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 opens up about her journey, influences, and the stories that shaped her voice. Whether you're a fan of musi...

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 teams to landing a position at Bad Boy Records, to eventually becoming a key A&R and creative force at...

On this episode of Compound Conversations, Set Free and A$AP Ferg connect the dots between Harlem, hip-hop, and high fashion. From painting on Jordans as a kid to drawing every cover of his latest album by hand, Ferg reveals how art and entrepreneurship were passed down through his family. They dive into the early A$AP Mob days, battle rap beginnings, creative control, and the hustle behind launch...

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, Datwon doesn’t just report on hip-hop—he protects it. 00:00 - Welcome to Compound Conversations 01:35 - Th...

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 and Nike collabs. Haze isn’t just an artist—he’s a cultural blueprint. 00:00 - Intro: Eric Haze at Com...

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 photograph legends, and what it means to document a culture as it unfolds. 00:00 - Welcome Back to the Compoun...

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 mark without selling out. - 0:00 Intro 1:10 The Compound 2:20 - Immigrant Life in NYC & Jersey 5:04 -...

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 conversation about breaking the mold, staying weird, and leaving a mark no one can erase. - 00:00 Welcom...

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 &...

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 creativity. From painting in West Philly to building a global art brand, Saladeen shares what fuels his hus...