Instagram/Wake Self Wake Self pictured on his Instagram page in December 2018.
Wake Self, the New Mexico-based rapper, died at the age of 30 following a car crash in Santa Fe on November 3. Self, whose real name was Andrew Martinez’s, death was confirmed in multiple posts that began to appear on the rapper’s Facebook page on November 5.
Self’s latest album, “Ready to Live,” is due to be released on November 7 with a release party scheduled in Santa Fe. The release party venue said in an announcement following the news of Self’s death that the event had been canceled. That statement called Self “a monumental force of positivity in the hip-hop scene… His energy will forever reverberate within the walls of our venue space.”
Self had also been due to perform in Taos, New Mexico, on November 9. On November 8, Self was to perform at the Animas City Theatre in Durango, Colorado.
Self’s previous effort, 2016’s “Malala,” dealt with women’s rights and the status quo in hip-hop. His debut album, “The Healing Process,” was released in 2013. His second album, “Good Things Happen to Those Who Wake,” came out in 2014.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Diego Pichardo Is Facing Charges in Relation to the Crash That Killed Self
Facebook/Wake Self
The crash occurred in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on the night of November 3. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Diego Pichardo, 24, is facing charges in relation to the crash.
Police believe that Pichardo was driving under the influence of alcohol. He is facing charges of driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. During the crash, Pichardo had been ejected from his car, a black Chevy truck, after it collided with Self’s Ford.
The Santa Fe New Mexican report says that Self suffered “a very serious pulmonary contusion” as well as a smashed pelvis, and injuries to his ribs, writsts, legs and lungs.
2. Self Played an ‘Integral Role in Albuquerque’s Hip-Hop Scene’
On his official Facebook page, Self is described as being “an integral role in Albuquerque’s hip-hop scene.” The page says that Self has toured Europe twice but had “just begun to scratch the surface of what he can do with his music.” Prior to going solo, self worked with the hip-hop collective, Zoology. Among the acts that Self has shared the stage with include DMX, Dilated Peoples, De La Soul and Mac Miller.
Self’s Facebook bio goes on to say that in addition to music, he has worked in the community in his home city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Self was also passionate about the environment and had previously taught songwriting workshops. Self is quoted in that bio as saying, “We gotta understand how powerful our thoughts and creations really are, examine our current music trends and examine problems in the world and you can see how intertwined it all is.” Self said that it was his goal to “show others who grew up on reservations, in small towns or rough environments, we can be great. We can accomplish our goals.” Self concludes by saying that his message can be boiled town to the phrase, “Wake Yourself.”
3. Less Than a Month Before His Death, Self Said That it Was ‘Beyond Words’ How Exicted He Was to Share His New Music
Facebook/Andrew Martinez
On October 15, less than a month before his death, Self wrote on Facebook that he had been through a tough three years in between his third album and his latest release. Self said that his ” faith has been tested, I took a lot of losses, big financial losses, lost friends, opportunities, but I never lost sight of my vision.” Self said that what kept him going was his belief in “God/Creator.” Self said that he was coming out of his troubles with “more love” and “more light” than before.
Self concluded the post by writing, “After 3 long years of growth and personal development, I finished a new album, FINALLY. It’s beyond words how excited I am to share these songs.”
4. Self Studied at the University of New Mexico
On his personal Facebook page, Self says that he attended the University of New Mexico. Self also attended Central New Mixco Community College in Albuquerque where he studied environmental technology.
5. Self’s Passing Is Being Mourned Extensively on Social Media
As news of Self’s death spread online, his fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to mourn his tragic passing. Here are some of the poignant messages of rememberance:
Woke up to some sad, tragic news this morning. Rest easy brother @WakeSelf. He inspired me beyond music and inspired so many others. We will remember him in our music and work always
@WakeSelf In memory of WakeSelf and for the change he wanted to see in the world “rise up and fight for love and justice”.
One of the hardest in the game to ever do it. @wakeself as real as they come. Legends Never Die. #dopemcs #firebars #overnightsuccess #realrecongnizereal #wakeself #fkdrunkdrivers
My heart has shattered into a million pieces but I’m trying to remember all the things you would want us to remember about the messages that you lived to give us. Rest in Power & Love 🌌 @WakeSelf
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Wake Self Dead: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know