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 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.
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#diamonddistrict  #nyc  #design #jewelry

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 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 legacy.-Follow Danny Cortes📸 https://instagram.com/dannycortesnyc
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#miniatures #miniaturesculpture  #design #miniatureart

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 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
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#barriers #rocnation #design #fashiondesign

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, 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, authenticity, and faith.
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**Timestamps**00:00 – Abandoned as a Baby, Rescued by Love05:20 – Racism, Violence, and Survival in Brooklyn11:25 – Losing His Mother, Gaining a New Family15:12 – When Hip-Hop Found Him in Long Island20:38 – The First Camera21:26 – Homeless, Hopeless, Almost Lost25:55 – A Vision from God28:44 – From Pizza Delivery to Private Jets33:14 – Breaking Into the Industry36:54 – Trusted by the Culture---
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#JohnnyNunez #HipHopPhotography #hiphop

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 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 alignment.
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0:00 - Welcome & Impressions of The Compound  1:05 - Starting the Journey: Childhood and Origins  2:45 - Family Background: Law & Entrepreneurship  4:42 - Parental Support & Early Life Influences  6:08 - Athletic Background: The Intense Soccer Keeper  8:39 - Transitioning from Sports to Theater & Marketing  11:58 - Championship Mentality at TB12 & Puma  15:01 - Return to Clarks: Evolution and Global Reach  18:44 - Clarks' Cultural Impact and Authenticity  20:53 - Balancing High-Level Career and Family Life  23:21 - The Art & Science of Marketing: Creativity vs. Numbers  25:14 - The Importance of Storytelling at Clarks  26:46 - Favorite Collaborations and Their Impact  29:43 - Advice for Women in Corporate Marketing  32:45 - Legacy and Impact on People
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#puma #streetwear #fashion #sportswear

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 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.
0:00 Intro   02:55 - Vikki's Immigrant Beginnings in Kazakhstan  04:34 - How Detroit Shaped Her Cultural Identity  08:03 - Discovering Culture Through Visuals  10:42 - Early Subculture Life and Club Heaven in Detroit  14:33 - Getting to New York and Interning at Paper Magazine  17:07 - Becoming Director of Marketing at Payday Records  22:11 - Vikki’s First Interview with Tupac  29:58 - Creating 'Contact High' Book Inspired by Magnum  33:44 - The Birth of 'Ice Cold' Hip-Hop Jewelry Book  39:04 - New Book About Lakers – Culture Through Basketball  46:52 - Would Vikki Ever Write a Book About Herself?
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#VikkiTobak #HipHopHistory #ContactHigh #MusicJournalism #culturalstorytelling

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 Roc-A-Fella and Roc Nation, Lenny’s career is a masterclass in persistence, taste, and quiet impact.
TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro0:28 - The Compound's Evolution: From Bronx Gallery to a Quadrupled Creative Space  2:08 - The Genesis of a Journey: Born in Puerto Rico, Raised in the Bronx  5:14 - Humble Beginnings & Driving Ambition: A Single-Parent Household's Impact  7:15 - Discovering a Calling: Falling in Love with Hip Hop & Run-D.M.C.  9:14 - Hip Hop's Attainability: The Influence of Def Jam & Slick Rick's Inner Circle  14:22 - From Fan to Street Team: The Unofficial Start of a Professional Journey  16:49 - The Leap to Bad Boy: Professional Beginnings with No Pay and Big Dreams  20:14 - The "All In" Mentality: Passion, Resilience, and Striving for the Highest  27:11 - From Street Team to A&R: Ascending at Roc-A-Fella Records  35:11 - Beyond A&R: The Transition to Artist Management  44:19 - The Photographer's Eye: Documenting Culture & Future Endeavors
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#jayz #rocnation #badboy #hiphopculturenews

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 launching brands before labels even caught up. This is Ferg beyond the music—raw, thoughtful, and fully in his element.
TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Welcome to Compound BC: A New Energy  4:12 - Introducing Ferg: His Eclectic Style and the Meaning of His Name  5:53 - Ferg's Early Life: Harlem Household and Family Influences  7:19 - A Gumbo Soup of Musical Influences: Calypso, Hip Hop, R&B, and African Dance  9:37 - Father's Artistic Legacy: Drawing the Bad Boy and Uptown Cats Logos  12:50 - Realizing His Difference: Early Interests in Fashion Shows and X-Games  18:59 - The Evolution of His Brands: From "Illegal" to "Devaney"  20:55 - Father's Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Charging Your Worth and Making Money  23:49 - The A$AP Mob Era: Art, Fashion, and the Genius of Yams  30:08 - Solo Career Success and Landmark Brand Deals  34:44 - The Artistic Vision Behind His Latest Album 'Darryl'  37:04 - Embracing Innovation and Standing Out by Going "Left to Center"  39:53 - The Importance of Creative Community and Sparring  44:47 - Living the Dream: Manifestation, Growth, and Future Aspirations  -
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#ferg #asapferg #asaprocky

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 Conversations01:35 - The Power of Black Genius and Ownership05:02 - From Streetball to Storytelling07:21 - Growing Up Brooklyn: Projects, Manga & Perspective11:45 - Finding His Voice Through Comics and Hip-Hop17:35 - Mentorship, Literacy & Lessons from a Veteran22:10 - Getting His Start at VIBE Magazine28:00 - Building King, Rides, and His Own Legacy36:40 - Shifting Culture Through Media and Innovation48:00 - Legacy, Loss & the Message Behind Daylight-
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#datwonthomas #vibe #journalism `

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 Compound01:35 - Growing Up Surrounded by Revolution05:14 - Influences: Hendrix, Bruce Lee & Breaking the Mold10:21 - Graffiti Roots and Letterform Obsession16:08 - Risk, Respect, and Street Identity22:56 - Entering the Art World in 80s NYC25:14 - Graffiti as the Platform, Not the Destination29:10 - Def Jam Era and the Beastie Boys Breakthrough38:03 - Owning His IP and Launching the HAZE Brand46:07 - Return to Painting and Artistic Liberation-
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#erichaze #supreme #streetwear #grafitti