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Compoundconversations

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Compound Conversations
Compound ConversationsDaddy-O: Stetsasonic, Sampling, The First Hip-Hop Band | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with hip-hop pioneer Daddy-O, the frontman of Stetsasonic, known as the first hip-hop band and one of the earliest groups to merge rap with live instrumentation, jazz, and philosophy. Daddy-O speaks candidly about the birth of sampling, the brilliance of Rakim, how Public Enemy’s sound was crafted in competition, and why today’s artists still don’t understand the real power of the art form. A deep dive into the business, the brilliance, and the blueprints that shaped hip-hop’s golden era. 00:01:10 – Discussing Creativity & Revolutionary Funk Beats ...
2025-12-3056 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsAngelo Baque: The Mind Behind Supreme’s Rise & The Vision Powering Awake NY | Compound ConversationsCompound Conversations welcomes Angelo Baque — founder of Awake NY, former brand director at Supreme, and one of the most influential creative storytellers in modern street culture. In this episode, Angelo breaks down his journey from Queens latchkey kid → downtown creative → brand founder, sharing wisdom on authenticity, creativity, street culture, fashion, art direction, and the business of building a community through purpose. 00:00:00 – Welcome to Compound Conversations   00:01:18 – How Your Space Shapes Your Creativity   00:03:16 – Growing Up in Queens & Early Identity   00:05:55 – Childhood Inspirations: Kung-Fu, Anime & Hip-Hop   00:07:09 – New York’s Cultural Melting Pot   00:14:40 – Sneaking Into Manhattan & Discovering D...
2025-12-3043 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsFutura: From Subway Tunnels to Global Galleries | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with the legendary Futura — the artist who helped shape the foundation of modern graffiti and redefine what street art could be. From painting NYC subway cars in the '70s to collaborating with punk bands, fashion houses, and global brands, Futura shares his story of artistic evolution, rebellion, and timeless relevance. They discuss the roots of graffiti, the power of abstraction, and what it means to stay original in a world obsessed with replication. This isn’t just a history lesson — it’s a blueprint for fearless creativity. 00:00...
2025-12-3056 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsHebru Brantley: Painting Power, One Flyboy at a Time | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with Hebru Brantley, the Chicago-born artist whose work has redefined how we see heroes, Black identity, and imagination. Known for his signature character Flyboy, Hebru opens up about his early influences in comics and graffiti, the evolution of his storytelling, and why his art lives at the intersection of fine art and futurism. From massive installations to collaborations with cultural icons, this is a conversation about legacy, imagination, and creating art that transcends time. Follow Hebru Brantley 📸 https://instagram.com/hebrubrantley Follow Set Free...
2025-12-3037 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsSteve Rifkind: Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep & Building Loud Records | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with Steve Rifkind, the founder of Loud Records and one of the most influential executives in hip-hop history. From signing Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, and Big Pun, to launching marketing powerhouse SRC and breaking artists like Akon, Rifkind reflects on his unique approach to artist development, street-level marketing, and building real cultural moments. This isn’t just music industry talk — it’s a masterclass in trust, risk, and vision. 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:47 Growing Up & The Grandfather Who Saved My Life 00:02:17 Dyslexia, Trouble, and Going to Juvie 00:03:38 The Li...
2025-12-3056 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsDJ Clark Kent: The DJ Behind Hip-Hop’s Evolution & Street Style Legacy | Compound ConversationsIn this episode, we sit down with DJ Clark Kent — the legendary producer, sneaker connoisseur, and cultural architect whose fingerprints are all over hip-hop's foundation. From his early days growing up in Brooklyn to sharing turntables with Grandmaster Flash at age 11, Clark shares rare stories about his rise as a DJ, his obsession with sneakers, and how he helped shape the sound, style, and soul of hip-hop. Whether you're a fan of music history, sneaker culture, or Brooklyn storytelling, this conversation dives deep into the legacy of a true icon who’s been instrumental behind the scenes — and in...
2025-12-301h 03Compound Conversations
Compound ConversationsJoseph Patel: From Music Journalist to Oscar Winner | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with Joseph Patel — Emmy and Oscar-winning writer, director, and producer — to talk about the power of storytelling, the importance of cultural preservation, and his lifelong love affair with music.  From documenting the rise of hip-hop as a journalist, to co-producing Summer of Soul with Questlove, to directing the A Tribe Called Quest documentary, Patel breaks down the responsibility of capturing culture the right way. This is a conversation about memory, identity, and making stories that stand the test of time. Follow Joseph Patel 📸 https://instagra...
