I’m Tryin’ to Make a Livin’ Not a Killin’ is the debut album from San Francisco Revolutionary Poet and Activist Sellassie, a 15 song collection exposing socio-economic inequities, political injustices and the realities of ghetto life. Sellassie is an alternative in today’s hip-hop, proof that there are young black artists that can make music that is creative, street and smart.

I’m Tryin’ to Make a Livin’ Not a Killin’ has heads bobbin’ from the jump with Newsflash, a unique track that awakens the listener to this new sound. With Mad Young Generation Here Eternally To Take Over (M.Y. G.H.E.T.T.O.) as a call to action, Sellassie inspires with strong messages and dynamic beats. Why You Worried About Me speaks to the importance of knowledge of self, individuality and the common threats of haterism, with a feel-good beat. Slap Factory, a young, imaginative crew of producers creating a new Bay Area sound, crafted all the beats for this project. I’m Tryin’ to Make a Livin’ Not a Killin' is a testament that you can come hard, produce meaningful rhymes and remain conscious without leaning on cussing or the N-word.

This album is truth. This album speaks on issues that need to be addressed. Sellassie takes a stand, will not be silenced or compromised and believes that it is important for young black men and women to have someone to be proud of again. Sellassie’s music represents survival, freedom and hope. He embodies black street culture alongside the revolutionary spirit of the Black Panthers. His music is a commitment to truth and justice in an industry of destructive messages and payola scandals.


Bringing a fresh perspective to the game, Sellassie stands firm to his message, has a charismatic presence and is evidence that not every rapper raps negatively, glorifying drugs, guns, women, money or their ego. Masterfully articulating the struggle, Sellassie’s art is poetry on hip hop beats, music that identifies with scholars and people in the ghetto alike. Sellassie is a confident emcee, riding on substance and ideas instead of gimmicks and guise.