Though he always carries a heavy presence in the Twin Cities hip-hop scene – sort of a combo of everyone's big brother and the conscientious ringleader – I Self Devine has actually been something of a lightweight when it comes to his recording output. The pioneering ex-Micranots rapper will finally release his first full-length solo album in six years May 8 via Rhymesayers. He's building up to the big day with a monthly mixtape series that pretty well amounts to a feast to end the famine.
Dubbed the "Culture Series," I Self's four mixtapes will be available for free at the start of each month through April. The first one, titled "LA State of Mind," was posted just a few minutes ago via Soundcloud, or there's a direct download link at www.Rhymesayers.com. The last installment of the series will only be available with a pre-order of the full-length album, "The Sounds of Lower Class America." Predictably (and thankfully), it promises to be another topical, hard-hitting effort from the mindful activist and youth mentor. I Self has posted YouTube videos talking about the album as well as this first mixtape.
That's not all. I Self also plans to tout each of his mixtapes on stage at 7th Street Entry gig once a month, starting with a Jan. 22 date featuring Brother Ali, Muja Messiah, Alicia Steele & the Endeavors and DJs Kool Akim, King Otto and Just 9. Click here for show details.
