PODCAST · music
Compound Conversations
by compoundconversations
Compound Conversations is where culture meets legacy. Hosted by creative visionary Set Free, this series brings you behind the scenes with the artists, entrepreneurs, and disruptors shaping the worlds of music, fashion, art, and beyond. From iconic names like Ferg, Lenny S, Hebru Brantley, and Greg Yuna, to rising legends and unsung heroes, each episode dives deep into the moments that defined their journey — and the philosophies driving them forward. More than just interviews, Compound Conversations is a time capsule for the culture — raw, reflective, and always rooted in authenticity. Recorded in the heart of the Compound, a creative sanctuary in New York City, these conversations celebrate the people who live at the intersection of purpose, originality, and impact.
Episodes
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Yu-Ming Wu: He Said No to Nike to Build Sneaker Con
Yu-Ming Wu is a sneaker and streetwear media pioneer, entrepreneur, and co-founder whose fingerprints are on nearly every major chapter of sneaker culture's rise into the mainstream. Born in China and raised in New York's Lower East Side and Sunset Park after immigrating at age six, Wu grew up...
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Conway The Machine: From Getting Shot to Building Griselda | Compound Conversations
From Buffalo basements to New York stages. From being shot and paralyzed… To becoming one of the most respected pens in hip-hop. On this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with Conway the Machine for a raw conversation about survival, faith, art, and business. 00:00:00 —…
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Kid Super: The Artist Who Built a Fashion Empire by Having Fun | Compound Conversations
Before Paris. Before the runways. Before the celebrity co-signs. There was just a kid drawing, playing soccer, and refusing to choose one lane. On this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with KidSuper founder Colm Dillane for a deep dive into creativity, risk, and building...
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Ice-T on Business Strategy, Protecting Legacy, and Learning from a $2M Loss | Compound Conversations
In this episode of Compound Conversations, legendary rapper and actor Ice-T shares the story behind his journey from growing up in Newark and Los Angeles to becoming a pioneer of gangsta rap and a mainstay on network television. He talks about the 3 types of humans , the street lessons that…
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Godfrey on Chicago, Stand-Up, and Speaking Truth Through Comedy | Compound Conversations
In this episode of Compound Conversations, comedian Godfrey shares the story behind his journey from growing up in a Nigerian household in Chicago to becoming one of the most respected voices in stand-up comedy. He talks about the cultural influences that shaped his comedic style, discovering...
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How A Sneaker Kid From The Bronx Turned to Fashion Collaborator | Compound Conversations
On this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with Jae Tips for a conversation that blends streetwear, creativity, and cultural influence. Jae Tips has built one of the most recognizable voices in modern streetwear known for bold color palettes, fearless design choices, and a...
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Gorilla Nems: Pain, Purpose & the Comeback | Compound Conversations
On this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with Gorilla Nems for one of the rawest conversations yet — about addiction, redemption, branding, legacy, and turning “Bing Bong” into a billion-view cultural moment. From Fight Club domination to sobriety. From sanitation worker to...
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Nigel Sylvester: From BMX in Queens To Nike Superstar | Compound Conversations
Before the sneakers. Before the sold-out Jordans. Before “Bike Air.” There was a kid in Laurelton, Queens drifting a Big Wheel in his grandma’s driveway. On this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with BMX icon and Jordan Brand athlete Nigel Sylvester for a full-circle...
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Rachel K. Fraser: Behind Every Great Story Is a Producer | Compound Conversations
In this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with film producer Rachel K. Fraser for an inside look at what it really takes to bring stories to life. From development to execution, Rachel shares how producers serve as the backbone of every great film — protecting the vision,...
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Baron Davis: From UCLA to NBA Culture Icon | Compound Conversations
In this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free sits down with two-time NBA All-Star and cultural pioneer Baron Davis for an unfiltered conversation on basketball, style, and innovation. From his early days hooping in South Central L.A. to making history at UCLA and shifting the game in the...
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April Walker: The Untold Story of a Hip-Hop Fashion Pioneer | Compound Conversations
April Walker didn’t just witness the birth of hip-hop—she helped dress it. From creating custom designs out of her Brooklyn shop to outfitting legends like Tupac, Biggie, and Mike Tyson, April's influence on streetwear and hip-hop culture is undeniable. In this episode of Compound Conversations,...
