Wax

L.A.-based rapper Wax first led the band MacGregor before stepping away to pursue solo work, initially sharing his videos on various online platforms. His sharp humor and smooth delivery quickly drew an audience large enough to catch the attention of Def Jam, resulting in a recording contract with the label in 2011. Creative differences over his artistic direction ended the arrangement the following year, yet Wax welcomed the shift to independence and turned to his existing online supporters to advance his career. The late-2012 release of his track “Rosana” proved pivotal, as the accompanying video reached one million views within three days. That song later appeared on his 2013 album Continue.