Solo’s claims carry significant weight due to his prominent position in both the hip-hop and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu communities. Beyond his groundbreaking contributions to French rap with Assassin, Solo has also achieved remarkable success as a martial artist. He is a multiple-time IBJJF European and Master World Champion at the black belt level, a distinction that places him among the elite in the sport.
In his interview, Solo detailed the alleged abuse, describing the lasting impact it has had on him. His decision to speak out comes as part of a broader movement to hold influential figures accountable, even in the face of their cultural significance.
Interviewer: “You say you witnessed a sexual assault on a young boy and later became a victim yourself.”
Solo: “I found myself faced with something that, over time, brought me back—us, who thought of ourselves as invincible in our way of living—to something deeply human that I was unfortunately unprepared for: predation. Being confronted by a predator, especially someone you admire, is very difficult because you admire this person. Realizing they have flaws that lead to inappropriate behavior is a shock.”
I: “How old were you?:
S: “Between 16 and 17, but closer to 17.”
“The situation was quite surreal. You say he was watching a p####graphic film and summoned you.
“That too is something you’re not prepared for. When I found myself in front of the p*rn, I was so shocked that I didn’t move.”
“How long did it take you to talk about it?”
“More than 40 years. I needed personal development and support to even recognize that I was a victim. That was the hardest part.”
Why did you think it was your fault?
“There’s this feeling that you didn’t have the right reaction at the right time. Over time, I understood that mechanisms are triggered that make it impossible to respond appropriately.”
Since the book came out, have people from hip-hop culture talked to you about it?
“Not many, but I think people have become more open about these issues in recent years. What happened to me isn’t exceptional, and many can relate to it.”
What helped you?
“I don’t know if anything truly helped me. To be honest, I got through it because I’m a fighter. At some point, I couldn’t let myself dwell on it, nor could I give power to someone else.”
View this post on Instagram
Afrika Bambaataa had various issues with the law. In April 2016, Ronald “Bee-Stinger” Savage accused Afrika Bambaataa of molesting him in 1980 when he was 15. Three additional men later came forward with similar allegations. Bambaataa denied the accusations in a statement to Rolling Stone.
By May 2016, the Universal Zulu Nation removed Bambaataa and others implicated in covering up the allegations. On May 6, Bambaataa stepped down as leader. A month later, the Zulu Nation issued an apology to the accusers for its poor handling of the situation, signed by members worldwide.
In October 2016, Vice published an article reporting decades of alleged abuse by Bambaataa, with claims that these stories were widely known in the Bronx River community since the 1980s. Despite this, no charges were filed.
In March 2021, Melle Mel referred to the allegations as “hip hop’s best kept secret” but gave no specifics. In October 2021, Bambaataa was sued by an anonymous man alleging repeated sexual abuse and trafficking between 1991 and 1995.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
