Israel Juarez

Israel Juarez

2017 Ricardo Salinas Scholar, Ricardo Salinas Scholarship

Israel Juarez (Denver, Colorado) better known as I$REAL, is a true poet dedicated to change in the community through his influential music, positive lyrics, and creative mindset.

Israel Juarez (Denver, Colorado) better known as I$REAL, is a true poet dedicated to change in the community through his influential music, positive lyrics, and creative mindset.  Born and bred in the Baker neighborhood of Denver. I$REAL has seen Denver’s Westside change dramatically, but he’s not afraid, and is looking forward to taking advantage of what is going on in the gentrifying city. I$REAL’s musical influences include Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Drake, Miles Davis and local KingDom. I$REAL recently re-enrolled in school and is due to graduate in the 2017. In the meantime, he’s an intern, friend, and family of Youth on Record and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Opportunity Youth Initiative. He has performed all over town (most recently at a sold-out Marquis Theatre show), in front of the Mayor, business leaders and stakeholders. I$REAL is striving to create the Denver hip hop sound.  In his words, the Denver scene will be diverse, full of “lyrical skill, poetry, and a crazy methodology for creation.” Currently the scene is lacking the drive to put Denver on the map. I$REAL and his mentors believe that he will be the voice of the city and influence millions with his craft, talent, and soul. Selected to participate in Aspen Forum for Community Solutions May 2017.