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