65Waxx: Navigating Faith, Fame, and Los Angeles in Hip-Hop's New Era


A producer friend of mine, BATMANONTHEBEATZ would always mention a comrade of his that was one of the rarest rappers he'd ever heard. One day I would find out that that artist was 65Waxx. Growing up as the son of MC Ren, one-fifth of the iconic group that revolutionized hip-hop in the late 1980s, could easily have been overwhelming. NWA's impact on music and culture is immeasurable, and following in those footsteps might seem like an impossible task. Yet, 65Waxx has managed to do something remarkable—he's embraced his heritage while simultaneously breaking free from it. “I respect my father’s legacy, but I want to create my own lane,” he reflects. “I’m not trying to replicate what he did; I’m trying to innovate.”

What truly sets 65Waxx apart is not just his musical style, but the unique perspective he brings to his art. As a faithful Muslim growing up in the areas around Artesia Boulevard and Poppy Street—the same streets that shaped fellow artist Vince Staples—65Waxx has had to navigate a complex web of identities and expectations. “Living in that environment, you see both the darkness and the light. My faith keeps me grounded when everything else feels chaotic.” 

His upbringing in this environment has undoubtedly influenced his worldview and his music. The gritty realities of street life are present in his lyrics, but they're often juxtaposed with reflections on faith and personal growth. This tension between his environment and his beliefs creates a compelling narrative thread throughout his work. Being a celebrity's son added another layer of complexity to his journey. While his father's fame opened certain doors, it also brought intense scrutiny and expectations. 65Waxx has had to prove himself not just as an artist, but as an individual separate from his father's legacy.

His commitment to Islam has been a grounding force throughout these challenges. In an industry often associated with excess and materialism, 65Waxx's faith provides a unique perspective. His lyrics often touch on themes of spiritual struggle and growth, offering a refreshing counterpoint to mainstream hip-hop narratives. This multifaceted background is reflected in 65Waxx's unique approach to flow and lyricism. While his father was known for his aggressive, in-your-face style, 65Waxx takes a more introspective route. His verses are often delivered in a laid-back, almost conversational tone that belies the complexity of his wordplay.

While many might expect 65Waxx to be heavily influenced by the G-funk era of his father, his musical inspirations cast a much wider net. His style draws from various corners of hip-hop and beyond, creating something entirely his own. This eclectic mix of influences shines through in his production choices, creating a soundscape that's as unpredictable as it is engaging.

Despite his pedigree, 65Waxx has chosen to remain independent, releasing music through his own label, Waxx Records. This decision allows him complete creative control over his output, a luxury not afforded to many new artists. This independence has allowed him to experiment with his sound and release music at his own pace. It's a risky strategy in an age of constant content, but it's one that's paying off in terms of artistic growth and industry recognition.

On "Neverland," 65Waxx crafts a hazy dreamscape where memories float like smoke signals through atmospheric production. His narrative weaves between shadowy street corners and sunlit aspirations, painting vivid portraits of a life caught between past and future. Each bar feels like a brushstroke, carefully layering details of lost friends, late-night reflections, and the weight of expectations that comes with his legacy. The production creates a woozy, almost ethereal backdrop that allows his introspective lyrics to drift between concrete reality and something more surreal.

Throughout the project, 65Waxx demonstrates a keen eye for visual storytelling, transforming personal experiences into cinematic vignettes. The soundscape serves as a fluid canvas where tales of fallen friends mingle with meditations on success, creating a compelling tension between street narratives and broader ambitions. There's a spectral quality to how he navigates these themes, his flow adapting to the atmospheric beats like water finding its path through familiar streets, each verse carrying the gravity of lived experience while reaching toward something beyond the immediate horizon.

As 65Waxx continues to build his catalog and fanbase, the future looks bright for this second-generation artist. His ability to weave together narratives of street life, spiritual growth, and personal identity sets him apart. As he continues to evolve as an artist, one thing is certain—65Waxx is a name we'll be hearing for years to come, bringing a one-of-a-kind perspective that bridges the gap between old school and new, street life and spirituality, fame and personal authenticity. 

Follow him on Instagram to keep up with his latest updates.

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