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Smoke DZA: Harlem, Mixtapes, Ghostwriting & Kush Culture | Compound Conversations
Harlem’s own Smoke DZA joins Compound Conversations for a deep dive into his multi-layered journey—where hip hop, weed culture, wrestling, and fashion collide. From hearing Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle as a kid to ghostwriting hits for Sean Kingston, Smoke DZA shares how he went from battle rap…
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Daddy-O: Stetsasonic, Sampling, The First Hip-Hop Band | Compound Conversations
In 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…
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Angelo Baque: The Mind Behind Supreme’s Rise & The Vision Powering Awake NY | Compound Conversations
Compound 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…
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Futura: From Subway Tunnels to Global Galleries | Compound Conversations
In 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...
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Hebru Brantley: Painting Power, One Flyboy at a Time | Compound Conversations
In 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...
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Steve Rifkind: Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep & Building Loud Records | Compound Conversations
In 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,...
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DJ Clark Kent: The DJ Behind Hip-Hop’s Evolution & Street Style Legacy | Compound Conversations
In 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...
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Joseph Patel: From Music Journalist to Oscar Winner | Compound Conversations
In 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...
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Statik Selektah: DJ Culture, Beatmaking & Evolution | Compound Conversations
In 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…
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Greg Yüna: From Queens to Celebrity Jeweler | Compound Conversations
In 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...
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Danny Cortes: Miniature Memories of NYC | Compound Conversations
In 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...
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Steven Barter: Legacy by Design | Compound Conversations
In 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…
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Johnny Nunez: The Eye Behind Hip-Hop’s Icons & Untold Stories of Culture | Compound Conversations
Johnny 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,...
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Tara McRae: The Woman Steering PUMA into the Future | Compound Conversations
Before 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...
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Vikki Tobak: Turning Hip-Hop’s Rawest Moments Into Visual Masterpieces | Compound Conversations
In 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…
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Lenny S: The Visionary Behind Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, Roc Nation & More | Compound Conversations
Lenny 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…
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Ferg: The Art & Heart of The Hustle | Compound Conversations
On 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...
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Datwon Thomas: From VIBE to Voice In Hip-Hop | Compound Conversations
Datwon 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,...
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Eric Haze: The Foundation of Style, Graffiti, & Design | Compound Conversations
From 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...
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Jonathan Mannion on Photographing Greatness | Compound Conversations
Photographer 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...
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Jeff Staple: Design, Disruption & Building Culture | Compound Conversations
Jeff 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…
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Prince Paul: Innovation, Humor, and Hip-Hop History | Compound Conversations
In 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...
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Dave East: Loyalty, Legacy & Life Beyond Rap | Compound Conversations
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...
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King Saladeen: Art, Hustle, and Vision | Compound Conversations
Welcome 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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Compound Conversations is where culture meets legacy.
Hosted by creative visionary Set Free, this series brings you behind the scenes with the artists, entrepreneurs, and disruptors shaping the worlds of music, fashion, art, and beyond. From iconic names like Ferg, Lenny S, Hebru Brantley, and Greg Yuna, to rising legends and unsung heroes, each episode dives deep into the moments that defined their journey — and the philosophies driving them forward.
More than just interviews, Compound Conversations is a time capsule for the culture — raw, reflective, and always rooted in authenticity. Recorded in the heart of the Compound, a creative sanctuary in New York City, these conversations celebrate the people who live at the intersection of purpose, originality, and impact.
HOSTED BY
compoundconversations
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Compound Conversations have?
Compound Conversations currently has 35 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Compound Conversations about?
Compound Conversations is where culture meets legacy. Hosted by creative visionary Set Free, this series brings you behind the scenes with the artists, entrepreneurs, and disruptors shaping the worlds of music, fashion, art, and beyond. From iconic names like Ferg, Lenny S, Hebru Brantley, and Greg...
How often does Compound Conversations release new episodes?
Compound Conversations has 35 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Compound Conversations?
You can listen to Compound Conversations on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Compound Conversations?
Compound Conversations is created and hosted by compoundconversations.
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