In this powerful conversation, Mellow Man Ace takes us from his early roots as a Cuban immigrant to becoming one of the first artists to carve out space for Latin voices in hip hop. Long before Latin hip hop had industry support or even a clear label, he was blending English and Spanish, street reality and romance, Afro-Caribbean rhythm and West Coast rap, creating a sound the mainstream didn’t yet know how to receive.

We talk about what it meant to be Afro-Latino in a genre still defining itself, and why Afro-Latinoism isn’t a trend but a lived history one shaped by migration, erasure, resilience, and pride. Mellow Man Ace reflects on navigating identity in an industry that often wanted him to choose one box, the cultural pushback he faced, and the quiet ways his work opened doors for future generations of Latin and Afro-Latin artists.

This episode is about more than music. It’s about authorship, visibility, and the right to exist fully, Black, Brown, bilingual, and unapologetic, within hip hop culture.

From Cuba to South Gate Los Angeles, from the margins to the mic, this is a conversation about legacy, truth, and reclaiming narrative in a genre built on voice.

Mellow Man on IG: / mellow_man_ace

Krooked Treez / krookedtreezofficial

Race Of Your Own : / raceofyourown

In this episode of Race of Your Own, Brian Friedman joins us for an honest conversation about building your own lane, redefining success, and leading with purpose. Brian shares insights on mindset, identity, and navigating pressure while staying true to your path. All while choreographing and working with artists like Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, PINK and many more. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or leader looking to take control of your journey, this interview will challenge how you think about success and ownership.

Topics include:

- Building a race of your own

- Identity, leadership, and mindset

- Redefining success on your terms

Subscribe for more interviews with leaders running their own race.

Follow Brian Friedman at : https://www.instagram.com/brianfriedman/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/@BrianFriedman

Follow Race Of Your Own: https://www.youtube.com/@UCxF4L7oFRWvFl4G0ru5GRuQ https://www.instagram.com/raceofyourown/

Listen On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3YOHILgy0h1UYSmd72Knaz

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/race-of-your-own/id1773612135

In this episode sit down with Chris Denson he talks about his monthly men's group called "Personal Innovation Studio" and we have a wide-ranging conversation about the loneliness epidemic, the future of better farming, and how race, food, and community are more connected than we often realize. As society becomes more disconnected, we explore how local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and intentional community-building can help restore human connection and collective well-being. Chris shares insights on cultural identity, systemic challenges, and why rethinking how we grow food might also be key to healing social isolation. This episode challenges listeners to see farming not just as food production, but as a powerful tool for rebuilding trust, belonging, and resilience in modern life. If you’re interested in conversations about race, culture, food systems, and the social fabric of our communities, this episode offers an honest, forward-thinking perspective on where we are—and where we could be headed. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful insights and industry conversations.

A Race of your Own IG : /@raceofyourown

Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com

Chris Denson https://www.chrisdenson.co/ https://www.instagram.com/densonology

Don't forget to subscribe. Thank you for tuning in.

Listen also on: Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3yohilgy0h1uysmd72knaz

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/race-of-your-own/id1773612135

Subscribe to our Substack: https://raceofyourown.substack.com/

Post from Hispanic Heritage Month

Just a recap of what I have realized this past year after doing this podcast. Also talk about how I think maybe "Hip hop" is in it's "Healing Era." Just some reflections on what I've noticed and experienced this past year. #thereckoning #podcast #heavyd #raceofyourown

In this episode of Race of Your Own, Brian Friedman joins us for an honest conversation about building your own lane, redefining success, and leading with purpose. Brian shares insights on mindset, identity, and navigating pressure while staying true to your path. All while choreographing and working with artists like Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, PINK and many more. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or leader looking to take control of your journey, this interview will challenge how you think about success and ownership. Topics include:

• Building a race of your own
• Identity, leadership, and mindset
• Redefining success on your terms

Subscribe for more interviews with leaders running their own race.

Follow Brian Friedman at : https://www.instagram.com/brianfriedm...

/ @brianfriedman

Follow Race Of Your Own: / @raceofyourown

/ raceofyourown

In this episode sit down with Chris Denson he talks about his monthly men's group called "Personal Innovation Studio" and we have a wide-ranging conversation about the loneliness epidemic, the future of better farming, and how race, food, and community are more connected than we often realize. As society becomes more disconnected, we explore how local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and intentional community-building can help restore human connection and collective well-being. Chris shares insights on cultural identity, systemic challenges, and why rethinking how we grow food might also be key to healing social isolation. This episode challenges listeners to see farming not just as food production, but as a powerful tool for rebuilding trust, belonging, and resilience in modern life. If you’re interested in conversations about race, culture, food systems, and the social fabric of our communities, this episode offers an honest, forward-thinking perspective on where we are—and where we could be headed. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful insights and industry conversations.

A Race of your Own IG : /@raceofyourown TT: / @raceofyourown

Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com

Chris Denson https://www.chrisdenson.co/

/ densonology

Don't forget to subscribe.

Thank you for tuning in.

Listen also on:

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3yohilgy0h1uysmd72knaz

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Subscribe to our Substack: https://raceofyourown.substack.com/

2026 Hispanic heritage Month episode.

Just a recap of what I have realized this past year after doing this podcast. Also talk about how I think maybe "Hip hop" is in it's "Healing Era." Just some reflections on what I've noticed and experienced this past year. #thereckoning #podcast #heavyd #dontstop #raceofyourown

In this episode, Talent Agent & Agency Owner Jared Pascoe breaks down what every actor and performer needs to know as AI rapidly transforms the entertainment industry. From digital doubles to voice cloning, Jared reveals the hidden risks, the protections performers must demand, and why human talent still matters more than ever. If you’re an actor, creator, or anyone navigating the future of tv & film, this conversation is your wake-up call. *Highlights:

• The biggest threats AI poses to performers
• How actors can protect their likeness, voice & identity
• Why the human element will never be replaced

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful insights and industry conversations.