Shows
Detoxicity: By Men, About Men, For EveryoneDetoxPod 205: Shawn Setaro (Journalist/Musician)I'm excited to bring you the latest episode of Detoxpod-featuring my chat with musician and journalist Shawn Setaro. Shawn is a journalist who currently works for Complex as a court reporter. He authored a book on the Tekashi Six Nine case, and most recently covered the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial. Shawn helps me unpack some of my disillusionment with hip-hop in recent years, but in addition to playing the role of my therapist, we chat about his musician background and quiet retirement from that field, we talk about what drove him into journalism. We also talk about embracing his...
2025-09-031h 07
The Questions Hip-HopShawn (Setaro) + Sean (Kantrowitz) on Sean ("Diddy" Combs)Sean Kantrowitz connects with journalist/author/hip-hop podcast OG Shawn Setaro to talk about the ins and outs of covering the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial for Complex.
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Shawn Setaro: Instagram
2025-07-2857 min
The Upful LIFE Podcast090: SHAWN SETARO [COMPLEX] - Unpacking the DIDDY TrialEpisode 090 taps in with renowned hip-hop culture journalist SHAWN SETARO who recently spent 2 WILD Manhattan months courtside at the Sean "DIDDY" Combs trial reporting daily for COMPLEX. Definitely some different topical topography juxtaposed to the norm for this program. Please rest assured, this is a serious conversation; an insightful, illuminating, sobering look into the lengthy legal proceedings & celebrity circus surrounding this salacious sordid saga, and a sad, scary, depraved drug-addled cuck at the center of the chaos he created.
0:00 - episode 090 preview
3:15- Sponsor: AARON SCHWARTZ ART- LETT US PLAY
6:30 - The Upful Update
11:00 - introducing SHAWN SETARO
15:15...
2025-07-231h 57
Secret SkinComponent System Context with Shawn Setaro pt 2in this episode Open Mike Eagle continues his conversation with Complex's Shawn Setaro unpacking OME's new album Component System with the Auto Reverse. This week they go through the album discussing lyrics, collaborators and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2022-10-121h 06Secret SkinContext of a Component System with Shawn Setaro pt. 1in advance of the release of his new album Component System with the Auto Reverse, OME sits down with Complex's Shawn Setaro to discuss the story of the album and an analysis of many of the tracks. In part 1 we find out what OME's life has been like since his last release and his intentions and influences on the new project out 10/7/22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2022-10-0526 min
Connection is Magic with Samson ShulmanSenior Writer at Complex & Former Editor In Chief at Genius.com — Shawn SetaroShawn Setaro (Twitter: @sameoldshawn) is a writer and reporter for podcasts at Complex. Throughout his prolific career he has written for The Atlantic, Vibe, The Source, GQ, Forbes, the Sondheim Review, and many more outlets. He was formerly, the Editor-in-Chief of Genius.com. He was the writer and reporter on Spotify x Complex podcasts…. Infamous: The Tekashi 6ix9ine Story, narrated by NYC radio legend Angie Martinez; a second season of Infamous about Florida rapper YNW Melly; and Complex Subject: Pop Smoke, a biographical series about the late Brooklyn rap star. Shawn created and hosted The Cipher, a podcast th...
2022-06-0750 min
The Crate 808 PodcastThe Coup's 'Steal This Album' Review with Shawn Setaro | Ep. 125This week we dive into another cult classic record - The Coup's 1998 release, 'Steal This Album'. And to chop it over this amazing album, we welcome back on the pod musician, journalist, writer, podcasting legend and author of 'Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods'…Shawn Setaro! 🎙 But what do YOU think to this album? Let us know on socials, in the comments or hit us up on crate808@gmail.com and we'll give you a shout out on the show! ⭐️ Also, buy Shawn's amazing new book right here...
2022-02-1359 min
Dad Bod Rap PodA Guy Who Needed Attention with guest Shawn SetaroWe're back with a fascinating interview with author Shawn Setaro, a reporter for Complex who has written the definitive account of the life, times, and trial of Danny Hernandez, better known as 6ix9ine. Shawn's dogged reporting, clean prose, and empathetic viewpoint make his new book Complex Presents Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine And The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods a fascinating read. Fans of DBRP should also take some time to listen through the archives of Shawn's masterful hip-hop podcast The Cipher. This is Shawn's third time joining us and it will not be the last, he is a...
2022-01-061h 04
Ahh, For Real? PodcastShawn Setaro author of Complex Presents Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Nine Trey Gangsta BloodsA conversation with Shawn Setaro author of Complex Presents Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.https://www.complex.com/author/shawn-setarohttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688059/complex-presents-dummy-boy-by-shawn-setaro/The story of Tekashi 6ix9ine one of the most controversial figures in all of hip-hop history, Dummy Boy tells the tale his meteoric rise to fame.In tracing Danny “Tekashi 6ix9ine” Hernandez’s life from Bushwick to the heights of the rap scene, Complex reporter Shawn...
