RE/CLAIMED Magazine Featured Interview
Born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx, Hocus 45th discovered his love for hip hop at the age of eight under the guidance of his father, who believed he was destined for greatness. After losing his father, his mentor and best friend to a heart attack at twelve, Hocus searched for belonging and ultimately turned to the streets. He joined the Sex Money Money set of the Bloods at seventeen, a path that led to hustling, arrests, and years of legal challenges. Yet through it all, his passion for music remained unshaken.
In 2008, Hocus and his brother S-1 founded the rap collective Bang Bang Boogie, which featured Cuban Link, Lord Tariq, and Mysonne, gaining momentum with support from 50 Cent and G-Unit. But just as their success rose, Hocus was indicted in a major conspiracy case. After spending four years on Rikers Island, he went to trial and was acquitted of all charges on December 12, 2012, a symbolic rebirth he credits as the turning point of his life. During his incarceration, he immersed himself spiritually, adopted a vegan lifestyle, and committed himself to truth. leadership, and community upliftment.
After his release, Hocus returned to music stronger than ever with tracks like "25 to Life," "Represent," and "NY NY Remix." Around this time, he developed a close bond with DMX, who became both a mentor and friend. DMX affirmed Hocus' divine purpose and told him he was destined to become a legend, a message that fueled his mission.
Following DMX's passing, Hocus leaned fully into his calling as an activist, teacher, and movement builder. In September 2025, he launched the #DropMyFlagChallenge, a national movement encouraging gang-affiliated men and women to publicly renounce their gang ties and reclaim their lives. The challenge has helped countless individuals, Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, and others, to walk away from gang culture for good. Celebrities such as Ice-T, Busta Rhymes, Benny the Butcher, and Styles P have amplified the movement's reach.
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RE/CLAIMED: You often credit your father for introducing you to hip-hop. When recalling your early years, what part of your identity was shaped through that father-son bond?
RE/CLAIMED: Before the world knew Hocus 45th, who were you as a young boy growing up in Harlem and the Bronx?
RE/CLAIMED: Losing your father so early was life-altering. Looking back, how did grief shape the choices you made afterward?
RE/CLAIMED: Many young men turn to the streets searching for family or protection. What were you searching for during that time?
RE/CLAIMED: You lived in two worlds, the music scene and the streets. What did each give you, and what did each take from you?
RE/CLAIMED: Despite everything happening around you, your passion for hip hop never faded. What did music represent for you at your lowest moments?
RE/CLAIMED: DMX played a meaningful role in your evolution. What is one lesson or piece of wisdom he left you with that continues to guide your life today?
RE/CLAIMED: You've said that your time on Rikers Island sparked spiritual growth and deeper reflection. What shifted in your mindset during those years?
RE/CLAIMED: Transformation in prison is not easy. What inner battles did you have to confront to grow into the man you are now?
RE/CLAIMED: When you came home in 2012, acquitted after years on Rikers, what promise did you make to yourself about the life you wanted to lead?
RE/CLAIMED: How did your experiences reshape the message you wanted to bring through your music after your release?
RE/CLAIMED: You said you felt called to a higher purpose. How did you discover that calling, and how do you stay aligned with it?
RE/CLAIMED: What moment inspired you to create the #DropMyFlagChallenge, and did you know it would touch as many lives as it has?
RE/CLAIMED: You’ve helped countless individuals walk away from gang life. What do you believe keeps so many people trapped in the cycle of gang life, and what is the real path out?
RE/CLAIMED: You’ve become a leader in your community. What does responsible leadership look kike to you in this chapter of your journey?
RE/CLAIMED: Healing is a major part of your work. What does healing look like for you, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally?
RE/CLAIMED: What do you hope young men see in you today that you didn’t see when you were their age?
RE/CLAIMED: When you think about the years ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
RE/CLAIMED: If you could speak to the younger version of yourself, the boy before the pain, what would you tell him now?