Michigan rapper Waldo has been making music for quite some time now, but the release of last month’s Be Ever Wonderful feels like the beginning of a new chapter for the young artist. In the past, aside from releasing his own solo efforts, the Grand Rapids native has been making music alongside his fellow AGO Music labelmates like Sango, TheSEVENth, and more for years. For Be Ever Wonderful, he keeps the spotlight on him with the continued support of Sango, Kaytranada, and others on production.
While Waldo continues to tour around the country to bring his new album to life for his supporters, he shares a brand new video today for the album's fourth track, "Inner Killer." The heavy-hitting single is matched with some fast-paced and eye-catching visuals directed by Uncle Luc. Along with the a new video, Waldo also shared his thoughts on his career's journey with us, and explained the creative process behind his latest album.
Watch the "Inner Killer" video above, and get familiar with Waldo below.
How was the recording process for Be Ever Wonderful different from your previous releases?
The recording process for Be Ever Wonderful was different from my previous releases because it was more organic on my behalf. I was able to take my time, write every record and choose the ones that made the album myself.
What's the inspiration behind the title and stories on Be Ever Wonderful?
The title Be Ever Wonderful was inspired by the Earth, Wind & Fire record “Be Ever Wonderful.” I felt the lyrics in that song spoke to me and defined where I was and where I am in my life. The stories I tell are a reflection of what I've been through in the process of creating this project—mentally and physically.
You often collaborate with other members of the AGO like Sango, The SEVENth, and Savon. What's it been like being part of this musical family? What are the collaborative creation processes like?
Being apart of musical family such as AGO is a blessing. They understand who I am and witness a lot of the content I speak about in these records which allows them to channel my energy when it is time to create.
You've been on tour for the last month, how does the crowd's reception differ in your hometown compared to the other cities you visit?
I've always received a lot of support from my hometown but as I travel I notice how much of an impact my music has on people. It's a humbling experience when I see how much people relate to me that I never known and haven't been where I've been.
The beats you tend to choose usually are both hard-hitting but soulful, what artists or people in your life would you say helped you acquire this taste?
The majority of my musical taste comes from my father. I grew up listening to music he would play around my brother and I like Cameo, Michael Jackson, A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Raphael Saadiq and many more soulful artist . As I got older I started trusting my own ear and listening to more hardcore hip-hop like Notorious B.I.G, 50 Cent, Kanye West and The Clipse. That overall enhanced my taste in music.
For listeners who might just be getting introduced to you, where should they start? What do you want them to know about you?
For those who are just discovering me and my music I would like them to know that nothing worth having comes overnight. I've been recording music with my AGO brothers for the past 10 years and we still have so far to go. Be Ever Wonderful is my seventh project but my drive makes me feel like it’s my first. Always put your best foot forward and keep believing.
