| Net Worth | $3,000,000 |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Self |
| Date of Birth/Age | January 20, 1986 (age 33) |
| Source of wealth | Music producer, DJ |
| Country of origin | Nigeria |
| Last Updated | 2019 |
Net Worth
DJ Self’s net worth is $3 million.
How Did DJ Self Make His Money?
DJ Self is a radio disk jockey, music producer and club DJ. Most of his income has come from his appearance in three seasons of Love and Hip-Hop: New York.
He is also the owner of GWININ Entertainment, which represents various hip-hop artists including Mariah Lynn, Major Galore and Dream Doll.
He is the founder and CEO of the fashion line GWININ, which sells tee-shirts and baseball caps.
Although Self was a popular figure in the New York music world for many years, he came to national fame in 2015.
That year, he appeared as a starring member of the reality show Love and Hip-Hop: New York. He had appeared in an earlier season but only in a brief cameo.
He was a fan favorite on the sixth season and was quickly singed up for the seventh and eighth seasons.
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Early Life
Self was born in Nigeria. His family moved to the U.S. when he was a baby, and he was raised in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn. He graduated from high school there.
Relationships
During the filming of Love and Hip-Hop: New York, Self was openly involved with his girlfriend, club dancer Yorma Hernandez, who also appeared on the show.
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Previously, he dated singer Cardi B when she was a promising but unknown performer.
Cardi B also appeared on Love and Hip-Hop: New York and during one famously controversial scene, she and Yorma had it out over the fact that Self was still seeing Cardi B on the side.
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That was not the only personal controversy that arose during the show. When the time came to pick an artist that he wanted to promote, Self-decided to promote the career of another young female contender on the show, Mariah Lynn.
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The decision caused some controversy, partly because he and Cardi B had once had a romantic relationship, and partly because Cardi B went on to have a very successful recording career while Mariah Lynn is still working to make her name known.
Self has stated in interviews that he does not regret the decision because at the time Mariah Lynn seemed to show more dedication to the industry.
She already had several singles that were garnering attention. Cardi B had not yet produced any singles and was mostly known for her humorous rants on the show and on YouTube.
Self has continued to say that he is comfortable with his decision, pointing out that Mariah Lynn has continued to show that same determination by working hard to build her fanbase and promote and produce her music.
He has one child, a daughter named Kayla. Kayla was born in 2000. Her mother is Regina Gamboa. Self has never been married.
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Career
Early Love of Music
DJ Self fell in love with music at an early age. After observing what he thought was the exciting lifestyle of the DJs at clubs, he decided that he wanted to be a DJ.
While still in school, he began putting together mixtapes. He used to bring his mixtapes to local clubs and soon acquired the nickname “Prince of New York” for his exciting, sought-after tapes.
Many of these tapes featured singers and acts who were local celebrities on the rise, while others involved well-known artists such as French Montana and Evil Empire.
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Radio Job
He finally released a mixtape of his own songs, Expanding My Business, which featured the hit single “Yeah Ok” with vocals by Rick Ross and Kazzie.
After several years performing at dance clubs and strip clubs, he used his connections and his deep knowledge of the music business to land a job in radio.
He became a disk jockey at New York radio station Power 105.1, where he still works today. Self regularly interviews up-and-coming rappers and hip-hop singers.
His show has become known as the place to hear the latest and greatest in hip-hop talent.
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Building a Business
Self used the fame and the money that he earned on a reality show to fund his other investments. These include an entertainment company and a clothing line.
He continues to work in radio, release mixtapes and perform at various clubs, including the strip club Heavens in Astoria, Queens.
He continues to build his business while promoting other promising hip-hop artists.
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Favorite Quotes From DJ Self
“When it comes to relationships, sometimes people get confused. You know, one day you want Wendy’s and the next day you want McDonald’s.”
DJ Self Success Tips
- “Any artist that chooses to do something positive with their life should never be discouraged. I know this world is full of trolls. Let people live out their lives and encourage people who choose to help others. I see 6ix9ine, I see XXX, I see Drake give back. I also give back. Praise those artists who make it and give back or just keep your negative energy to yourself, period, because we’re gonna keep moving forward!”
- “The feeling that you get when you walk out on the stage, and you know what social media thinks, but the real world loves you and screams when you walk out. That’s all that matters.”
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