Buzz

"I think I’ve found some gems, scratch that, some diamonds-in-the-rough,  right here in the heart of the Mile High City."
- Charlotte D Aberrant, Who’s Making Noise, Colorado Music Buzz

“Soulaju is creative, conscious, energetic, sexy, intellectual, and overall: bad ass.”
- Ric Urrutia, Photographer, Behind the Lens Productions

“Molina and Aju are truly artists of the 21st century. Their voices and content reflect a new future for the U.S., one in which a passion for justice and a love of both the male and female is what is sexy, smart and beautiful. Their original music for "Papers," a documentary film about immigrant youth in the U.S., helps the film take flight.”
- Rebecca Shine, Producer of Papers the Movie

"Brilliant new EP from the underground, prod. by DJ Icewater…don’t miss it!"
- Hip-Hop Journalist and Historian Jeff Chang, on Shine Flow EP w/ DJ Icewater

“Soulaju encompass everything I love about hip-hop. They combine deep,  soulful intelligent lyrics with funky grooved-out beats and melodic voices. Soulaju speaks to the human element, kicking the power-structure and plastic commercialism to the curb. Also, they go where many artists are afraid to go… They enter the doors of treatment centers and shelters in their local community. They share their art and honesty with the many "at-risk" youth that would otherwise turn to the local rap station for insight and guidance. Impressive.”
- Bret Sloan, Group Home Supervisor, Denver, CO

"Some people sing, and some are a song: Aju. Some people rap, some have a gift…and just happen to rap it: Molina Soleil. They make Hip Hop work for blue collar ears. They articulate Hip Hop for intellectual minds. They bring freedom to asses of oppressed bodies. They take Hip Hop seriously and do it effortlessly. Their passion is an inspiration, their lives are a genre-bending fusion that defies categorization (“post-modern” for you eggheads out there). In that way, they are more Hip Hop than any fashion sense, musical taste or credit card statement."
- Hakim Bellamy, Co-Creator of Urban Verbs: Hip Hop Conservatory & Theater (Spring/Summer 2010), www.hakimbe.com

“More and more studies show that the arts, performance, and theatre  programs for youth are developmental in many ways. As more and more of our youth’s learning comes from activities outside of the classroom, we need more artists and performers like SOULAJU. With their music and words, they produce not only quality performances, they also provide leadership, learning opportunities, and inspiration to young people and our communities.”
- John Fraire, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Washington State University, Arts Commissioner, WA State Arts Commission

"Molina Soleil & Aju did a brilliant album this past year with Asia Jazz Project"
-Denver Music Board, on Sacred Paths w/ Asia Jazz Project

"It has been an incredible honor and pleasure working with SOULAJU. Their passion for empowering our youth through the arts and music is inspirational to me and many others who admire their great talents. I have known this duo since they performed and spoke at a leadership conference for high school students hosted by my university (Washington State University). The impact these two activists made on our students is amazing. Our young adults left home with a great message and motivation to become someone in life. My staff and I are extremely thankful for all of Molina Soleil’s and Aju’s hard work and the effort they put into making these students succeed. They have a special place in my heart and in the hearts of those who had the opportunity to meet them. There is no doubt that SOULAJU will continue to inspire and motivate the underprivileged youth for years to come!”
- Margarita Esquivel, Student Organizer and Activist, Washington State University

“SOULAJU is one of the most dynamic duos I have had the pleasure to experience. Be it their poetry, music, or community activism it is all love, peace and awareness. Not only are these two’ crazy wonderful artists, they embody a true sense of leadership, integrity, and unyielding passion.”
- Jasmine Sena-Cuffee, Albuquerque Slam Poet, National Champion

"I have had the pleasure of working with SOULAJU several times and they are consistently reliable, well-organized and easy to work with. The creative work that they do is fresh and authentic and really speaks directly to a young audience. Molina Soleil and Aju inspire young people to find their own unique voice and learn to feel comfortable expressing that voice. Their performances and workshops are ideal for youth in that they are always entertaining, educational and engaging. The creativity, vitality and originality that Molina and Aju embody inspire audience members of all ages."
- Oona Doherty, Teton County Library Programs Coordinator, Jackson, WY

“Molina and Aju have fantastic ability to engage young people. They are terrific role models with important messages for social justice and have been providing high energy performances and poetry workshops at Summit High School for several years. We ask them back because my teenage poets love them and look forward to twice a year visits. SHS students brainstorm, write, discuss, and perform poetry through the inspiration and guidance of SOULAJU. The culminating poetry slams are amazing.”
- Terry Roice, Summit High School, Jackson WY.

“My students were deeply affected by the presence, words and activism that were brought to our classroom by Molina Soleil and Aju. They are individuals who have opened themselves so completely to the creative energy, wisdom and greater plan of the creater. They are finely tuned vessels that bring hope, inspiration and strength to all who hear their message. I consider myself lucky to have been privy to their beautiful synergy.”
- Mia Sosa-Provencio, high school teacher, Albuquerque, NM

"I met Molina Soleil & Aju during a moment in my life where I was taking on a new path, and along this personal journey the art that they have put out in many forms (SpokenWord, Hip Hop & Jazz Fusion) has been my motivation to  keep going. I left my life in a cube behind me and went with my passion to empower youth to be caring and engaged in a world in crisis. I now work with Challenge Denver an organization whose mission is to inspire and re-engage middle and high school students to their communities by providing them with the experience of Challenge Day along with consistent follow-up. Molina Soleil & Aju have been down with the Youth for some time now working with students of all ages in many states. The stories that Molina Soleil & Aju share through their art are stories with a message that will move you."
- Joshua Watkins, Challenge Denver