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August 25, 2025 101 mins

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


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