Collection: SELF
SELF is an urban artist from Toronto, Canada, and a key member of the collective Wrong Crowd. As a conduit for the emotions and experiences of others, he channels the tribulations of life through his music, blending his influences of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, neo-soul, lo-fi, soft rock, and house music. With a versatile mix of styles and cadences, SELF expresses his perspectives through soothing, somber tones, evoking deep emotion through both composition and lyrical selection.
From his debut single Moonlight to his early project Roads (EP), and his collaborations with fellow Wrong Crowd members LOWERCASE and Be, SELF consistently showcases his passion for the duality of art and the many dimensions of music. With a primary focus on sample-based production, SELF has cultivated a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners and is easily identifiable as his own.
SELF grew up in the West End of Toronto, near the “Little Jamaica” section of Eglinton Ave West. In this vibrant community, it was almost an everyday occurrence to encounter Black artists—lyricists, rappers, and creatives—who, despite their immense talent, lacked the resources and organization to truly excel in their craft. As a result, many of them abandoned their passion in search of more attainable pursuits. Witnessing this firsthand, SELF became determined to avoid the same fate. He dove deeper into his craft, striving to discover a formula that was uniquely suited for him.
It was through this process that he realized the profound power of influence. His commitment to his art reignited the creative spark in some of his peers, and a chain reaction of support, inspiration, and collaboration began to take form. As more and more community members shared their hidden talents and creative input, a collective energy emerged, and the foundation for Wrong Crowd began to solidify. This organic growth not only fueled SELF’s journey but also helped build a network of like-minded individuals committed to elevating one another’s artistry.
SELF's artistic journey began with high school friends and the creation of the group Corridor 200. It wasn’t until he discovered bands like Billy Talent, Odd Future, and The Stylistics that he realized there was a world of music beyond hip-hop and trap. As curiosity grew, SELF dove into FL Studio with the support of his friends, experimenting with flows and cadences from his favorite artists. This exploration led to his collaboration with LOWERCASE, a fellow Scarborough artist, who introduced him to a community of creatives that would come to be known as Wrong Crowd. This introduction marked not just the beginning of new friendships, but the start of SELF's evolution as an artist.
Some of SELF’s early inspirations include Isaiah Rashad, Kendrick Lamar, Mick Jenkins, Lupe Fiasco, Earl Sweatshirt, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), Joey Bada$$, Tyler The Creator, Frank Ocean, Steve Lacy, and Tory Lanez. Through the practice of emulating these influential artists, SELF developed a deep passion for creativity that blossomed into the unique artistry he’s known for today.
