Manila Meets the 6ix: Al James, O Side Mafia & Because Bring Street Heat to Toronto September 5
Three of the Philippines’ hottest hip-hop acts are bringing their street-certified sound to Canada’s music capital
Toronto’s hip-hop scene is about to get a serious injection of Manila street energy. On September 5th, three of the Philippines’ hottest acts roll into National Event Venue Space for what’s shaping up to be one hell of a show. Al James, O Side Mafia, and Because aren’t just crossing borders – they’re bringing an entire movement.
The Real Deal
This isn’t manufactured pop crossover bullshit. This is raw hip-hop born from Manila’s unforgiving streets. O Side Mafia – Costa Cashman, Gee Exclsv, and Madman Stan – made history as the first Filipino hip-hop act to top Billboard’s Philippines Songs Chart with “Get Low.” These cats started recording in dangerous locations where illegal activities went down, surviving on water and cigarettes.
“What we’re saying is real. That’s why when we perform, we really feel it because we’ve experienced what we’re talking about,” says Gee Exclsv.
Al James brings that smooth operator energy, while Because – fresh off his fifth album and newly signed to Lockd (the same management behind Al James) – represents the new wave of Filipino rap excellence.
Coast-to-Coast Takeover
The Toronto show caps off their Canadian invasion:
- August 23: Edmonton (Midway)
- August 29: Calgary (Polish Canadian Cultural Centre)
- August 30: Winnipeg (Cowboys Roadhouse)
- September 5: Toronto (National Event Venue Space)
When Costa Cashman describes their live shows and warns fans to bring towels and extra shirts because “you’ll see people let out their rage,” he’s not overselling – he’s preparing you for war.
Cultural Shift
With nearly 4 million monthly Spotify listeners and chart-topping hits, this isn’t just entertainment – it’s proof that hip-hop’s universal language transcends borders. Toronto’s scene, which birthed Drake and The Weeknd, recognizes authenticity. These artists deliver it in spades.
Their collaboration “Kunan Mong Pic” proved their chemistry isn’t forced – it’s organic, born from mutual respect and shared grind that only real ones understand.
Get Your Tickets Now
September 5, 2025 (Friday) | National Event Venue Space
Tickets are moving fast and for good reason. Don’t sleep on this – Toronto doesn’t get opportunities like this often.
Get tickets: blvckstarproduction.ticketspice.com/yyz-canada-tour-25
Pricing: GA $89 | VIP $120 | SVIP $150
Questions? Hit up the Toronto team:
Dreyz: +1 973-307-8461
Roland: 647-703-5280
Relly: 647-569-9002
Be there.
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