2022-01-0421 minAhh, For Real? PodcastShawn Setaro author of Complex Presents Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Nine Trey Gangsta BloodsA conversation with Shawn Setaro author of Complex Presents Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.https://www.complex.com/author/shawn-setarohttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688059/complex-presents-dummy-boy-by-shawn-setaro/The story of Tekashi 6ix9ine one of the most controversial figures in all of hip-hop history, Dummy Boy tells the tale his meteoric rise to fame.In tracing Danny “Tekashi 6ix9ine” Hernandez’s life from Bushwick to the heights of the rap scene, Complex reporter Shawn...
2022-01-0421 min
The Upful LIFE Podcast052: SHAWN SETARO (hip-hop journalist w Complex/ The Cipher/ Tekashi 69 book/ Pop Smoke pod) + RIP Greg TateIt’s an honor and a privilege to welcome accomplished journalist, author, and rap podcast OG SHAWN SETARO, a reporter at Complex, to Episode 052. Setaro has a brand new book on the shelves this week, about the sordid saga of Tekashi 6ix9ine. He's the writer and reporter on the podcasts 'Infamous' (about Tekashi), 'Complex Subject: Pop Smoke'. He’s written about music and culture for Forbes, The Atlantic, Vibe, The Source, GQ, Esquire, The Sondheim Review, and more. Setaro was Editor-in-Chief for Rap Genius, and hosted the iconic rap pod The Cipher, an encyclopedic hip-hop program featuring deep dive...
2021-12-232h 15
Reel Notes w/ CineMasaiEpisode 38: Shawn SetaroMy guest this week is journalist, author, and podcast producer Shawn Setaro. We spoke about the movies Annette, E.T., and Altered States, falling in love with hip-hop, his time as the editor-in-chief of Rap Genius and as a senior writer and podcast producer at Complex, the importance of beat journalism in 2021, his time covering the Tekashi 6ix9ine trial, and the creative process behind his first book Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and The Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods is available w...
2021-12-222h 04
Breaking Atoms: The Hip Hop PodcastShawn SetaroOne of our favourite people in this whole world is Shawn Setaro and he definitely needs a 'friend of the show' shirt. Making his third appearance on the pod, he's back to talk about his new book, Dummy Boy, which details the rise and fall of 6ix9ine. It's not all about opps and shots though. We get into some deep conversation about the attention economy and how to avoid some of those same pitfalls that Daniel Hernandez couldn't quite get past. Pre-order 'Dummy Boy' by Shawn Setaro here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688059/complex-presents-dummy-boy-by-shawn-setaro/#...
2021-10-0553 min
Stand-Up and Laugh Audiobook/PodcastMe and My Cousins - Season 3 Episode 1 - Shawn SetaroThe Cousins are back for Season 3!!!
Angelo talks to author/podcaster/musician Shawn Setaro about his new book “Dummy Boy: Tekashi 69 and the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods”
They also cover Shawn’s background in music, writing for Complex, The Cipher Podcast, chronicling Tekashi 69’s legal situation and turning a podcast into a book.
Use promo code “Cousins10” for 10% Off your order from Bean Muggin’ Coffee.
Me and My Cousins...It’s a Podcast!
2021-08-1938 min
Breaking Atoms: The Hip Hop PodcastShawn SetaroThe love we got for Episode 100 with Pete Rock was so real, we have to show some love back to the people. Here's a bonus episode with the HEIC (Head Editor In Charge), Shawn Setaro! We had a real candid chat about developing his writing style, creating The Cipher podcast, Ice Cube's run in the 90s and a whole bunch of other things. Enjoy and thank you for the support! Follow Sumit 💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiphopchronicle 💥 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hiphopchronicle Follow Chris...
2021-02-0653 min
Oeuvre Busters presents...Talking about "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012)! with special guests Nicole Solomon and Shawn SetaroOn this raisable episode of Oeuvre Busters, Liam and George welcome friends Nicole and Shawn to discuss the final instalment of the Nolan trilogy, "The Dark Knight Rises," starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, and Gary Oldman. Topics discussed: Marcel Proust, secret fascist; blood transfusions; Bruce Wayne in rehab; the political imaginary. Also, by the grace of god, more show trials and executions! And so many Bane impressions!Topics not discussed? Engels's contributions to theories of evolution in his monumental "The Dialectics of Nature."Nicole Solomon is a filmmaker, educator and Co-Founder...
2020-05-0600 min
Dad Bod Rap PodCourt Report with guest Shawn SetaroThis week we discuss the Tekashi 69 case with Shawn Setaro, who has been attending and reporting on the case for Complex.com since the beginning. We also touch on the “stop snitchin” ethos and the ramifications of using rap lyrics and videos to convict people of crimes. It’s more fun than it sounds.
