Compound Conversations

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 — Welcome Home to the New Compound 00:02:20 — Growing Up in Buffalo & Learning From His Uncles 00:03:55 — Rapping at Six Years Old 00:05:34 — First Time Visiting New York City 00:08:23 — The Moment He Knew He Was Really Nice 00:09:31 — Getting Shot & The Turning Point 00:14:15 — Meeting Derringer & Finding the Sound 00:18:06 — Paralysis, Doubt & Fighting Back 00:22:46 — Getting Stamped by New York Legends 00:26:32 — The Origin of “Conway the Machine” 00:28:18 — Art, Fashion & Building a Timeless Brand 00:37:16 — Learning the Business Side 00:39:16 — Staying Hungry in Today’s Climate 00:42:40 — Legacy: “I Did It for the City” Conway breaks down: Learning to rhyme from his uncles in Buffalo West Coast inspiration in an East Coast body His first time ever visiting NYC as an adult The moment he knew he was really nice Getting shot and thinking it was over Fighting self-doubt and paralysis The rise of Griselda Derringer shaping the sound Getting stamped by New York legends Building Drumwork as a legacy move Why he feels like he’s just getting started Follow Conway 📸 https://instagram.com/whoisconway Follow Set Free 📸https://instagram.com/iam_setfree   Follow us for more insights into music, tech & culture: 📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork 📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon 🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/

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 something that doesn’t fit into one box. From backyard games and basement fashion shows… To guerrilla marketing in New York… To Paris Fashion Week domination… This conversation explores what happens when you treat life like art. KidSuper breaks down: Why fun is a competitive advantage Building a brand without traditional fashion training Community over clout Turning doubt into creative fuel Why collaboration beats ego The mindset behind global expansion Staying experimental even when you “made it” 00:00:28 — Introduction to Colm Dillane & The KidSuper Name 00:01:35 — Inspiration & The Compound Atmosphere 00:03:05 — Family Origins: Irish Fisherman & Spanish Artist 00:05:05 — South American Adventure & Fiery Romance 00:06:53 — Street Vendor Roots of KidSuper 00:07:37 — A Nomadic Childhood: Mexico to the Midwest 00:10:13 — Socioeconomic Perspective & Identity 00:14:54 — High School Culture & The Supreme Store Incident 00:16:46 — Brick Oven T-Shirts & Lessons From 10 Co-Founders 00:18:28 — Choosing KidSuper & Staying Childish 00:20:44 — Building a Squad & Community 00:24:54 — The Dorm Room Store & Academic Trouble 00:26:42 — Finding the KidSuper Space on Craigslist 00:30:10 — The Magic of Buildings & Ed Sheeran’s Theory 00:32:59 — Strategic Collaborations & Independence 00:38:26 — Career Milestones: Ronaldinho & Louis Vuitton 00:41:15 — The Future: A Walt Disney Vision for KidSuper Follow Kid Super 📸 https://instagram.com/kidsuper Follow Set Free 📸https://instagram.com/iam_setfree   Follow us for more insights into music, tech & culture: 📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork 📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon 🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/

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 shaped his "hustler" business acumen , and the profound impact of literary legends like Iceberg Slim on his persona. Ice-T also reflects on the evolution of hip-hop’s four elements , his transition into acting after a chance "bathroom discovery" by Mario Van Peebles , and why he believes a billion dollars is nothing more than "ego." Follow Ice-T 📸 https://instagram.com/icet Follow Set Free 📸https://instagram.com/iam_setfree   Follow us for more insights into music, tech & culture: 📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork 📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon 🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/

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 comedy in college, and the impact of legends like Richard Pryor and Red Foxx. Godfrey also reflects on the evolution of comedy, the entertainment industry, and why humor has always been a powerful tool for truth and storytelling. 0:00 Intro 5:12 Early Life & Chicago Background (upbringing and roots) 5:32 Nigerian Heritage (Igbo background + Biafran War) 11:12 Cultural Influences (films, animation, early inspirations) 13:17 Discovery of Comedy (Pryor, Foxx, sitcom influence) 26:11 Career Beginnings (first roles + Original Gangsters) 44:06 Breakout Roles (Zoolander, Soul Plane, transition to film) 52:32 Industry Perspective (Hollywood diversity + critiques) 57:05 Top Comedians (influences + comedy legends) 1:01:34 Impersonations (technique + iconic impressions) Follow Godfrey 📸 https://instagram.com/godfreycomic Follow Set Free 📸https://instagram.com/iam_setfree Follow us for more insights into music, tech & culture: 📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork 📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon 🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/ #Godfrey #CompoundConversations #StandUpComedy

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 storytelling approach that turns every project into a personal statement. From his early days representing the Bronx and building his creative identity, to collaborating with major brands and developing highly sought-after releases, Jae Tips has carved out a lane that merges fashion, music, and culture. In this episode, Jae talks about the mindset behind his designs, the importance of authenticity in a crowded fashion landscape, and how staying true to his vision helped him transform independent creativity into global recognition. The conversation also dives into collaboration culture, the pressures of hype-driven fashion, and the responsibility of representing where you come from. This is a deep conversation about creative independence, brand identity, and building something that lasts beyond trends. Follow Jae Tips 📸 https://instagram.com/jaetips Follow Set Free 📸https://instagram.com/iam_setfree Follow us for more insights into music, tech & culture: 📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork 📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon 🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/