2025-12-3045 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsStatik Selektah: DJ Culture, Beatmaking & Evolution | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with iconic DJ and producer Statik Selektah to talk about the moment the turntables stopped and the beat machines took over. Statik breaks down how he went from crushing mixtapes during the golden era to crafting albums for legends like Nas, Q-Tip, Freeway, and Styles P. He opens up about leaving the mixtape hustle behind, how DJ Drama’s raid pushed him toward full-time producing, and why creating timeless records became his mission. This is a story of adaptation, grit, and knowing when it’s time to flip the reco...
2025-12-3038 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsGreg Yüna: From Queens to Celebrity Jeweler | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with Greg Yuna, the Queens-born jeweler whose name has become synonymous with luxury, precision, and culture. From boxing to bodega life, to an unexpected entry into the jewelry game, Greg shares how he transformed a chance opportunity into a world-recognized brand. He talks legacy, New York hustle, working with A-list clients, and why simplicity always wins. Quiet work. Loud results. Follow Greg Yuna 📸 https://instagram.com/gregyuna Follow Set Free 📸https://instagram.com/iam_setfree Follow us for more insights into music...
2025-12-3045 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsDanny Cortes: Miniature Memories of NYC | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with Brooklyn-based artist Danny Cortes, whose intricate miniature models of NYC bodegas, graffiti walls, and ice cream trucks have gone viral across the art world. What started as a creative outlet during the pandemic became a full-fledged movement — blending nostalgia, storytelling, and raw craft.  Danny opens up about growing up in Bushwick, why forgotten corners of the city inspire him, and how his miniatures preserve the soul of New York in 3D form. From sneaker culture to street art, this episode is a celebration of memory, environment, and...
2025-12-3046 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsSteven Barter: Legacy by Design | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with Steven Barter — the visionary behind the streetwear brand Barriers, known for weaving Black history and cultural empowerment into every thread. Barter opens up about his journey from Queens to creating a globally recognized movement rooted in resistance, truth, and storytelling. From his early influences to navigating the fashion world without compromise, this episode dives deep into legacy, identity, and how clothing can be a vessel for change. TIMESTAMPS - Follow Steven Barter 📸 https://instagram.com/barterbarter Follow Set Free
2025-12-3041 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsJohnny Nunez: The Eye Behind Hip-Hop’s Icons & Untold Stories of Culture | Compound ConversationsJohnny Nunez is a legendary celebrity photographer whose journey from abandonment and foster care to becoming the go-to lensman for icons like Jay-Z, Nas, and Naomi Campbell is nothing short of cinematic. Raised in a Puerto Rican household after being rescued from a dangerous early childhood, Johnny endured racism, poverty, and personal loss before discovering his passion for photography. A life-changing vision and relentless hustle transformed his path, taking him from delivering pizzas to riding private jets as a trusted documentarian of hip-hop, fashion, and culture. His work has graced major publications and historic moments, all built on respect...
2025-12-3048 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsTara McRae: The Woman Steering PUMA into the Future | Compound ConversationsBefore she was running PUMA, she was building relationships, crafting stories, and learning every layer of the business. Tara McRae’s journey to the top wasn’t about shortcuts—it was about deep insight, emotional intelligence, and a relentless drive to create impact. As President of PUMA North America, she now leads with a people-first approach—balancing numbers with nuance, and business growth with brand soul. In this sit-down, Tara reflects on her path, the women who inspired her, the lessons she learned through failure, and why leadership today is less about control and more about clarity, empathy, and alig...
2025-12-3034 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsVikki Tobak: Turning Hip-Hop’s Rawest Moments Into Visual Masterpieces | Compound ConversationsIn this episode, we dive into the story of Vikki Tobak — the acclaimed author, curator, and journalist behind iconic works like Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop to Ice Cold. From her early days as a music journalist to shaping how we view hip-hop photography and culture today, Vikki opens up about her journey, influences, and the stories that shaped her voice. Whether you're a fan of music history, visual storytelling, or cultural preservation, this conversation offers a rare look into the life and legacy of a woman dedicated to documenting hip-hop’s most powerful moments.
2025-12-3048 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsLenny S: The Visionary Behind Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, Roc Nation & More | Compound ConversationsLenny Santiago—better known as Lenny S.—has been one of hip-hop’s most trusted culture shapers for over two decades. Starting out in the Bronx as a kid with a camera and a passion for music, he turned his love for the culture into a lifelong journey. From printing his own stickers for street teams to landing a position at Bad Boy Records, to eventually becoming a key A&R and creative force at Roc-A-Fella and Roc Nation, Lenny’s career is a masterclass in persistence, taste, and quiet impact. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 0:28 - The Compound...
