Did you develop a new appreciation for sand sculpture or were you always a fan?

I absolutely appreciate sand sculptures. I knew nothing about sand sculptures. Absolutely nothing. And I was enthralled by, you know, the art at the end of the day.

What’s the strangest thing that happened?

Probably the tide coming in. Like you’re standing on the beach and, you know, within a few hours you’re swimming.

What did you find challenging about your job as host?

Timing, you have to respect your producers, to respect your writers. And you have to deliver your lines not only in the race against the tide and before the sand sculptors finish their work. You have to deliver your lines before you drown.

Did you learn any new skills?

Another thing that was challenging, too, was telling the sculptors who lost to pack up their stuff and get off the beach. Right? That’s hard to do. I could never do anything like that. I want to say, let’s go down and grab fish and chips and a beer. But I got to be serious and be like, yo, pack your tools.

Did you try making a sand sculpture?

Absolutely not.

What was your first job in Toronto?

My first job went to Burger King: $2.65 an hour. Scarborough.

What was the best meal you’ve eaten in the city?

Probably my mom and my dad’s home cooking. Curry chicken, roti. They’re a team. You know, the dynamic duo, when it comes to cooking. And when it comes time to make an apple pie, Dad does the apples, Mom does the pastry. Oh my goodness.

What’s hanging above your couch?

I got a nice painting from Jamaica.

Is there one thing you have multiple versions of?

Maybe versions of my sweatsuits. You know, I got the red joint, the black joint, the burgundy joint, all kinds of different versions.

What’s your most prized possession?

I think family.

What talent would you most like to have?

Maybe if I could play basketball better, because my son always says, “Dad, you’re a rapper, not a Raptor.”

What’s the last thing you made with your hands?

Definitely not a sandcastle.

If you could live in any Toronto neighbourhood, where would it be?

Scarborough.

How do you get out of a creative rut?

Take a break. It’ll come back to ya. And I’m drinking chaga tea these days. It’s very good for your cognitive skills and your cognitive health. I highly recommend it.

What’s the worst piece of career advice you’ve received?

You know, you can’t just work on music. You got to work on the business too. When I say that, I think everything, heavy things that I’ve learned, you know, come into fruition. Just continue trying to grow as opposed to just do one specific thing.

What living person do you most admire?

Probably my son. He’s a good dude.

Does he have an interest in music?

Music? Nah. He has an interest in video games like any other 13-year-old.

What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

Some fish and chips and a beer, man. You know what I’m saying?

What is your desert island album?

Maybe my Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On, or maybe Public Enemy, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.

And what’s next for Maestro Fresh Wes?

Well, I’m very excited to be on Race Against the Tide, so hopefully season three.