Quantivayus Joseph, also known as “Tay-man,” was a British rapper with a style that distinguished him in the music scene. He was more than his unique sound; he was the brother of Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, the artist popularly known as 21 Savage. The influence of Quantivayus on his brother’s career was significant, as he played a pivotal role in inspiring 21 Savage to delve into the world of rap.
Tragedy struck when Quantivayus Joseph’s life was cut short. He was involved in a fatal incident, which according to reports was a botched drug deal, resulting in his untimely death. This event not only profoundly affected his family and friends but also had an impact on 21 Savage’s life and career.
In memory of his brother, 21 Savage paid tribute in a deeply personal manner. He revealed that the loss of Quantivayus inspired a tattoo of a dagger on his face, a permanent and visible sign of his brother’s influence and the lasting mark he left on those who knew him. The tattoo is a symbol of remembrance and honor for a life gone too soon and represents the indelible bond between the brothers.
Quantivayus Joseph: The Early Years
Quantivayus Joseph’s early life was shaped by a culturally rich family background and his upbringing in South London, which contributed to his unique perspective and talents.
Family Background
Quantivayus ‘Tay-man’ Joseph, born on January 19, 1993, was endowed with a rich cultural heritage through his parents. His mother, Heather Carmilla Joseph, and his father, Kevin Cornelius Emmons, had roots in the Caribbean – specifically, Dominican and Haitian. This multicultural family background played a significant role in Joseph’s artistic and personal development.
Childhood in South London
Raised in the UK’s vibrant capital, London, Quantivayus spent his childhood in South London, an area known for its diverse communities and complex social dynamics. Within this melting pot, he navigated the challenges and experiences that come with urban life. It was here that Joseph, alongside his siblings, including his brother, rapper 21 Savage, laid his foundational values and perspective on life, all within the tapestry of British society.
Musical Journey and Artistry
Quantivayus Joseph’s musical persona was forged through a combination of raw talent and profound influences that shaped his sound and style.
Rise to Fame
Quantivayus Joseph, a British rapper, carved a niche for himself in the music industry with his distinctive style. With 21 Savage being his brother, there was often a reflection of shared experiences in his music, conveying authenticity that resonated with his audience.
Discography and Stage Name
Known for his unique sound, Quantivayus didn’t release a widely known EP or album that the general public recognized as pivotal in the global rap scene. His stage name and his music catalog remain obscure, overshadowed by the fame of his brother 21 Savage. The brothers were supportive of each other’s careers, with Quantivayus’ work having a subtle yet palpable impact on 21 Savage’s musical direction.
Influences and Genre
Embracing the essence of the British hip-hop scene, Quantivayus Joseph’s work was a blend of gritty realities and the complex cultural influences of his background. His genre of music encapsulated the spirit of rap with an artist‘s heart. His influence extended to his brother, 21 Savage, who honored him with a dagger tattoo, symbolizing their bond and the indelible impact Quantivayus had on his life and art.
Tragic Loss and Its Aftermath
Quantivayus Joseph’s untimely death left a profound impact on his family, particularly on his brother, the rapper 21 Savage, who expressed his grief publicly and honored his memory through permanent tributes and candid interviews about the deep loss.
The Death of Quantivayus Joseph
Quantivayus Joseph, brother of rapper 21 Savage, whose real name is Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was tragically killed on October 22, 2014. He was stabbed to death during an incident that appeared to involve a drug deal gone wrong. This event unfolded in a setting far removed from the public eye, leaving 21 Savage and his family to mourn privately amidst the ensuing legal investigations. Despite the rapper’s Atlanta-based image, both siblings shared a connection to their birthplace of London, a bond underscored painfully by Quantivayus’s death.
The London Metropolitan Police were responsible for the investigation of the case, as the tragedy occurred in their jurisdiction. The incident attracted attention from the Daily Mail and other news outlets, drawing public interest due to 21 Savage’s celebrity status and the brutal nature of Quantivayus’s passing.
Public Tribute and Grieving Process
In the aftermath of the tragedy, 21 Savage chose to pay tribute to his fallen brother in a highly personal manner. He had a dagger tattoo placed between his eyes; a poignant symbol reflecting the way Quantivayus was killed and representing the sharp pain of his loss. This gesture provided a publicly visible sign of his bereavement and served as a permanent reminder of his brother.
