Themselves Members, Gear & Sound

Themselves is an innovative duo in the realm of experimental and abstract hip hop, hailing from California and closely associated with the Anticon collective. Comprised of Doseone (vocals, lyrical poetry) and Jel (production, beats), the group originally debuted as Them but evolved into Themselves, creating a distinctive sound that challenges conventional hip-hop norms. Known for their intricate wordplay and unconventional production techniques, they have carved out a niche in the underground hip-hop scene with albums like The No Music and Crownsdown.

Themselves' sound is characterized by its raw, percussive beats and abstract lyrical flow, often weaving through dense, layered production. The sonic landscape they create is both gritty and experimental, driven by the crunchy, lo-fi textures that Jel crafts using samplers such as the Akai MPC 2000XL and the E-mu SP-1200. Doseone's vocals ride over these beats with a chaotic yet controlled cadence, adding a dynamic and unpredictable edge to their music. The raw, unpolished sound is further enhanced by the use of the Boss SP-303 Dr. Sample, which contributes to the duo's ability to manipulate samples in inventive and unexpected ways, reflecting their commitment to pushing the boundaries of hip-hop artistry.