21 Savage not only shares his journey but also advocates for meaningful change in the perception and regulation of cannabis.

For those interested in the intersection of cannabis and culture, alongside unfiltered conversations with influential figures, this episode of Traditional Talk is a must-listen.

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