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

These new shorter episodes are me opening up and being vulnerable. Sharing the journey to find my purpose through love, gratitude and the life's journey of self-discovery. The path is through the resistance, finding authenticity and being of service to community. "Life is a solo journey we can't do alone!"Try this exercise out: Michael Smoak The Guide to Planning Your Life in 2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtXALK5UWqg

Trying something new: solo episodes.

From intern to award winning radio host, Angela Yee reflects on her career journey, discussing pivotal moments that shaped her path in radio and entrepreneurship. She discusses her early influences, career aspirations, including her experiences with Wu-Tang, D'Angelo, and her transitions into management, freelancing and radio. We talk the importance of taking risks, creating platforms for women, and navigating the challenges of being a female voice in a male-dominated industry. Angela emphasizes the significance of mental health, self-care, and building multiple income streams through real estate investments. She offers valuable advice for aspiring women in radio and highlights her future aspirations, including her latest projects and book recommendations.🎙 Hosted by: Hawaii Mike @hwmk🎬 Produced by: Hawaii Mike, Cynical Smith & Zenobia Simmons✂️ Edited by: General Steele🎵 Music by: Buda📍 Recorded 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

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 episode 25 of Mask Off, host Hawaii Mike engages in a deep and reflective conversation with Mecc Rashawn, a prominent figure in the hip hop industry. They explore Mecc’s early life in South Jamaica, Queens, his discovery of Hip Hop and the significant influence of family dynamics on his personal and professional journey. The discussion delves into the challenges of independence, the lessons learned from parents and the impact of education on career choices. Mr. Mecc shares his experiences at The Source magazine, the struggles with imposter syndrome, and the importance of finding one's voice in writing. This conversation is a rich tapestry of life lessons, cultural insights, and the transformative power of music. In this conversation, the speakers explore the journey of self-discovery, the evolution of the music industry, and keeping integrity in journalism. They discuss their aspirations, the challenges faced in their careers, and the significance of finding one's voice. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between gratitude for past achievements and the relentless pursuit of future potential, culminating in a commitment to 'dying empty' by fully utilizing one's gifts and opportunities.🎙 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 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.

Hawaii Mike linked up with Premium Pete to talk fatherhood, emotional evolution, and finding purpose through pain.Known for his work with Combat Jack and his own Premium Pete Show, Pete shares how becoming a father—and later choosing to go to therapy—completely reshaped how he sees the world and himself. From growing up in Brooklyn to building a voice in Hip Hop culture, Pete opens up about what it means to do the real work, not for clout—but for legacy.Premium Pete talks about going to therapy to break generational cycles, learning how to truly listen (not just respond), and what it means to be a present father in a world full of distractions.He reflects on his friendships with Combat Jack and Dallas Penn, the evolution of podcasting and how Hip Hop gave him connection and community. Whether it’s showing up for his kids or staying grounded through loss, Pete keeps it 100 about what growth really looks like for men.This is his story, with the Mask Off.🎙 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.#MaskOffwithHawaiiMike  #MentalHealthAwareness #PresenceoverPresents

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

From being the overlooked kid in Youngstown, Ohio to becoming a celebrated DJ, entrepreneur, and father, MICK (formerly Mick Boogie) joins Hawaii Mike for a revealing convo on identity, transformation and the mental health awareness.  They dive into what it means to wear masks in public and in private, the power of embracing your past and how curation and creativity can change your life. Episode Highlights:- The story behind changing his name from “Mickey” to MICK and building a brand- Lessons from DJing in Cleveland and why your limitations can define your sound- The emotional weight of being introverted in an extroverted industry- A dumpster, a drugstore, and what it taught him about identity and self-worth- Full-circle moments with De La Soul and the photo that sums up his whole career- Why giving others grace is a form of mental health preservationThis one’s for the misfits, the late bloomers, and anyone learning to own who they are.🎙 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 Mick @MICK

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 bea

In the Season 3 debut episode ofThe 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 and culture carrier — 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 seize opportunities   •   Building legacy through intention and independence   •   The importance of using every tool in your toolboxThis ain’t just about music — it’s about mindset, manhood, mental fortitude, and making it on your own terms.🎙 Hosted by Hawaii Mike @hwmk📍 Filmed at Fly Private Social in Brooklyn💭 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations at the intersection of life, mental health, and Hip Hop culture.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:What part of Torae’s story hit home for you?🔗 Follow Hawaii Mike: @hwmk🔗 Follow Torae: @Torae🔗 Follow Mask Off: @maskoffpod#MaskOffPod #Torae #HipHop #Brooklyn #MentalHealthAwareness #KnowledgeofSelfisthekey #FlyPrivateSocial #SelfMastery

On this week’s episode “Hawaii” Mike has a conversation with a man who just became the 17th pitcher, and only 3rd lefty, to strike out 3,000 batters. He’s a six-time all-star, the 2007 Cy Young Award winner, 2009 ALCS MVP, 2009 World Series Champion, a New York Yankee, he is CC Sabathia!  CC talks growing up in the Crest (Vallejo, CA), how he wouldn’t trade his childhood, always being called on for the “big games”, his anxiety (not about baseball), putting his life before baseball, taking the bad with the good, and what that 2009 World Series run was like. Tune in, like, share with your people. One…

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...

The Bronx is in the house as we have my man Buda Da Future on this week’s episode. We talk growing up with parents who were heavy into street sales, his apartment being “the spot”, the influence of The Chronic, first time in the studio with Amadeus and Young Guru, placing his first beat with 50 Cent and finding the positive in every situation, including the loss of his mother. You never know what will be revealed when you take the Mask Off…

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.

