Wax, also known as Michael Jones, is a renowned American rapper celebrated for his sharp lyrics and versatile style. Hailing from Maryland, Wax gained fame in the underground hip-hop scene with his viral YouTube videos. His witty wordplay and insightful storytelling have earned him a dedicated fanbase. As part of the duo Wax & Herbal T, he continues to create innovative music, cementing his status as a respected figure in the rap industry. Wax brought his lyrical prowess to the Epic Rap Battles of History, where he portrayed various historical figures such as Quentin Tarantino, showcasing his talent to millions of viewers. Additionally, Wax teamed up with popular YouTuber Ray William Johnson in his musical comedy project Your Favorite Martian, where his charismatic flow and catchy verses contributed to the project's viral success, cementing his reputation as a versatile and skilled rapper in the digital realm.

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00:00:00 Intro

00:03:15 Adjusting to Parenthood as a Musician

00:06:35 The Relentless Reality of Parenthood

00:10:25 The Early Days of YouTube Rapping

00:13:52 Navigating the Algorithm's Impact on Content Visibility

00:17:25 Navigating YouTube's Intimidating Algorithm

00:20:57 Collaborating with Ray William Johnson on "Your Favorite Martian"

00:24:34 Balancing Music and Podcasting: Creative Processes

00:28:00 Navigating Podcast Appearances

00:31:21 Exploring the Concept of "The Wax Archives" on Spotify

00:34:36 Starting Fresh in the Music Industry

00:38:05 Meeting Snoop Dogg: A Surreal Experience

00:41:34 The Art of Vinyl Records and Brand Reinvention

00:45:40 Upcoming Album: Lifetime Achievement Award

00:48:26 Reflections on Achievement and Life Lessons

00:51:51 Director's Commentary and Bonus Content

00:55:23 The Creative Process: Challenges and Disagreements

00:58:27 The Impact of Recognition in the Music Industry

01:01:50 Coping with Loss and Work

01:05:12 The Performance Mentality of Social Media Generation

01:08:31 Balancing Career and Family as a Touring Musician

01:11:58 Navigating Grief and Emotional Strength

01:15:32 Processing Grief and Memories

01:18:43 The Song That Sparked a Discussion

01:22:05 The Art of Staying Ready

01:25:11 Challenging the "Get Rich or Die Trying" Mentality

01:28:51 Perspectives on War and Peace

01:32:11 Owning Up to Mistakes and Dealing with Guilt

01:35:39 Power Dynamics and Humanity's Nature

01:39:04 Navigating the Music Industry Challenges

01:42:30 New Album and Record Player Offer

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