Israel Juarez, a.k.a. I$REAL, is a hip-hop artist dedicated to change in the Denver community through his influential music, positive lyrics, and creative mindset. Selected to participate in the 2017 Aspen Forum for Community Solutions, he interned at Youth on Record and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Opportunity Youth Initiative. Juarez has performed at many Denver venues, including a sold-out Marquis Theater show, and strives to create the Denver hip-hop sound. Born and bred in the Baker neighborhood, he has seen Denver’s west side change dramatically and sees the positive aspects in the gentrifying city.