21 Savage spoke candidly about his emotional response to the death of his brother in an interview with The Fader, expressing his regret and the impact it had on him. The interview highlighted his grieving process and offered an intimate look into the rapper’s life during such a difficult time, demonstrating that beneath the public persona, he was grappling with a very personal and deep sense of loss.
Lifestyle and Public Image
Quantivayus Joseph, although not as publicly renowned as his brother 21 Savage, had certain aspects of his lifestyle and public image that resonated with those who knew of him. This section delves into his social media influence and the personal image he portrayed, particularly through tattoos that had significant meaning.
Social Media Presence
Quantivayus Joseph maintained a low-profile social media presence. He wasn’t widely recognized on platforms like Instagram, in contrast to his brother, 21 Savage, who has a substantial following. Joseph’s interactions and postings, if any, would have been more personal and less driven by public attention.
Image and Tattoos
His brother, 21 Savage, carries a dagger tattoo on his face, which is a heartfelt tribute to Quantivayus. The dagger is prominently placed between his eyes, symbolizing both the loss and the impact of his brother’s passing. This tattoo became a defining element of 21 Savage’s image.
- Tattoo Design: Dagger
- Location: Face (between the eyes)
Tattoos often serve as expressions of personal experiences or tributes. In this case, the facial tattoo represents a coping mechanism for the emotional distress following the tragedy linked to a botched drug deal—an event that undoubtedly left a lasting imprint on the lives of Quantivayus’ family members.
Influence on Youth and Community
Quantivayus Joseph’s story is one that reverberates through the streets of Brixton, highlighting the pressing issues of youth violence and the need for community solidarity.
Outreach and Impact
After the tragic shooting in Lambeth that ended Quantivayus Joseph’s life, community responses in London, particularly in Brixton, have underscored the imperative to address youth violence. Joseph’s story has catalyzed outreach initiatives focused on providing alternatives to the pervasive culture of violence. Youth programs and community leaders have emphasized the pivotal role of mentorship and support, especially for those most vulnerable to the cycle of violence.
Messages in Music
Music has been a powerful medium through which the impact of Quantivayus Joseph’s life and death is felt. His sibling, 21 Savage, utilized music to express the profound loss and the broader issue of violence within the community. Lyrics addressing the pain of loss and the stark reality of shootings serve as both a tribute and a call to action, inspiring listeners to engage with and reflect on these critical social issues.
Death and Violence in Rap Culture
Violence has regrettably been a recurring topic in the rap community, with incidents ranging from shootings to stabbings, and with responses varying from metropolitan policing to public outcry.
Incidents and Statistics
Shooting Incidents:
- On average, numerous reports have highlighted the unfortunate trend of rising gun violence within the rap community. Shootings remain the leading type of violent incident affecting rappers
- According to the Metropolitan Police, areas like Lambeth have seen a spike in youth violence, a concern that reverberates through the lyrics and lives of many rap artists
Stabbings and Other Violent Incidents:
- Stabbings, although less common than shootings, also feature in the incidents impacting the rap culture. These events contribute significantly to the statistics on inner-city violence.
- Fatal encounters in the community often involve personal disputes and can be precipitated by various stressors, involving friends and associates.
Public Perception and Responses
Public Perception:
- There’s a substantial conversation about whether rap music glorifies violence or merely reflects societal issues. The public often looks to artists to advocate against violence
- Responses to the violent events vary but frequently include calls for increased community support and changes in policing strategies
Responses to Violence:
- Initiatives by the rap community to counteract this violence include outreach efforts, mentorship programs, and public statements condemning violence
- The responses from law enforcement, such as the Metropolitan Police, often involve targeted operations in high-crime areas, aiming to reduce the incidence of shootings and stabbings
Personal Life and Relationships
Quantivayus Joseph’s personal life was marked by his close-knit relationships with family members, particularly with his siblings, including his better-known brother, 21 Savage, and their twin sisters. Family played a pivotal role in his life journey.
Family Relations
Quantivayus was one of 11 siblings, with a family background that spanned two continents. His brother, Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, known professionally as 21 Savage, has openly acknowledged the impact Quantivayus’s death had on him. After losing his brother, 21 Savage honored him with a dagger tattoo on his forehead, a tribute that signifies the depth of their bond.
The Joseph siblings’ unity despite tragedy, speaks to their supportive and intertwined lives. Quantivayus also reportedly had twin sisters, although public details about them are minimal. Another family member, Terrell Davis, known as TM1way, was a close friend and family source of support. Davis, another brother of 21 Savage, was tragically killed in December 2020, further impacting the family.
