Raised in Harlem during the crack era — where survival meant everything — Roger Bonds lived a life most people only hear about in stories.

At just 19 years old, he caught a body… and made a decision that would change the course of his life forever.

In this episode of Crime Pays, Roger sits down with Ash Cash and J. White to tell his story — unfiltered.

From the Polo Grounds (“Vietnam”) to Rikers Island and federal prison, he breaks down the reality of street loyalty, the consequences of fast decisions, and what it takes to survive when your back is against the wall.

But this isn’t just a prison story…

After doing his time, Roger transitioned into a completely different world — becoming a trusted figure around Sean “Diddy” Combs, traveling globally, and helping build major business plays like the Cîroc brand.

Inside this episode:

• Growing up in Harlem during the crack epidemic
• Catching a body at 19 and turning himself in
• The truth about loyalty in the streets
• Surviving Rikers Island and prison politics
• Transitioning from street mentality to business mindset
• Working closely with Diddy and moving in elite circles
• Why proximity to power doesn’t equal ownership
• Turning past mistakes into purpose

This is a story about consequences, discipline, and transformation.

Because sometimes… Crime Pays in lessons.

0:00 – “I caught a body at 19…” (Hook)

1:20 – Intro / Welcome to Crime Pays

2:00 – Growing Up in Harlem (“Vietnam”)

3:30 – Early Street Life & Reputation

5:30 – Fast Money & Fast Decisions

8:00 – The Environment That Shaped Him

11:00 – Becoming Known in the Streets

15:00 – Life Between 16–19 (Peak Street Years)

20:00 – The Night Everything Changed

25:30 – Loyalty & Taking the Charge

28:30 – Turning Himself In

31:00 – Entering Rikers Island

36:00 – Prison Politics & Survival

40:30 – Lessons from Incarceration

42:30 – Transitioning After Prison

44:00 – Entering the Music Industry

45:30 – Working with Diddy

48:00 – Moving in Power Circles

50:00 – Street Mentality vs Business Mindset

52:00 – Building the Cîroc Brand

54:00 – Proximity to Power vs Ownership

56:00 – Growth, Discipline & Self-Control

58:00 – Advice for the Next Generation

1:00:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing Gems