Roben X on resilience, identity, and making music from pain - Goldy’s Closet EPS #302

The Real Rundown

In this episode of Goldy’s Closet, Goldy sits down with Roben X for a deeply personal conversation about growing up different, finding his voice through music, and turning hardship into art.

Roben X opens up about meeting manager Ryan through a Nashville event at a time when he was thinking about quitting music. What started as a risky showcase turned into a major turning point, leading to new opportunities, a producer connection, and a stronger belief in his own artistry. He also shares how saying yes to opportunities, even when money was tight, helped change the direction of his career.

The conversation also explores Roben X’s childhood in Memphis, where he faced bullying, violence, and the challenges of being visibly different because of ocular albinism. Rather than letting that silence him, he turned to hip hop as a way to speak back, process pain, and build confidence. He talks about how music became his “superpower” and how artists like Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, DMX, and 36 Mafia shaped his voice.

Goldy and Roben X also dig into his roots, family history, and the emotional impact of growing up around gangs, prison culture, and survival. Roben X reflects on how those experiences gave him perspective and shaped his worldview. The discussion moves into Memphis pride, the power of storytelling, and the importance of staying connected to your city and your people.

Later, Roben X shares insight into his music, including “Illusion” and “Murals,” and what those songs mean to him. He also talks about collaborating with his video team in Nashville, his love of video games, his favorite Memphis foods and artists, and the message he wants to leave for anyone who feels trapped by where they came from: better days are coming.

Golden Nuggets:

• Taking risks when your career feels uncertain

• Turning pain into creative fuel

• Bullying, identity, and self-acceptance

• Growing up around violence and learning from it

• Memphis culture, pride, and perspective