Self Scientific is the quintessential underground West Coast duo, consisting of rapper Chace Infinite and producer DJ Khalil. Formed in 1994, they represent a cerebral, 'true school' alternative to the prevailing gangsta rap and hyphy movements of their region.
Their sound identity is defined by Khalil's transition from traditional boom bap to a more cinematic, multi-layered production style that would later make him a go-to producer for Eminem and Dr. Dre. Chace Infinite's lyrical approach is characterized by social commentary, existentialism, and a rejection of hip-hop's materialistic tropes. Historically, they are a bridge between the 90s underground tape culture and the more polished independent rap of the 2000s. Critical consensus views them as 'producers' producers' and 'rappers' rappers,' noted for their consistency and refusal to chase trends. Their influence is felt most strongly in the 'Likwit' and 'Soul Assassins' circles, maintaining a cult following for their atmospheric, high-stakes approach to the genre.
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); baritone, rap, deadpan (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); brooding, contemplative, defiant (moods)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); baritone, rap, deadpan (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); brooding, defiant, contemplative (moods)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); brooding, contemplative, defiant (moods)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); rap, baritone, intense (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); baritone, rap, deadpan (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, analog_warmth, layered_dense (production style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); brooding, contemplative, defiant (moods)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); brooding, contemplative, defiant (moods)
Shares conscious hip-hop, sample_based, abstract hip-hop, boom bap (subgenre)
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