We had the good fortune of connecting with S3lf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi S3lf, how do you think about risk?
How to I think about risk? Well, first off risk is defined as exposure to danger. To me that means vulnerability. Risk is putting who you are , your belief, your faith out in the world and betting on you. Betting on you being able to survive. In order to risk, you will have to fully 100% believe in yourself. What do I think about risk? I believe thats all we got when it comes to fulfilling your purpose in this life. All that I am experiencing in life currently is due to the risk I took previously. Risk has provided answers to the “what ifs” i have in life and has created roads in my journey that did not exist. The role risk has played in my life was that I can test who I am when it comes to my journey. It has brought dreams and visions to life. Made what I imagined tangible and risk is the light that has guided my direction.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create music. I am a songwriter who raps and sings from Sacramento California. The type of music i create is blvckwav. A type of Slump-n-blues if you will. I am excited about the live shows I have coming up along with my next project and music videos. I love displaying my art to the world. To catch you up, please take a listen of my latest EP titled “BLVCKWAV Volume 1” To summarize my journey in music, my journey has not be an easy one. I came from a bigger music group who toured and performed heavily for about 13 years. Soon after, I dove into the solo journey. Most of the music that I create came from the trauma I experienced in life. The music has kept me alive and staying on earth. It’s a life preserver personally. I made a promise with God that I will never stop writing music no matter how hard it gets because it creates hope in my heart. That promise keeps me going. One thing i learned on this journey is to trust the journey you on and keep working daily on what you are aiming for. You might not see the end currently but trust these daily habits will elevate yourself to places you only dreamed.
If there is something you can know about me? My Name is S3LF and the brand is BLVCKWAV. It’s a push against the current and this experience will feed your spirit. See me!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well if I have someone coming to visit off top, it would first be a city walk. I have been doing a weekly 10 mile walk for at least 10 years. I read somewhere that the greatest minds take a walk and what better way to engage a city than walking in it and of it. After the sacred walk, it would be food. In my city of Sacramento there are a few dope chefs in the city who curated food on a whole other level. I would think of the Japanese restaurant Kru. Shoutout Billy! Them people do some magic with Japanese cuisine. When it comes to the evening, there is this spot called “Tiger” that I swear is the pulse of the city. Check the vibe of the city, hit that spot. There are a few more but I rather tell you in person so hit me if you ever in the city of Sacramento aka the 916.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God has shown me the vision, so shoutout the most high off top. I have a few mentors in my life who challenge my elevation and test me who I’m grateful for. Those mentors normally like to play the background so I will not drop their names but I thank them. My collaborators I truly appreciate and wouldn’t be anywhere without them. David Michael Ott and Jon Bengco who are the colors behind my music, my BLVCKWAV family Tamas aka the Khaz. SkratchMiyagi and Hidden Temple, My wonderful family who is my backbone to life and support system, i love you. If there was a book that can circle my journey and highlight a bit of my madness? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justins3lf/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/justins3lf/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/S3LF-1869906883034196/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/S3LF916

Image Credits
Hidden Temple Matthew Gonzales (performance shot)

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