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 industry

This 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 ⁠@MaskOffPod⁠

Follow Hawaii Mike ⁠@hwmk⁠

Follow 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:

This 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 @MaskOffPod

Follow Hawaii Mike @hwmk

Follow 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 toolbox

This 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: 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.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:

What part of Torae’s story hit home for you?

📲 Follow Torae: @Torae

🔗 Follow Mask Off: @maskoffpod

Follow @hwmk

#MaskOffPod #Torae #HipHop #Brooklyn #MentalHealthAwareness #KnowledgeofSelfisthekey #FlyPrivateSocial #SelfMastery 

0:00 - Intro

1:06 - 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 Mcdonalds

11:41 - DJ premier, DJ Clark Kent and rapping for my life

16:24 - Maxing out my credit card pressing vinyl 

18:40 - I would stand outside of Hot 97

22:44 - Running with Cam’ron and Jim Jones

28:33 - learning how to make records with DJ Clark Kent

33:39 - First tour I ever went on

38:35 - unprotected sex = Kids

42:28 - 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 life

1:01:33 - Working with LL Cool J

1:04:40 - Always take the meeting 

1:09:57 - Relationships are key

1:14:30 - Dedication to the craft

1:17:58 - The most beautifullest sh!t in the world

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 toolbox

This 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, 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. 

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