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

Hawaii Mike

Mental health is a taboo subject in Urban communities, yet 20-25% of people in America have a diagnosable mental health illness, and most go without treatment. I recently came out of a bout with depression I had no idea I was fighting. When I began sharing my story, I received a flood of responses from people who had similar experiences but never shared them with anyone. It’s time we shift the conversation and change the culture, Mask Off hosted by Hawaii Mike, is here to open the dialogue through life and mental health in our hip hop community and we invite you to join the conversation.

  1. Jan 28

    Mask off with Hawaii Mike #29: Do you want to find your purpose?

    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

    24 min

  2. Jan 23

    Mask Off with Hawaii Mike ep. #28: Finding my way

    Trying something new: solo episodes.

    17 min
  3. Mask Off with Hawaii Mike ep. #27: Angela Yee

    09/08/2025

    Mask Off with Hawaii Mike ep. #27: Angela Yee

    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

    1h 28m
  4. Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #26: A-Trak

    08/25/2025

    Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #26: A-Trak

    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

    1h 41m
  5. Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #25: Mecc Rashawn

    08/05/2025

    Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #25: Mecc Rashawn

    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.

    2h 4m
  6. Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #24: DJ Spinna

    07/21/2025

    Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #24: DJ Spinna

    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.

    1h 36m
  7. Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #23: Premium Pete

    06/24/2025

    Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #23: Premium Pete

    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

    1h 48m
  8. Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #22: General Steele

    06/04/2025

    Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #22: General Steele

    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

    2h 15m
See All (33)

4.7
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Mental health is a taboo subject in Urban communities, yet 20-25% of people in America have a diagnosable mental health illness, and most go without treatment. I recently came out of a bout with depression I had no idea I was fighting. When I began sharing my story, I received a flood of responses from people who had similar experiences but never shared them with anyone. It’s time we shift the conversation and change the culture, Mask Off hosted by Hawaii Mike, is here to open the dialogue through life and mental health in our hip hop community and we invite you to join the conversation.

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