Music producer turned social entrepreneur, Sol Guy, took some time out to talk with DOPE SWAN’s Sallomé Hralima about his upcoming television series and his vision for global transformation.

How do you define a hero?
Simple. Someone who leads, without fear and stands up for what they believe in.

What would you say is the extent of an individual’s responsibility to humanity?
I don’t think that a person should necessarily have a responsibility to humanity as much as they should have a responsibility to themselves. Once you begin to know and investigate yourself, you may realize that we all have a role to play, that we all should try to do things that are good for people as opposed to destructive. This does not mean everyone should try to save the world but it does suggest that we could do well to not destroy it, and become more aware of our place and responsibility.

What level of accountability, if any, do our success stories in the hip-hop community have towards affecting change worldwide?
None. Hip-hop has no more or less of a responsibility than the individual or society at large. It’s way too easy for us to say, “If only these hip-hop artists, actors, successful entrepreneurs and athletes in our community would get their shit together than we would be saved.” In fact, I used to be one of the people who felt that way. But they have made a choice that is traditional – for the most part steeped in capitalism and shrouded in democracy. Economic empowerment was supposed to be the answer in the post civil rights era and global movement of the sixties and early seventies. Then, a new equation was delivered – “Power to the People = GET MONEY!”, because once an individual was rich they could change the world. Now many people are rich and seemingly powerful. Unfortunately, with chasing money and power often comes a hardcore reality and shift in mentality that is not conducive to the greater good. Do I wish our community could reflect and see the true power they hold? Of course. But that is not for me to judge. I would prefer to spend my energy creating, presenting alternatives and allowing people to decide where they want to engage in. For the record, I love hip-hop, as a whole – its beauty and extreme ugliness. And I believe in its power.

What had you create 4Real, this inspiring TV series that takes celebrities around the world to connect with young leaders who are causing transformation in their communities?
A combination of frustration with the lack of real stories being told [by our media] and being inspired by the amazing people I was meeting and their phenomenal stories. Also, I was tired of the barrage of negative images that we grew up with of what Africa was like or what any recovering nation was like. The more I travelled the more I realized that although people were in poverty, they were not waiting to die with flies in their face. In fact they were empowered, dignified, amazing people whose zest and love of life granted me some of the most amazing lessons in my life. How could I not find a way to share these stories?

What message do you want your actions to convey?
That peace, intelligence, love, unity, individuality and caring are fly!

What would be the most extraordinary thing that could come from 4Real?
I’m afraid to say what I really think, ’cause it’s too big and it’s not at all about this initiative, but more about what I believe can happen to society if we begin to shift our consciousness. This TV show and online community is just a small-drop in the bucket and perhaps a nudge in the right direction.

What role can young people in the United States play in affecting change globally?
Wake up! It’s a big world out there. We are privileged to have what we have and we need to fix our own backyards before we worry about anything outside of our own communities. The change in the community begins with loving ourselves and deciding that we owe it to ourselves to be as amazing and extraordinary as we are.

What, if anything, do you think is the overall reality the young leaders in 4Real are living, working, and fighting to see to see?
They are fighting to change their surroundings and empower the planet. These are people who have made a choice, against all odds, to stand up, manifest change from their hearts and minds, and have brought thought and ideas into action. They transcend their surroundings by their sheer existence. They are protectors of the planet who are not doing this for glory or for an award, but simply because this is what they are compelled to do. It seems so huge, but really it’s quite simple.

To find out more information about 4Real, visit www.4Real.com.