Mask Off with Hawaii Mike: The intersection of life, mental health and Hip-Hop culture.

Trying something new: solo episodes.

You know him as a world-champion DJ, Kanye West’s tour DJ, Fool’s Gold Records co-founder and a pioneer who shapes global music culture. But behind the accolades is Alain, a kid from Montreal who became a 5x world champ by 18 — and then hit his first burnout before most of us even started college.In this episode, A-Trak opens up about:✨ The pressure of winning young and learning to deal with stress, doubt, and burnout✨ Discovering Hip Hop and building his craft with his brother Dave 1✨ Why therapy, exercise and “refilling the tank” became as important as music✨ Lessons on balance, vulnerability and longevity in a fast-paced industryThis is Mask Off with Hawaii Mike — the stories behind the names, the human side of cultural icons.🎙 Hosted by: Hawaii Mike @hwmk🎬 Produced by: Hawaii Mike, Cynical Smith & Zenobia Simmons✂️ Edited by: General Steele🎵 Music by: Buda📍 Filmed at Fly Private Social in Brooklyn💭 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations at the intersection of life, mental health, and Hip Hop culture: youtube.com/@hwmk111

In this engaging conversation, DJ Spinna shares his journey from a modest upbringing in Brooklyn to becoming a prominent DJ and producer. He discusses the profound influence of his family's musical background, early experiences with DJ culture and challenges he faced in the music industry. Spinna emphasizes the importance of integrity and the evolution of the independent music scene, highlighting how the landscape has changed over the years. His passion for music and commitment to authenticity shine through as he reflects on his career and the essence of DJing.We discuss the immersive nature of music events, the healing power of dance and the importance of unity and love in a world increasingly divided by social media and individualism. The evolution of dance culture, the impact of the internet on creativity, and the significance of legacy over commercial success. Personal practices for grounding and self-reflection are emphasized, alongside the influence of iconic figures like Stevie Wonder and DJ Clark Kent in shaping his musical journey.🎙 Hosted by: Hawaii Mike @hwmk🎬 Produced by: Hawaii Mike, Cynical Smith & Zenobia Simmons✂️ Edited by: General Steele🎵 Music by: Buda📍 Filmed at Fly Private Social in Brooklyn💭 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations at the intersection of life, mental health, and Hip Hop culture.

In episode #22Hawaii Mike sits down with Brooklyn’s own General Steele, one-half of the legendary duo Smif-N-Wessun, to explore a lifetime of music, movement and mindfulness.Steele touches on growing up in Brooklyn during the crack era, navigating the pressures of street life and finding healing through Hip Hop, martial arts and spiritual growth. From the early Boot Camp Clik days to touring the world, Steele discusses identity, ego, community and his ongoing mission to bring balance to Self and those around him.This conversation flows from gritty to grounded—showing the evolution of a man who’s used music and mindfulness as medicine.🎙 Hosted by Hawaii Mike ⁠⁠@hwmk⁠⁠🎬 Produced by: Hawaii Mike, Cynical Smith & Zenobia Simmons✂️ Edited by: ⁠⁠@GeneralSteele⁠⁠🎵 Music by: ⁠⁠@BudaDaFuture⁠⁠📍 Filmed at ⁠⁠Fly Private Social⁠⁠ in Brooklyn by Bucktown USA Productions.Follow ⁠@MaskOffPod⁠Follow Hawaii Mike ⁠@hwmk⁠Follow General Steele ⁠@GeneralSteele

In the Season 3 debut episode of The Mask Off Podcast: the intersection of life, mental health and Hip-Hop, Hawaii Mike sits down with Brooklyn’s own Torae — rapper, SiriusXM host, songwriter, actor, culture carrier and father — to talk about his life journey.From traversing the streets of Coney Island to navigating the evolving landscape of Hip Hop and fatherhood, Torae reflects on how life prepared him for everything he’s doing now.He drops gems on: • Knowing when to pivot, and, always take the meeting • Building legacy through intention and independence • The importance of using every tool in your toolboxThis isn’t just about his career — it’s about mindset, manhood, a strong mental, and making it on your own terms.🎙 Hosted by Hawaii Mike @hwmk🎬 Produced by: Hawaii Mike, Cynical Smith & Zenobia Simmons✂️ Edited by: @GeneralSteele🎵 Music by: @BudaDaFuture📍 Filmed at Fly Private Social in Brooklyn by Bucktown USA Productions.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:What part of Torae’s story hit home for you?📲 Follow Torae: @Torae🔗 Follow Mask Off: @maskoffpodFollow @hwmk#MaskOffPod #Torae #HipHop #Brooklyn #MentalHealthAwareness #KnowledgeofSelfisthekey #FlyPrivateSocial #SelfMastery 0:00 - Intro1:06 - Coney Island, the foundation 4:44 - I’m not gonna be in the starting line up 6:24 - Getting schooled 9:46 - got my first producer at Mcdonalds11:41 - DJ premier, DJ Clark Kent and rapping for my life16:24 - Maxing out my credit card pressing vinyl 18:40 - I would stand outside of Hot 9722:44 - Running with Cam’ron and Jim Jones28:33 - learning how to make records with DJ Clark Kent33:39 - First tour I ever went on38:35 - unprotected sex = Kids42:28 - I’ma deliver pizzas on the way to the studio 46:11 - The Hustlers on my block 51:18 - Who the F doesn’t want to be paid? 55:11 - Fat Beats changed my life1:01:33 - Working with LL Cool J1:04:40 - Always take the meeting 1:09:57 - Relationships are key1:14:30 - Dedication to the craft1:17:58 - The most beautifullest sh!t in the world

This  episode of Mask Off "Hawaii" Mike kicks it with a friend fro 15+ years, a DJ who plays not only top nightclubs but A-List events including the annual Oscars afterparty, the homie DJ M.O.S.  We take it back to his childhood, growing up in the United Nations, the influence of @djsussone, traveling the world, finding his soulmate @kissthedeejay through DJ lessons, and how he takes time out of his busy schedule for self-care through meditation and cheffing it up in the kitchen.  All you have to do is press play...