2019-10-1751 min
2019-01-191h 09
2018-12-191h 08
2018-11-221h 07Dad Bod Rap PodBest Producers Alive with guest Shawn SetaroBefore you listen to this week’s episode, make sure to familiarize yourself with this list from Complex, edited by our guest, writer and podcaster Shawn Setaro: https://www.complex.com/music/2018/10/best-hip-hop-producers
We get deep into the list, which was a massive undertaking for Shawn and his collaborators. We’d love to hear what you think of the choices that were made, hit us on Twitter @dadbodrappod to debate our takes. Enjoy the show!
2018-11-151h 30
2018-11-071h 20
2018-10-2439 min
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2018-07-111h 13
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2018-05-3049 min
2018-05-161h 32
Domino Effect PodcastRespect The Cipher feat. Shawn Setaro Ep.95Recorded on May 2, 2018, Domino sits with Senior Editor at Complex and host of the hip-hop podcast, The Cipher, Shawn Setaro. They speak about Shawn's career thus far, early beginnings in music, his hip-hop podcast called "The Cipher", friendship with rapper Jean Grae, working for Genius (formerly Rap Genius),the late great Reggie Osse, and much more. This interview comes a day after Kanye's now infamous quote at TMZ that "slavery was a choice" and they try they're best to decipher what Kanye means. DOMINO EFFECT PODCAST WILL BE BACK IN FULL ON MAY 23! Follow Shawn Setaro Twitter:@SameOldShawn IG:ShawnSetaro...
2018-05-101h 06
2018-05-011h 13
2018-04-181h 43
2018-04-041h 19
Episodes – Kick Knowledge Podcast#18: “Stay Rich Within My Cipher” (w/ Shawn Setaro)In this episode, Zach and Steven are joined by the creator and host of the critically acclaimed hip-hop podcast called The Cipher: Shawn Setaro. The Cipher is renowned for its in-depth interviews with some of the most important people in hip-hop music and culture. Throughout the episode Shawn talks about how he got into hip-hop, how the Cipher got started, and the importance of a hip-hop podcast and communicating with significant figures in the culture.
2018-03-2800 min
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2017-11-291h 15
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2017-11-1556 min
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2017-06-0558 min
2017-05-291h 06
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The 4MileCircus PodcastEpisode 23 - Shawn Setaro (Part 2)Shawn “Other Shawn” Setaro is the host of acclaimed hip hop podcast The Cipher, a prolific journalist for Forbes and Complex among other publications, and a long-time musician. In the conclusion of our two part conversation, Sean and Nicole talk with him about using Patreon: from wtf it even is and how it works to planning patron incentives, effectively promoting the thing, and why Shawn still doesn’t have a video up on his page. We discuss The Cipher’s stance on sponsorship, as well as how being a white guy doing a podcast about a black art form affects...
2017-04-1657 min
2017-04-081h 00
2017-04-031h 26
The 4MileCircus PodcastEpisode 22 - Shawn Setaro (Part 1)Shawn Setaro is the host of the acclaimed hip hop podcast The Cipher as well as a prolific music journalist for Forbes and Complex, an award-winning composer, and seasoned professional bass and guitar player. In Part One of a two part interview, Nicole and Sean talk with “other Shawn” about making the shift from being primarily a musician to music journalist, using social media to build audiences for his writing and podcast (and how that differs from using it as a working musician), finding your social media “voice”, boosting posts effectively on Facebook, hashtagging efficiently on Instagram, coming up with con...
2017-04-0154 min
2017-03-2759 min
2017-03-201h 26
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2017-03-061h 12
2017-02-261h 32
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Channel 10 PodcastShawn SetaroShawn Setaro is the host of the critically acclaimed Hip-Hop podcast The Cipher. More than just a podcaster, he has a very interesting life. From growing up in a small New Jersey town, to attending Berklee College of Music, to playing in and going on tour with rock bands, to being one of the first employees of Hip-Hop/tech startup Rap Genius, to writing for Forbes, Vibe, the Atlantic, and more, and of course The Cipher podcast, his career has taken a variety of unexpected twists and turns, which makes for a great and inspiring story. Shawn is a wealth...
2016-03-241h 38
Channel 10 PodcastShawn SetaroShawn Setaro is the host of the critically acclaimed Hip-Hop podcast The Cipher. More than just a podcaster, he has a very interesting life. From growing up in a small New Jersey town, to attending Berklee College of Music, to playing in and going on tour with rock bands, to being one of the first employees of Hip-Hop/tech startup Rap Genius, to writing for Forbes, Vibe, the Atlantic, and more, and of course The Cipher podcast, his career has taken a variety of unexpected twists and turns, which makes for a great and inspiring story. Shawn is a wealth...
2016-03-2400 min
The Cipher67: Nas - IllmaticThis episode of OTL is a special one. We got the incredible opportunity to sit down with the Don, Nas, to engage him in a back and forth about his iconic album, Illmatic. The debut album of Nas and a landmark album in both its regional scene and in the overarching hip hop landscape, Illmatic is a work that continues to hold the same poignance, genius, and relevance today.
Hosted by OTL host Shawn Setaro and Nicole Otero at the Rap Genius Ranch at South by Southwest, the conversation included questions from the hosts themselves, RG users...
2014-04-2955 min