@selfesteam1 is a rapper coming straight out of Fairfield. Inspired by Tupac and bolstered by his reputation in the streets and friendship with fellow Fairfield artists, he looks to take the rap game on one. He carries a mission of preserving Bay Area culture and keeping Hyphy music alive. With his new Lui The Capitalist produced album Killumanti, he looks to not only keep it lit for Hyphy and Tupac, but for the entire West Coast. We had a chance to speak with him about the new album. Read on below to see our conversation. (Promoted)
T: How did you begin making music?
SE: I began making music in the 6 grade, when I first start hearing about The Federation. The Hyphy Movement is the biggest reason why I rap, and like to spit aggressively. I took it serious when I met Taj-He-Spitz in 7th grade. We would have freestyle battles on Fridays at our middle school. Then I never looked back. I always like to show off my versatility.
T: How did you get your rap name?
SE: My name is Self Esteam, because as a kid I had low self-esteem, but fooled people with my street reputation. Basically I’ve always had two sides to me.
T: How would describe your musical style?
SE: Being from Fairfield, a small city, you have big dreams. What I want fans to know, what’s most important about my new music is that it is heavily Bay Area/California influence. It’s way different from anything I made.
T: Tell me about the new album Killumanti.
SE: I want to represent the Bay so I’m never turning away from the sound, and Killumanti reflects that. Musically there’s a lot more to come. I will never stop, this is my passion, it’s not a hobby.
T: What inspired the project?
SE: I wanted to challenge myself, and make an album with a deeper meaning. So I went down Tupac’s catalog, and wanted have that West Coast feel.
T: How is it different than previous works?
SE: Nothing I have dropped previously comes close. Instrumentals have a lot of bass guitars and West Coast bump to it. Hyphy is still alive and this album showcases it.
T: Why is it called Killuminati?
SE: Killumanti I got that from Tupac. He’s one of my idols, and some of the sounds reflect that on here. It was something he said a lot in his music; he’s was far artist empowerment. The “Anti-Major Label” slogan. I named it, in his honor.
T: What message do you want fans to walk away with after listening?
SE: Killumanti is something you can dance to, and relate to. It was important to me to bring back more hyphy music. Also, lyricism will never die off.
T: What’s next for Self Esteam?
SE: Shows, interviews, more Bay Area music. I have 3 more albums already recorded and ready to go. If you like Killumanti, you will like what’s to come in the future.
You can follow Self Esteam on Instagram a @selfesteam707. You can listen to Killumanti on streaming here. You can find all of Self Esteam’s music on Thizzler here.
