Mask Off Ep 13: Kenny Burns

Mask Off Ep 13: Kenny Burns

Author: Hawaii Mike January 3, 2019 Duration: 1:11:13

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. 


Hosted by Hawaii Mike, Mask Off with Hawaii Mike exists at a vital crossroads where daily life, mental well-being, and the powerful influence of Hip-Hop culture meet. The conversation around mental health remains particularly difficult in many communities, a reality Mike understands firsthand after navigating his own unexpected struggle with depression. His decision to speak openly about it revealed a shared, often silent, experience among many. This podcast builds on that moment, creating a space where those unspoken stories can finally be heard. Each episode uses the raw honesty, lyrical depth, and resilience found in Hip-Hop as a lens to examine our inner lives. You’ll hear candid discussions that strip away the stigma, moving beyond statistics to the personal truths of getting through the day. The aim is to foster a genuine cultural shift, one honest conversation at a time. By blending personal narrative with broader cultural commentary, this podcast offers both solidarity and practical perspective for anyone who has ever felt the need to hide their struggles. Tune in for a series that is as much about finding strength in community and art as it is about confronting difficult topics head-on.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 33

Mask Off with Hawaii Mike: The intersection of life, mental health and Hip-Hop culture.
Podcast Episodes
Mask off with Hawaii Mike #29: Do you want to find your purpose? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:15
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 auth…
Mask Off with Hawaii Mike ep. #27: Angela Yee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:23
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, i…
Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #26: A-Trak [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:19
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…
Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #25: Mecc Rashawn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:48
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 discov…
Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #24: DJ Spinna [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:23
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 expe…
Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #23: Premium Pete [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48:05
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 l…
Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #22: General Steele [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15:28
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 durin…
Mask Off with Hawaii Mike episode #21: MICK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:13
From being the overlooked kid in Youngstown, Ohio to becoming a celebrated DJ, entrepreneur, and father, MICK (formerly Mick Boogie) joins Hawaii Mike for a revealing convo on identity, transformation and the mental heal…
MASK OFF Ep 20: TORAE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:54
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…