In this episode we get into the life of a young man by the name of Mack Wilds. You were first introduced to him as Tristan when he played Michael on The Wire. The native New Yorker, one of Shaolin's finest, gives us some insight into his life's journey, growing up around his pops barber shop, staying out of the streets, how he met wu-tang, Method Man breaking character on set, his greatest achievement, 90210 and more. Press play, listen, rate and share with your people.

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.

For this episode, we're calling it the Prequel, I felt it would be a good idea to give listeners insight into who I am. What's my life story, relationship with mental health and how hip hop culture has influenced me, basically, we turned the tables, and Kenny Burns interviewed me. We get into everything from where I was born, my real name and why I changed it to Michael, being Vegan and hating it and learning how to cook chicken at 9. Selling weed, road managing Mobb Deep, working at the Source Magazine and running Benzino's Record label. I could keep going but probably better for you to listen for yourself.

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, h

Pt 2 with the top shotta. 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. ——-———————————————————————————- Jonathan Mannion is one of the country’s most acclaimed portrait photographers and a singular sensation within the world of hip-hop. His 25-year career includes over of 300 album covers ranging from Jay-Z to Aaliyah to D.J. Khaled, notable advertising campaigns including Beats by Dre's “Straight Outta _____”, Cadillac, and Bushmills, and editorial work for The Fader, Vibe Magazine, and Complex. Jonathan has photographed over 500 of the most important rappers, actors, athletes, artists, designers, and tastemakers of his era. Follow: @jonathanmannion View: JonathanMannion.com Host: @hwmk

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.

I met Greg when his "Mr." movement was just poppin off and he was looking for a manager at the same time I was thining about not being a manager anymore. He went through a big break up almost two years ago and has since started Chapter II which has taken off. We caught up to talk about his journey from high school drop out to Floyd Mayweather's go to guy in the Diamond District.

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.

Where do you start with someone like Lenny? He's a integral part of the RocaFella/Rocnation family, arguably the most influential team in hip hop. Yet, he's one of the most genuine, humble people you will ever meet, especially with his pedigree. But most of us, including myself only know him from being at the Roc, listen in as he shares where he came from, how he got his start and Jay and Biggs shutting him down.

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.

I am super happy I was able to sit with BK for this conversation. Though we've only known each for about 3-4 years, we tend to end up in deep conversations about life, current events, and being entrepreneurs, so I knew we would have great content for this podcast. If you're not familiar with BK, he paints the truth of what he sees in our society and brings it to life through his brush strokes which he layers with color, symbolism, and messaging. You should check him out: http://www.bktheartist.com.

This is my friend Bernard Freeman. We met in the music biz while I was at The Source magazine and he was in a group you may have heard of: UGK. I was, and am still, cool with a lot of recording artists but this friendship wasn’t just the industry, we became true friends in real life. Friends to the extent that when we both hit low points in our lives we confided in each other. We had the “you too?” moment where I’m looking at him as legendary rapper Bun B, the underground king, the Trill OG and he’s looking at me as a successful entrepreneur and family man. We both, like most of us do with our friends, assumed the other had it made, wrong. We shared our struggles, our emotions, asked each other for help, and by doing so, it showed us we are not the only ones that go through it, and it’s ok. The original plan for this podcast was to have it hosted by two people, myself and Bun. If we could open up about our life’s journey, be a positive example of friends communicating maybe we could inspire others to do the same. But life happens and the course changes, he focused on recording his album (make sure you cop Return of the Trill) and I stayed on course to bring you this podcast. Both were things that each needed to accomplish and have now brought us back together to do this episode. I had a blast getting to know my friend a little better, who knows, maybe we’ll still do a show together, for now tune in, listen, like, share, comment on MASK OFF EPISODE 6: Bun B.

For the many years I have known Touré, his ability to be himself, unapologetically comfortable in his own skin, has been something I have always admired. No matter if it was hip-hop, political figures, twitter quarrels, or anything stacked against him, he would hold his ground with pure conviction. Since doing this conversation, like the others, I have taken something from it that I am working on for myself and putting in my personal life toolbox. Hopefully, you will too.

I’ve been lucky enough to meet and become friends with a lot people that are, through their profession, sometimes larger than life. This episodes guest Victor Cruz is one of those people. Although we’ve known each other for several years, what I didn’t know, was his back story. H he got to be the person I met, what his life was like growing up and the things that shaped the person he is today.

This episodes guest is Wayne Clark aka Wayno. Wayno and I met, and became friends, through a client project I hired him for. Through that, and working with him and Dave East on a music project, we became friends and have learned a lot from each other. I truly admire his desire to help and motivate those not just around him, but also through social media where he drops motivational gems on the daily. Kick back, take a listen and you'll see why I appreciate having this guy in my life.

Back with Pt 2 with Marvin Jones III aka Krondon. He lays it all out, from South Central to Hollywood, Def Jam to the becoming Krondon and more, check it out. Follow us on social media: @maskoffpod

Mask Off Episode 2 features Marvin Jones III aka Krondon. Growing up in south central LA with Albinism presents challenges most of us would not see the positive in this but my guy self-described "habitual odd defyer" who see it as a gift. Listen to Part 1, "I never looked back" to hear how he gets started on his life's path. The Mask Off podcast features candid conversations with friends about life, self-awareness, and mental health. My friends just happened to be successful individuals from the worlds of art, music, entertainment, sports, fashion, and media. Follow us at @maskoffpod

This is episode 1 of the Mask Off podcast hosted by Hawaii Mike. Mask Off will delve into deep conversations with successful people in entertainment, sports, fashion, art, business, and media, along with experts in the field, to share their personal stories, breakthroughs, and tips on maintaining good mental health. For the premiere episode, we thought a group discussion would be a great way to open up the dialogue. Our guests range in age (20s-40s), careers and race but all can relate to each others' journey.