VIBE Exclusive: Set Free Richardson on Bringing Sports and Hip-Hop Together
As the creative director and founder of The Compound, Set Free Richardson has always been fascinated by the intersection of sports and culture. His latest project, "The 59Fifty Story," is a testament to this fascination, delving into the rich history and cultural significance of the New Era 5950 cap.
In an exclusive interview with VIBE, Richardson spoke about his vision for the documentary, which features narrations by Yankees legend CC Sabathia and appearances from Spike Lee, Carmelo Anthony, Jayson Tatum, DJ Clark Kent, and others.
"The 5950 cap is more than just a hat; it’s a symbol of pride and identity," Richardson explained. "When people wear it, they feel like they’re on top of the world. It’s like a crown."
Growing up on the East Coast, Richardson was surrounded by the sounds of Hip-Hop and the smells of freshly cut grass. He credits his love for sports and music to his childhood, where he would watch basketball games with his grandfather and listen to albums by Tribe, De La Soul, and Nas.
"The fitted hat was just something different; special," he recalled. "Growing up, seeing all the New Yorkers from back in the day; Tribe, De La [Soul], all the way up to JAY-Z and Nas — everybody was wearing Yankee hats. Then in Philly, everybody was wearing Phillies hats."
Richardson’s passion for storytelling is evident in "The 59Fifty Story," which weaves together historical moments, celebrity interviews, and animation to bring the 5950 cap’s significance to life. He credits his love for filmmaking to his favorite directors, including Spike Lee and Chris Robinson, and has studied their techniques to create a unique visual style.
"I think for me it’s always [about] finding people and different things that connect," he said. "Nobody’s telling the story of bringing two things together, that’s already there."
Watch "The 59Fifty Story" directed by Set Free Richardson below:
The 59Fifty Story is now available to stream.
