Young, Black & Misunderstood: YG Solo
On this episode of The Man Up Club Presents on Holy Culture Radio, host Mr. Dean—also known as Cross—sits down with 21-year-old artist and first-generation Ghanaian-American, Jesse Solomon, better known as YG Solo. What unfolds is an honest, insightful conversation about identity, culture, and the power of mentorship for young Black men growing up in today’s America.
A Platform for Young Black Voices
Mr. Dean opens the conversation by reminding listeners of The Man Up Club’s mission: to mentor young Black males between the ages of 13 and 24 in four key areas—life skills, social skills, academic discipline, and civic responsibility. The organization’s goals are clear and powerful: to help young men graduate from high school, avoid the prison pipeline, and pursue college or a trade.
But as Mr. Dean points out, the show isn’t just about statistics or systems—it’s about stories. “A lot of people speak for young Black men,” he says, “but it’s rare that they actually get to speak for themselves.” That’s where The Man Up Club Presents steps in, giving young men like YG Solo the microphone to share their own experiences, perspectives, and journeys.
Growing Up Between Worlds
YG Solo opens up about growing up in a two-parent immigrant household. His parents came to the U.S. from Ghana—first to New York, then to Minnesota in search of better schools and opportunities for their children. “At first, it was just me,” he explains, “but then they brought my three siblings from Africa and Canada to the States.”
Though born in America, YG Solo describes being raised in what he calls a “completely African household.” His early childhood was defined by home, church, and community events—an environment rich in culture but isolated from broader American life. He didn’t fully experience what he calls “the rest of America” until school, where he had to learn proper English.
“Up until kindergarten, I only spoke Twi,” he shares. His father tried to teach him English at home but eventually left it to the teachers. That experience—bridging two worlds—gave YG Solo a unique perspective. He was American-born but culturally African, navigating dual identities while trying to fit in at school.
The Challenges of Identity and Perception
As a young Black man in America, YG Solo also faced the complexities of perception. Mr. Dean notes how easy it is for young men—especially those from African or minority backgrounds—to be unfairly labeled as “problem children” or “bad kids” after minor mistakes or school altercations.
YG Solo recalls getting into fights throughout elementary and middle school before eventually calming down. “I didn’t see the point of fighting anymore,” he admits, emphasizing his desire to avoid unnecessary problems. His honesty reflects the emotional maturity that mentorship can help foster—a willingness to self-reflect and grow beyond one’s environment.
For Mr. Dean, this story hits home. As someone who works daily with young Black men, he understands how few chances they get to make mistakes. “We don’t get a lot of opportunities to mess up,” he says, highlighting the urgency of mentorship and the importance of creating safe spaces for young men to learn and evolve without judgment.
On Immigration and Misunderstanding
The conversation turns to immigration—an issue deeply personal to YG Solo as the son of Ghanaian immigrants. He offers a balanced, thoughtful take: “It’s a tough situation for everyone,” he says. “Some immigrants live in fear. Others think they’re not supposed to be here or that they’re criminals. It’s all a big misunderstanding.”
His words reflect empathy and maturity beyond his years. Rather than taking sides, he advocates for understanding and unity: “I feel like there can be a resolution that doesn’t have to take the lengths we’re taking right now.”
Mr. Dean echoes this sentiment, reminding listeners of the core meaning of “United States.” “Hopefully,” he says, “we can get to a place where we can coexist and live under that word—united.”
Mentorship That Matters
This episode of The Man Up Club Presents isn’t just a conversation—it’s a microcosm of the program’s purpose. By giving young men like YG Solo a space to reflect, speak truth, and process identity, the show reinforces the value of listening. It reminds us that growth begins when young people feel seen and heard.
From childhood fights to cultural tension and self-discovery, YG Solo’s journey mirrors that of countless young men striving to find their voice in a world that often misunderstands them. And through The Man Up Club, voices like his don’t just get heard—they get celebrated, mentored, and empowered to lead.
Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.
If you’d like to support our work, please make a donation. No amount is too small. You can also shop our online store to help spread awareness of our mission. Again, thank you and remember to be encouraged and be blessed.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction: Mr. Dean shares The Man Up Club’s mission
01:15 – Meet YG Solo: A first-generation Ghanaian-American artist
02:30 – Growing up between two worlds: Home, culture, and community
04:00 – Adjusting to American life and learning English
05:20 – The immigrant experience and challenges of perception
07:00 – Overcoming fights, labels, and learning self-control
09:10 – Immigration today: Fear, misunderstanding, and unity
11:30 – The importance of mentorship and having a voice
13:00 – Closing reflections: Staying united and empowering young men
Related Radio Show: The Man Up Club Presents…
