I Self Devine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids I Self Devine
I Self Devine performing live in 2014
Background information
Birth name	Chaka Mkali
Also known as	Self One
Born	1972 (age 52–53) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Origin	Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Genres	Twin Cities hip-hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper record producer activist
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Rhymesayers Entertainment
Associated acts	The Dynospectrum Micranots Semi.Official Slug Atmosphere Muja Messiah Jake One Doomtree Manny Phesto

Chaka Mkali (born in 1972), known as I Self Devine, is a rapper from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is famous for his powerful music and live shows. He has been a member of groups like The Dynospectrum, Micranots, and Semi.Official. Many people consider him one of the most important voices in Minnesota hip-hop music.

Early Life

I Self Devine was born in Los Angeles, California. He moved to Minnesota with his mom when she went to college. He first learned about hip-hop music in 1979. His mom gave him a record called "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang. He tried different hip-hop arts like graffiti, freestyling, DJing, and breakdancing. Later, he focused a lot on rapping and graffiti.

Music Career

I Self Devine released his first solo album, Self Destruction, in 2005. It was released by Rhymesayers Entertainment. His second solo album, The Sound of Low Class Amerika, came out in 2012. Many different producers worked on this album. Before this album, he released four mixtapes in 2012.

In 2015, he released a joint album with Muja Messiah called 9th House. He also released two more albums recently. Rituals of Resilience came out in 2021. That Which Is Hidden was released in 2022. I Self Devine is also well-known for his exciting live performances. People say his shows are very energetic.

Personal Life

I Self Devine has five children. He tries to put his family first, even before his music career. He once said that having all his kids together makes him feel incredibly rich. He feels like he has more wealth than gold.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Self Destruction (2005)
• The Sound of Low Class Amerika (2012)
• Rituals of Resilience (2021)
• That Which Is Hidden (2022)

Collaborative Albums

• 9th House (2015) (with Muja Messiah)

Mixtapes

• LA State of Mind (2012)
• The Upliftment Struggle (2012)
• Reports from the Field: In the Trenches (2012)
• The Shining Path (2012)

Singles

• "Ice Cold" b/w "All I Know" (2005)
• "The Origin of Urban Crisis" (2012)
• "IOFWUCUC" (2015) (with Muja Messiah)
• "The Disruptor Suite" (2021)

Guest Appearances

• Atmosphere – "Flesh" from God Loves Ugly (2002)
• The Opus – "First Contact" from First Contact 001 (2002)
• P.O.S – "I Play the Matador (Redo)" from Ipecac Neat (2004)
• Oddjobs – "Stone Cold" from Expose Negative (2005)
• Omega One – "I Want It All" from The Lo-Fi Chronicles (2005)
• Cleveland Steamers – "Day by Day" from Treasure Chest (2006)
• Leroy Smokes – "John Henry" from Love Hustle Theater (2006)
• Big Quarters – "How to Kill Your Rap Career" from Cost of Living (2007)
• Heiruspecs – "Broken Record" from Heiruspecs (2008)
• Muja Messiah – "Patriot Act" from Thee Adventures of a B-Boy D-Boy (2008)
• Doomtree – "Twentyfourseven" from Doomtree (2008)
• Crushcon7 – "Fieldwerk" (2009)
• Toki Wright – "The Law" from A Different Mirror (2009)
• St. Paul Slim – "McArthur Park" from Bald Headed Samsun (2010)
• Villa Rosa – "Chico" from Blue Diamond Island (2011)
• IBE & Benzilla – "Casual Convo" from This, That and the Third (2013)