Roben X on resilience, identity, and making music from pain - Goldy’s Closet EPS #302

The Real Rundown In this episode of Goldy’s Closet, Goldy sits down with Roben X for a deeply personal conversation about growing up different, finding his voice through music, and turning hardship into art. Roben X opens up about meeting manager Ryan through a Nashville event at a time when he was thinking about quitting music. What started as a risky showcase turned into a major turning point, leading to new opportunities, a producer connection, and a stronger belief in his own artistry. He also shares how saying yes to opportunities, even when money was tight, helped change the direction of his career. The conversation also explores Roben X’s childhood in Memphis, where he faced bullying, violence, and the challenges of being visibly different because of ocular albinism. Rather than letting that silence him, he turned to hip hop as a way to speak back, process pain, and build confidence. He talks about how music became his “superpower” and how artists like Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, DMX, and 36 Mafia shaped his voice. Goldy and Roben X also dig into his roots, family history, and the emotional impact of growing up around gangs, prison culture, and survival. Roben X reflects on how those experiences gave him perspective and shaped his worldview. The discussion moves into Memphis pride, the power of storytelling, and the importance of staying connected to your city and your people. Later, Roben X shares insight into his music, including “Illusion” and “Murals,” and what those songs mean to him. He also talks about collaborating with his video team in Nashville, his love of video games, his favorite Memphis foods and artists, and the message he wants to leave for anyone who feels trapped by where they came from: better days are coming. Golden Nuggets: • Taking risks when your career feels uncertain • Turning pain into creative fuel • Bullying, identity, and self-acceptance • Growing up around violence and learning from it • Memphis culture, pride, and perspective • The role of storytelling in music • The meaning behind “Illusion” and “Murals” • Creative partnerships and music video production • The importance of supporting artists in tangible ways • Notable quotes • “Whatever you have to say is important enough that you need to say it.” • “I could use my pain to heal pain.” • “Rain will eventually go away. The sun must shine.” Timestamps 0:00 — Welcome to the show 1:10 — Meeting Ryan through The Objective 2:08 — The paid showcase and taking a chance 4:01 — Why Roben X felt out of place at the event 5:58 — The creator tells him he must do it 7:20 — First meeting with Ryan 8:18 — Performance feedback and producer introduction 10:38 — Roben X’s look and growing up in Memphis 14:31 — Ocular albinism and bullying 17:15 — Discovering hip hop and rapping as an outlet 20:03 — Depression, pain, and finding purpose 24:24 — Why the name Roben X matters 27:30 — Memphis, the people, and city pride 31:39 — “Mobbing” and learning the city 32:36 — Talking about “Illusion” and “Murals” 34:28 — Music videos and creative collaboration 35:24 — Favorite Memphis food and artists 36:48 — Favorite superhero, pet peeves, and dream collabs 37:47 — Video games and why they matter 39:03 — What’s next for Roben X 39:49 — Final message of hope 40:46 — Goldy’s Closet sign-off About Roben X Roben X is an artist, storyteller, and performer whose music is shaped by lived experience, resilience, and raw honesty. He blends hip hop influences with a personal narrative that speaks to pain, survival, and reinvention. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.