This weeks episode features someone who's name you might not off top but you definitely know his strains Gelato and Sunset Sherbert as they and his brand Sherbinskis have been name dropped in over 200 songs.  We talk growing up in Cali, moving on his own and finding his way to growing cannabis, working with the Cookies fam, dealing with PTSD, and using the plants healing properties to help his brother. On top of being one the illest grows, he's a pretty fly cat and his brand is being touted as the Louis Vuitton of cannabis.  The man, the myth, the soon to be legend, Mr. Sherbinski himself Mario Guzman.

This week's episode features one of Boston's, well Worcester if we're being specific, most respected gentlemen in the world of kicks, streetwear and music. Frank "The Butcher" Rivera is a one-of-a-kind type guy who I met through the fashion industry way back when I had my magazine LTD, he's a G, so it's always good to kick it and catch up. We go back into his early days to hear about his formative years, family life, marrying his high school sweetheart, the loss of his brother, blessings in disguise, Concepts, Reebok, and, we even snuck meditation in. 

This episodes guest is a major inspiration for me having the courage to do this podcast. His positive words, vibes, and motivation through action are infectious. He is a master at his craft, which is living life to the fullest, and getting paid for it. He's traveled the world doing what he loves by being nothing more than his best self, and if he could, he would teach the world to do the same by following their passions. We got to kick it on his last trip to NY and he shared his story, check out how Kenny Burns became the Lifestyle Specialist...  Follow us: @maskoffpod Hosted by: @hwmk  Kenny Burns Website: Studio 43 IG: @kennyburns Twitter: @kennyburns INTRIGUING. INFLUENCER. OUTSTANDING. EXCEPTIONAL. CRUCIAL. THE DREAM IS REAL. These words only scratch the surface of who Kenny Burns is. The list of outstanding accomplishments goes on and on, including work across various fields such as music, fashion, lifestyle marketing, television and radio. Kenny Burns always knew he was destined for great things. He enrolled at Morris Brown College in Atlanta one year after graduating high school.  Rightfully dubbed “The Lifestyle Specialist,” Kenny Burns is the modern day Robin Leach. His influence can be felt across the Entertainment Industry and his ability to inspire and influence change is undeniable. Rising to every occasion and surpassing all goals and expectations has been his objective since the start of his career, and through his hard work and dedication, Kenny Burns has proved that what you dream you can achieve! 90's: 2620 Music, known for introducing some of the biggest acts in hiphop history to the Atlanta market in the mid 90’s. This included superstars such as the late Notorious B.I.G. and the living hip-hop legend, Jay Z. Promoted R&B singer Monica’s debut album Miss Thang and Jay Zʼs highly acclaimed Reasonable Doubt. Orchestrated the double platinum girl group, Dream. Instrumental in helping them secure one of the highest debuts for a girl group, coming in at #2 on the Billboard charts, second only to the Spice Girls. Served as Vice President at Mariah Carey’s Monarch Music and at Roc-A-Fella Records. 00's: Launched Ryan Kenny, the 2nd African American designed and owned apparel line sold in Saks Fifth Avenue. Gained exposure to the masses when pieces from the line appeared in Jay Z’s music video for “Change Clothes.” Worked with global brands such as AXE, Heineken, and Belvedere/MH USA. Launched The Kenny Burns Show (TKBS) + morning show fill in at #1 Urban radio station in the country - Atlanta’s V-103. The mic brought him to back hosting high profile events for AG Entertainment.  10's: Greg Goose taps him, his roles ranged from National Brand Ambassador, to talent procurement and event execution, to launching and starring in a nationally televised campaign for Grey Goose Cherry Noir featuring DJ A-Trak, Neon Hitch and others. Creation of his documentary, B.U.R.N.S (Be Ultimately Realistic and Never Sellout).  Kenny had the honor of premiering B.U.R.N.S at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami. In October of 2013, Kenny released his first book entitled, The Dream Is Real. This is considered his most thoughtful project to date. The book goes beyond B.U.R.N.S and details his life story and his belief that success is defined solely by you and your body of work. Kenny joined Combs Enterprises, the entrepreneurial arm for entertainment mogul, Sean Combs. Serving as Senior Vice President of Brand Development, Kenny worked with CÎROC Vodka, Bad Boy, REVOLT TV, AquaHydrate and DeLeón Tequila. 

You all know his work, I mean Jonathan Mannion is a legend behind the lens who has been documenting the culture for more than two decades. We moved to NYC around the same time and met through hip hop. Over the years we became friends and even worked together for stretch. We've seen and been through a lot so it was great to sit, kick it, and learn more about the cloth he's cut from. Oh, we talk a lot, had to break it into two parts.

Just Blaze is one of the best producers in the game. Someone I connected with in the late 90s and remained friends since. We may not see each other regularly but if he, or I, ever need anything, we're always there. For instance, when I launched my first website fo LTD magazine, he blessed me with the never released instrumental to Jay Z's "PSA", that's love. Though he was super tired, peep why, he came through to chop it up for a few before almost falling asleep while talking.

You know the saying "if you do something you love you'll never work a day in your life"? Well my guest for this episode is the epitome of that. He's one of those rare people who never seems bothered, gets everything he needs, and he's not just cool with, he's respected by, everyone. That's not easy to do. I wanted to find out where DJ Clark Kent found his unwavering confidence, his love for music and his desire to always be F-R-E-S-H so we we kicked it for a few, check it out.