Dave East pulls up to Compound Conversations to talk real life with Set Free. From grinding in Harlem to navigating fame, fatherhood, and film, East opens up about what it takes to survive—and thrive—without losing your soul. This is an unfiltered conversation on loyalty, evolution, and never folding.
00:00 Interview Start / Welcome & The Compound as Home Base
01:44 Goal: Tell the Full Story & The Journey Begins
02:36 Early Life, Family & Upbringing
04:21 The Bi-State Influence: Harlem, Queens, & Philly
07:20 Music in the Household & Early Rap Influences
09:45 Dual Love: Music & Basketball (Ball Was "Everything")
14:16 Hip Hop Became Focus After Basketball Was "Over"
15:21 Introduction to Rap & The Philly Flow Influence
20:36 The Moment it "Clicked" He Had It (Mass Appeal Cipher)
22:18 Naming "Dave East" & Developing the Sound (Early Team)
27:12 Signing with Mass Appeal (NAS) & Def Jam
32:55 Discussing Acting Career (Was It in the Vision?)
38:06 Discussing Fatherhood / Kyrie as a Turning Point
41:01 Discussing Losses & The Pain of Grief
50:28 Mentors Are Priceless & Thanking Interviewer
53:04 Branding & Aspirations (FTD, Fragrance, etc.)
54:25 Wrapping Up: "I Was Me", Authentic Journey & Final Thank
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