by Cyrus Webb
"Who I am today is who I've always wanted to be." ~ Suga Ray
It's been so encouraging watching how Suga Ray has expanded his platform over the years. I have had the pleasure to interview him on our radio show Conversations LIVE and even in person while visiting Brooklyn, NY. Each time we have connected he has been energetic, inspiring and ready to remind others of what is possible in life, both personally and professionally.
In 2025 he was featured in DEAR NEW YORK, giving his message and story a larger spotlight.
In this conversation we talk about his path, the journey of fatherhood and what it's like to inspire people around the world.
Suga Ray, you have been such a bright light in the world, and it’s been great to see your expansion since we first connected. What has it been like to look back on where you were and now?
Thank you so much brother Cyrus. I really appreciate your support over the years, and especially with this magazine feature. It means a lot.
To look back, so much has happened. I dropped that book, a few films, and was honored by the NY Senate and Congress, among a bunch of other things. I’ve watched my children continue to grow into amazing young people. As well I’ve experienced some serious hardship and lost more friends to murder and many other causes, including COVID.
I’m just really grateful to be alive, and in a position to make all of my dreams come true while empowering my community at the same time.
We were introduced through your book Dear Usha: Messages To My First Born which was released in 2017. Since then you have continued to use your voice to inspire and motivate others. Have you always known that was your purpose?
Yessir. I’ve known my purpose since I was at least 7 years old. I remember watching Michael Jackson sing “Heal the world, make it a better place” back in 1991, and I knew that’s what I was supposed to be doing. I realized a few years later it wasn’t the singing and dancing that most intrigued me. It was the impact he had on people. That’s what I wanted to do. Use my love of words and all my talents to make the world a better place.
You seem to be so fearless in your approach to all you do, online and offline. Where does that confidence come from and what helped you develop it?
Well, the confidence comes from the realization that everyone fails, everyone loses, everyone gets rejected, and so even if any of those things happen to me, what does that mean? Absolutely nothing. Plus, I learned that things like failure, loss, and rejection don’t happen to us, they happen for us. Sometimes to redirect our paths or to give us a lesson that we’ll need later on. I guess in short I’d say my supreme confidence in myself and my abilities comes from knowing who I am, what I’m made of, what’s inside of me, and all that comes to make me understand that there is absolutely nothing that can stop me from accomplishing whatever it is I want to accomplish.
One of the things I respect so much about you, Suga Ray, is the way you look at your role as a father. How has fatherhood changed you?
Aww man, brother. Being a father has made me so much more aware of how my words and actions, those said and unsaid, those done and left undone, how much they impact those around me. Fatherhood has made me look at my role and responsibility as a man differently, outside of being a dad. Fatherhood is making me more organized, more compassionate, more empathetic, more focused and goal oriented. Historically, prior to being a dad, I lived my life and kinda was building my brand/career in a more free flowing type of way, which had its perks and served its purpose for the time being. Since becoming a father I’ve pushed myself to plan more. Surprisingly, planning around their schedule is helping me structure my life and career more. So, although fatherhood is the absolute most challenging role I’ve ever taken on, it’s also the most fulfilling and rewarding role I could ever take on.
I really do enjoy being a father.
Your community also seems to be a big part of your why. Tell us about your connection to where you’re from and wanting better for them.
Without our community, who are we? Yes, I’m an extension of my parents and grandparents and the rest of my blood relatives, but without the role my beloved Queensbridge community played in my life, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Queensbridge gave me brotherhood when I needed it most. Queensbridge provided male mentorship and guidance after my father passed away when I was only 11 years old. I played team sports, and developed the responsibilities of being a leader in my community. In my hood, on my block, we see each other more so as family than just a mere community. I’ve lost a lot of childhood friends to murder in my hood. Heck, I almost got murdered in my hood. I shot guns in my hood. For a long time, I was a bad example in my community, and I’ve lost a lot. I see my community as my extended family, and I feel responsible for contributing positively to the advancement of the community and the people that live there.
Most people who have big dreams, they dream of making it out of the hood. I get it. My dream is to transform the hood into a paradise. I see the hood as a place filled with people of royalty that just don’t know that they’re royalty.
This issue of our magazine is all about spotlighting men who are making a difference. Has it been easy for you to look at yourself as a role model?
So, this is kind of funny. I don’t really see myself as a role model, and I don’t want to be. Like yes, I’m doing a lot, and I’ve made a huge difference in the lives of many people all around the world, and I appreciate the love and respect people give me, but role model? Nah, not really. Only because that’s a slippery slope. Let’s say you consider me a role model, and you tell a 13 year old they should follow me, and let’s say they do. Let’s say one day they see me smoking weed, or drinking alcohol, or something like that where they’ve been told it was bad or wrong. Then that makes me look like a hypocrite and paints a picture of me that I had nothing really to do with. If that makes sense. (laughs) But I wholeheartedly acknowledge the fact that I’ve been an inspiration and sort of a hero to many. I’m humbly grateful for the love.
Outside of the high notes you have had I have seen you share some of the darker moments as well. What has kept you from giving up along the way?
Yeah man, lots of loss and pain, sadness and anger, and all of the emotions in between. What keeps me from giving up is the reality that I’ve come too far to give up now. If I give up, then what? Plus, I’m not only living for myself. I’m living for my children, and my friends that didn’t live long enough to transform their lives, and their children, and the children not even born yet. I accepted a big responsibility when I accepted my role as a World Healer. So, there’s nothing else for me to do other than walk this path I’m currently on.
Like, my ancestors are living through me. The children I created that never made it to this realm are living through me. I’m putting on for all of them!
Social media has helped keep us all connected. How have you used it to amplify your own message?Man, social media is the quickest and easiest way for me to share a thought, or communicate a message to those who may be beyond ear’s reach. I’ve built so many incredible connections because of social media. I’ve helped and been helped by so many people because of social media. Because of social media my book has been read by folks on the other side of the planet, as well, many of my teachings have been shared by folks all over the world. I'm so grateful and humbled really.
You give so much. Where do you go to fill your own cup and be refreshed?
I do give a lot. First and foremost, I make time for daily prayer and meditation. To affirm my gratitude for the journey of life itself, and for all I’ve been blessed with. I also lay my worries down and confront any inhibitions I may have. As well, I have friends I can reach out to if needed. I go to the park and sit by the water. I’ll often spend some time laughing and hanging with my mom. I do my best to keep my cup full so that I may continuously pour into the cups of others. I’m grateful. Many folks told me if I continued operating the way I am, I’d be burned out and tired. The truth is I have more zest for the journey today than I did when I was 25. I’m really, really excited for what’s ahead.
What advice would you have for others when it comes to pursuing their goals and dreams?
The most important thing is to believe that your dream can happen for you. Believe that you deserve your dream to happen for you. Believe it. Share it with as many people as you possibly can, and communicate it in as many ways as you possibly can. Also, be patient. Know that greatness, true greatness takes time. Be consistent. Be disciplined. Work hard at your craft. A dear friend Miles “Hollyhood” Casso often says, “hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.” So, you always wanna be a hard worker. Outwork everyone on your team and in your field. Make yourself undeniably the best. Study, Envision yourself succeeding and living the life you dream of. See yourself there. Embody the feelings you’ll feel when you get there. And let nothing stop you or get in your way.
Thanks for the time, Suga Ray, and continued success to you. How can our audience stay connected with you?
You’re welcome brother Cyrus. Thank you for this opportunity my brother. Deep gratitude to you.
The audience can stay connected by visiting my website and subscribing at www.lashawnmarston.com. Links to my social media accounts are also there.
