Joliet Rapper's 'Love of the Hustle' Leads Him to Success

It takes dedication and perseverance to make it as an entertainer. It’s a good thing Kias Cade loves it.

“It’s a lot of hard work, when it comes down to it,” said Cade, a frequent live performer whose newly released song “Love of the Hustle” touches on how he puts in the effort to succeed.

“We’re on the grind and that’s what it’s all about,” said rapper Joliet DOE, who will be appearing with Cade at Tiger O’Stylies in Berwyn Aug. 31. Cade also has appeared alongside DOE at shows in Joliet’s Mojoes, as well as other venues.

DOE is the co-CEO of Kouple Grand Entertainment and brought Cade aboard his label after meeting him at a studio in 2012.

“That’s the future of Kouple Grand,” DOE said of Cade.

Both men made it clear that the hustle they rap about is the hard work it takes to make money doing what they do.

“It’s not about selling drugs,” DOE said. “If you get up Monday through Friday, nine to five, that’s your hustle.”

His hustle, he said, is “Shows, merchandise, music.” And Cade’s is writing songs and performing.

An Alabama native, Cade calls Joliet his “second home.”

“Joliet is my second home and I love this place,” he said. “I see big things in Joliet that can be accomplished.”

Cade shows off his adopted hometown in his latest video, with scenes shot in Nowell Park, an alley behind Hunter Avenue and in Mojoes, but Alabama remains special to him.

“That’s where it all started,” he said.

“I always loved music, but I never thought I’d create my own before,” said Cade, who isn’t stopping now.

“I’m just really trying to stick to that,” he said, “and keep it on a positive note.”

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