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 photograph legends, and what it means to document a culture as it unfolds.
00:00 - Welcome Back to the Compound01:35 - A Creative Upbringing in Ohio04:05 - Growing Up with Art, Not Photography06:59 - Discovering Photography in College09:30 - Deep Dive into Hip-Hop and Music Culture13:11 - From Johnny M to Jonathan Mannion15:14 - Discovering the Power of Album Art17:00 - Working with Richard Avedon in NYC21:00 - Big Moments: Naomi, Versace, and Whitney Retrospective23:05 - The Pull of Hip-Hop and Culture25:40 - Sneaking into Clubs, Building a Lane in Music27:30 - The Role of Photography in Hip-Hop’s Growth28:13 - Arrival Moment: On Stage with Biggie30:42 - Heavy D, Reasonable Doubt, and Legacy Building34:07 - Learning the Business Without a Rulebook38:18 - Service, Purpose, and the True Value of the Work49:27 - Codifying the Legacy: What's Next for Jonathan Mannion-
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#jayz #kendricklamar  #photography #jonathanmannion

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 Intro1:10 The Compound2:20 - Immigrant Life in NYC & Jersey5:04 - Early Sneaker Influences7:12 - Music and Comic Collecting11:35 - Growing Up Different 14:15 - Drawing and Art16:23 - Hustling In NYC20:49 - Starting Staple Design23:18 - Selling T-Shirts & First Business30:00 - The Idea Behind the Pigeon Mascot32:52 - The Nike SB Pigeon Dunk38:12 - Opening Reed Space50:58 - The Staple Flagship 
Follow Jeff Staple📸 https://instagram.com/jeffstaple
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#jeffstaple #setfree #design #artdesigns

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 Welcome02:11 Consistency and Self-improvement03:45 Family, Growing up in Flushing & Amityville04:54 Music's presence In The House (Jazz, R&B, radio hits)06:08 The Music Bug Hits: Collecting records from age five07:20 Seeing Park DJs at age 8-9 and the Dream of DJing08:17 Early DJing experiences and being called a "sucka DJ"09:42 Family Reactions and Support 11:45 Forming the First DJ crew: The Ever Ready Crew15:37 First public DJ Experiences and a Key Battle18:17 The next level: Meeting and joining Stetasonic21:59 Transition Into Production: Beatboxing and Programming Drums26:18 Connecting with De La Soul and Developing a sound31:38 The creation and Impact of Skits(Three Feet High Rising)41:35 The Concept and Making of Prince Among Thieves47:10 Prince Paul's Approach and Place in Today's Industry50:40 Taking friends on tour and Providing Opportunities 54:58 Remembering how Prince Paul and Set Free First Met 
Follow Prince Paul📸 https://instagram.com/djprincepaul
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#princepaul  #delasoul  #djs

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 Base01:44 Goal: Tell the Full Story & The Journey Begins02:36 Early Life, Family & Upbringing04:21 The Bi-State Influence: Harlem, Queens, & Philly07:20 Music in the Household & Early Rap Influences09:45 Dual Love: Music & Basketball (Ball Was "Everything")14:16 Hip Hop Became Focus After Basketball Was "Over"15:21 Introduction to Rap & The Philly Flow Influence20:36 The Moment it "Clicked" He Had It (Mass Appeal Cipher)22:18 Naming "Dave East" & Developing the Sound (Early Team)27:12 Signing with Mass Appeal (NAS) & Def Jam32:55 Discussing Acting Career (Was It in the Vision?)38:06 Discussing Fatherhood / Kyrie as a Turning Point41:01 Discussing Losses & The Pain of Grief50:28 Mentors Are Priceless & Thanking Interviewer53:04 Branding & Aspirations (FTD, Fragrance, etc.)54:25 Wrapping Up: "I Was Me", Authentic Journey & Final Thank
Follow Dave East📸 https://instagram.com/daveeast
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#daveeast  #setfree #daveeasttypebeat

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 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
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#kingsaladeen #setfree #art #westphilly