by Evan Kramer
Unlike stereotypical hip-hop artists, Wax’s unique style fuses mellow acoustic guitar strokes with ‘feel good’ instrumentals. Separating him to a specific lane in the hip-hop genre is nearly impossible. Wax experiments with all kinds of instrumentals such as the slow and hazy “Music and Liquor”, to the fast pace ones like “Coins”.
Backstage at the Trocadero, I speak to Wax and ask him to explain his influences, “When my brother, Herbal T, and I were young we would see music everywhere, and it inspired us. Back when they used to play music videos on MTV we would watch that shit and it really made us want to pick up instruments.”
Anybody who listens to him can quickly realize that Wax’s originality jumps out at you. I ask Wax what he believes makes him unique, and he humbly admits, “I think I’m clever in my music,” I agree and he continues, “I feel like I’m a relatable guy to the common people. Anything that I go through could happen to anybody.” From my perspective, Wax does seem quick on his feet, and from judging his freestyles to songs, like “We Can’t All Be Heroes”, I would take his word for it.
Wax and Herbal T originate from Maryland, but currently reside in California. I assume the reasons for leaving were to be closer with EOM or Dumbfoundead, but in actuality Wax tells me, “Yes, I did live in Maryland. EOM is from Virginia though, but Dumbfoundead is from L.A. The reason I went to California was because I had a girlfriend out there, and I was moving in with her.” I crack a smile and nodded my head.
Recently, Wax released a new project entitled, Continue… . With such a broad title, I ask Wax what inspired him to create this album, “I don’t really know, man. It was just from going through shit, learning from mistakes and overcoming them.” This reminded me of a quote Wax said from his song “Feels Good,” which was, “Cheers to failure”, so I question him. “Oh yeah, man! That really does!” Wax says as he leans back on the chair. “It really is just from my past mistakes and situations, so yeah, that sums it up real good. You just got to continue on. Know what I’m saying?”
The album expresses personality, humor and is an awesome listen from beginning to end. Wax is true to his roots and understands what his fans want from him, both lyrically and production-wise. He is taking risks and hitting home runs with his music, while also giving rap a different sound.
The clock struck seven at Chinatown’s notorious Trocadero and fans of Wax began to enter the balcony bar. The sold out crowd was mostly composed of men and women in their mid-twenties. Wax is no stranger to Philadelphia crowds and sums up his love for them by saying, “If you listen to my podcasts, I’ve said that Philly fans are the some of the best fans around and I love performing for them.”
Everyone at the venue was overjoyed to be a part of Wax’s Dreamin’ Tour. I ask about his current tour and Wax says, “It’s going great! We got the Rams Head at Baltimore tomorrow, and then we’re going to North Carolina to play at the Greene Street Club. But yeah, it’s been fun. I really enjoy it, and seeing the fans.” The Philadelphia fans stand together on the floor and reminisce stories of the first time they heard his music. Wax is considered a friend through their eyes, rather than a prominent icon.
The silence on the stage is short-lived once the crowd is introduced to the opening performers, Mason and Voss. Mason hits the stage first, expressing a lot of energy alongside his talented drummer, who receives many compliments during pauses. After his performance, Voss appeares with his DJ and kills it as well. Throwing CDs to the audience, crowd surfing, and laying on the stage while trying to catch his breath makes the crowd fall in love with him. Both rappers give the people what they want- noise.
The hype at the Trocadero multiplies by a thousand each time a member of the band advances to the stage. The anxious fans constantly observe the dense room in hope of catching a glimpse of where Wax was entering. In no time, the guitar begins to shred and anticipation for Wax is at its pinnacle. Accompanied with EOM, Wax rushes to the stage giving out high-fives to his fans and receiving pats on the back. EOM takes position, while Wax seizes the stage microphone causing the crowd to roar.
The instruments synchronize as Wax opens up with “Get It In”, from his latest LP, Continue…. The song is a perfect introduction and has the crowd going wild. Wax exhibits great stage presence from interacting with his band and rapping out in the crowd. It is a vibe comparable to a rock concert. From the front to the back of the Trocadero, everybody is into the music. Up next is another song from the same LP, “Continue”. This track, completely opposite from the first, has fans more relaxed, while singing along to the catchy tune. Most are probably under the impression that Wax is solely performing new songs, but he incorporates popular songs from his two mixtapes, Scrublife and Eviction Notice, which makes long time fans extremely happy.
Wax executes every song with heart and soul, but in my opinion, the most memorable performances are “Coins,” “Limousine,” and “New Crack”. The “Coins” instrumental has the Trocadero shaking. The stage does not exist during this performance. Wax runs through the crowd and raps with fans who know the words verbatim. He even takes the cell phones of people recording and mimicks the music video for the song, which features Wax rapping to a revolving fish-eye camera.
Wax plants his microphone onto the stand, grabs his acoustic guitar and pulls the Iron Maiden guitar strap over his shoulder. The band plays the beat, “Limousine.” Wax’s acoustic guitar vibrations make the song, for me. It gives it a relaxing rhythm and I feel like I’m in a trance the entire song.
As the night is approaching an end, the crowd begins to cherish his presence even more. After inviting women on the stage for the song, “Rosana,” Wax disappears with only EOM staying on the stage. Everyone demands an encore, so EOM begins to play his beat “I’m The Best,” and the crowd throws their hands up. Wax returns and says, “I have a special guest for tonight. I texted him, and he should be in the crowd.” Without a doubt in anybody’s mind, it’s Koreatown rapper, Dumbfoundead, and they are going to perform the classic track, “Guess Who.” People yell for DFD and eyes wander around the room, but he is nowhere to be found. Although at first disappointed, Wax compensates by performing his song, “New Crack,” which is equally as promising to his loyal fans. The crowd is going insane and it’s clear they love it. Ironically, Wax finishes his show with, “New Crack,” the song that gave him his well-deserved buzz.
As a live performer, Wax has an unfathomable amount of energy. He performs to a point where I’m convinced that he’s going to faint. He gets absorbed into the music along with the entire crowd and treats the stage as if it’s his natural habitat. Wax is also fearless when it comes to interacting with fans and sometimes gives them a taste of the spotlight. The noise level between the instruments and Wax was perfect. I felt like I was listening through headphones. Overall, it was a very solid performance and next time Wax is touring in the area, I’ll definitely be there.
After the release of Continue…, I was questioning what Wax had plans for in the future or with future collaborations. “I’ll probably help my brother, Herbal T, with his next project, but as for future collaborations, I don’t really have anything in mind. I’ll still be with Herbal T, Dumbfoundead, Breezy Lovejoy, and EOM, though.” Wax is sticking with the same formula, and it seems to be working out perfectly. Who really knows what we will see in the future, but for one thing, Wax is just getting started.
