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
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