Border security could not stop Michigan rapper Waldo from entering Canada and headlining the fourth edition of The Hustle inside Toronto’s The Piston.

G98.7’s New Media Coordinator, Ryan Chung, hosted the event, which was presented by The Academy and DJ Elaquent kept the crowd entertained on the turntables.

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Waldo, who is signed to the record label Soulection, gave a special treat for fans by performing for the first time “Any Day Now”, which features Tre Capital (son of Xzibit) and Like of Pac Div.

Produced by Gravez and DrewsThatDude, the song expands on the idea of overcoming social statistics and becoming established in the industry.

“I put my music first because it has kept me out so many messed up scenarios in life… Music has really changed my life for the positive.”

Dressed in a long-sleeved grey shirt and white sneakers, Waldo’s simplicity allowed the audience to focus on the content of the song and the passion in his delivery.

“I’m very passionate about what I do,” explains Waldo. “I put my music first because it has kept me out so many messed up scenarios in life… Music has really changed my life for the positive.”

The Hustle also marked a big night for Crossword, a Toronto-based rapper, who released his album XW. The process of writing, producing and releasing took over a year, he says, and he wanted to authentically show the different aspects of his personality.

“This is such a personal album for me,” says Crossword, with the brightest smile. “… If you had a conversation with me, it would sound like the album except the words wouldn’t rhyme.”

@MoreblessingTO

Moreblessing Munangwa is a fourth year Media Studies student pursuing a career in Journalism. From her humble beginnings at Rogers TV to being former Editor-in-Chief of Radix, the University of Guelph-Humber’s alumni newspaper, Munangwa has learned to continue pursing her passion for creativity. Writing has continued to be an outlet for her to spotlight community advocates, artists and entrepreneurs who often go unnoticed.

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