self says - something out of nothing

Introducing writer, hip-hop vocalist, and producer Self Says also known as Charles A. Vann to family, friends, and imaginary girlfriends. A product of Michigan's blue-collar capitol, Lansing, he was raised on steady diet of his father’s records and video games. He did not literally eat his father’s records because that would reflect bad parenting, but he did learn a lot about life from Mario and Luigi’s quest to save the princess. In a household where rap was somewhat forbidden well forbidden to the ears young boy, the beats and rhymes still found a way to Charles' ears.
“I looked up to my older cousins and uncles and they all listened to rap. I remember seeing tapes, EPMD 12" sleeves on their walls watching Yo! MTV Raps and I knew my mom didn’t approve but I couldn't get enough.” As he grew older SelfSays went from listening to the music, to trying his hand at writing. It is up for debate as to whether or not he was any good at in the beginning, but hey even rap has learning curve.

Graduation not only marked the end of high school but an introduction into Michigan’s hip-hop scene. Here he earned his perquisite stripes through the open mic and battle scenes. Progressing from writing to actually recording, this period produced a flurry of songs. Well not so much songs as some are partial creations, experiments still probably floating out there on the internets somewhere. Some were even heard by fellow artists and DJ’s like I Heart Lung on Asthmatic Kitty and Lawless Element, who enlisted the rookie to appear on their projects.
Some 9 years later marks a second graduation; from recording to releasing as SelfSays debut EP Something out of Nothing is available for free download in conjunction with myspace.com/trueradiopodcast. This record blends hip-hop’s roots with futuristic twist. Insights on maturity and wishful thinking are set to a soundtrack of created by some the most promising up-and-coming beatsmiths of the moment, featuring Samiyam, Bullion, Knowledge and more. So check out what Self says because ...well, he says things.

Download SelfSays debut EP Something out of Nothing at www.selfsays.bandcamp.com