2025-12-301h 03Compound Conversations
Compound ConversationsFerg: The Art & Heart of The Hustle | Compound ConversationsOn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free and A$AP Ferg connect the dots between Harlem, hip-hop, and high fashion. From painting on Jordans as a kid to drawing every cover of his latest album by hand, Ferg reveals how art and entrepreneurship were passed down through his family. They dive into the early A$AP Mob days, battle rap beginnings, creative control, and the hustle behind launching brands before labels even caught up. This is Ferg beyond the music—raw, thoughtful, and fully in his element. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Welcome to Compound BC: A Ne...
2025-12-3049 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsDatwon Thomas: From VIBE to Voice In Hip-Hop | Compound ConversationsDatwon Thomas has been telling the story of hip-hop for over two decades. As the Editor-in-Chief of VIBE and a staple voice across media, he’s been in the room for the culture’s biggest moments—chronicling the rise of icons, movements, and legacy. From the streets to the page to the airwaves, Datwon doesn’t just report on hip-hop—he protects it. 00:00 - Welcome to Compound Conversations 01:35 - The Power of Black Genius and Ownership 05:02 - From Streetball to Storytelling 07:21 - Growing Up Brooklyn: Projects, Manga & Perspective 11:45 - Finding His Voice Through Comics and...
2025-12-3054 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsEric Haze: The Foundation of Style, Graffiti, & Design | Compound ConversationsFrom bombing trains in NYC to designing logos that defined an era, Eric Haze helped shape the visual identity of hip-hop itself. As one of the first graffiti artists to step into the design world with precision and style, his fingerprints are on everything from Run-DMC’s branding to Supreme drops and Nike collabs. Haze isn’t just an artist—he’s a cultural blueprint. 00:00 - Intro: Eric Haze at Compound 01:35 - Growing Up Surrounded by Revolution 05:14 - Influences: Hendrix, Bruce Lee & Breaking the Mold 10:21 - Graffiti Roots and Letterform Obsession 16:08 - Risk, Respect...
2025-12-2953 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsJonathan Mannion on Photographing Greatness | Compound ConversationsPhotographer Jonathan Mannion has captured some of the most iconic moments in hip-hop history—from Jay-Z’s debut to Kendrick’s rise. On this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with the man behind the lens to talk about storytelling through imagery, the trust it takes to photograph legends, and what it means to document a culture as it unfolds. 00:00 - Welcome Back to the Compound 01:35 - A Creative Upbringing in Ohio 04:05 - Growing Up with Art, Not Photography 06:59 - Discovering Photography in College 09:30 - Deep Dive into Hip-Hop and Music Cultur...
2025-12-2951 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsJeff Staple: Design, Disruption & Building Culture | Compound ConversationsJeff Staple built more than a brand—he built a language for a generation. On Compound Conversations, Set Free unpacks Jeff’s journey from NYC’s Lower East Side to international acclaim. They explore design as a tool for storytelling, the business of authenticity, and what it takes to make your mark without selling out. - 0:00 Intro 1:10 The Compound 2:20 - Immigrant Life in NYC & Jersey 5:04 - Early Sneaker Influences 7:12 - Music and Comic Collecting 11:35 - Growing Up Different  14:15 - Drawing and Art 16:23 - Hustling In NYC 20:49 - Starting Staple Design
2025-12-2955 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsPrince Paul: Innovation, Humor, and Hip-Hop History | Compound ConversationsIn this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free taps in with hip-hop legend and sonic architect Prince Paul. A creative force behind De La Soul, Gravediggaz, and countless groundbreaking records, Prince Paul reflects on a career defined by humor, risk-taking, and pure originality. This is a conversation about breaking the mold, staying weird, and leaving a mark no one can erase. - 00:00 Welcome 02:11 Consistency and Self-improvement 03:45 Family, Growing up in Flushing & Amityville 04:54 Music's presence In The House (Jazz, R&B, radio hits) 06:08 The Music Bug Hits: Collecting records from age five 07:20 Seeing...
2025-12-2957 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsDave East: Loyalty, Legacy & Life Beyond Rap | Compound ConversationsDave 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...
2025-12-2956 minCompound Conversations
Compound ConversationsKing Saladeen: Art, Hustle, and Vision | Compound ConversationsWelcome to the debut episode of Compound Conversations, a new show from TmrO Network hosted by legendary creative director Set Free. Known for his boundary-pushing work in basketball, music, and media, Set Free sits down with visual artist King Saladeen to explore the power of purpose-driven creativity. From painting in West Philly to building a global art brand, Saladeen shares what fuels his hustle, his vision, and his mission to inspire the next generation. Follow King Saladeen 📸 https://instagram.com/kingsaladeen Follow Set Free 📸https://instagram.com/iam_setfree Follow us for mo...
2025-12-2943 min