Mask Off: A podcast about life, mental health and hip hop culture.
By Mask Off Podcast
Mask Off: A podcast about life, mental health and hip hop culture.Jan 03, 2019
MASK OFF Ep. 19: CC Sabathia
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…
MASK OFF Ep. 18: DJ M.O.S.
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...
MASK OFF EP 17: Buda Da Future
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…
MASK OFF Ep 16: Mario "Mr. Sherbinski" Guzman
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.
MASK OFF Ep 15: Mack Wilds
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.
MASK OFF Ep 14: FRANK THE BUTCHER
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.
"Hawaii" Mike: The Prequel Episode Season 1.5
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.
Mask Off Ep 13: Kenny Burns
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.
MASK OFF EP 12: Jonathan Mannion (pt. 2)
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.
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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
MASK OFF Ep 12 Jonathan Mannion (Pt.1)
MASK OFF EP 11: Greg Yuna
MASK OFF Ep 10: Just Blaze
MASK Off EP 9: Lenny S.
MASK OFF Ep 8: DJ Clark Kent
MASK OFF Ep 7: BK The Artist
MASK OFF Ep 6: BUN B
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.
MASK OFF Ep 5: Touré
MASK OFF Ep 4 Victor Cruz
MASK OFF Ep 3 Wayno
MASK OFF EP 2 KRONDON (Pt 2 "Why not me?")
Follow us on social media: @maskoffpod
MASK OFF EP 2: KRONDON (Pt 1. "I never looked back")
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
MASK OFF EP 1: Kazeem Famuyide, Scottie Beam and Dao-Yi Chow
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.