A night of sharp bars, heartfelt honesty, and unstoppable chemistry from a duo who make every show feel personal.
By Yuri Woodfall
Western Lead, Photojournalist — Sound Check Entertainment
Before the lights even dropped, Wax set the tone for the night in the most unexpected way — by walking through the crowd. No fanfare, no security buffer — just him weaving through fans, high-fiving, hugging, and saying hi to nearly everyone within reach. It wasn’t just a pre-show gesture; it was a mission statement. Wax was here with the people, not above them. By the time he finally climbed on stage beside DJ Hoppa, the room was already electric — a crowd that felt seen, connected, and ready to go wherever he wanted to take them.
Union Hall’s floor was packed shoulder-to-shoulder, the air thick with anticipation. The duo kicked off with “Two Wheels,” a perfect opener that revved the crowd to full throttle. Hoppa’s beats hit hard while Wax tore through verses like a man possessed. From there, they dove straight into “BWYH” and “Coins,” the seamless transitions and tight timing proving just how synced the two have become over years of collaboration. Their chemistry was effortless — Wax the fire, Hoppa the spark.
The next stretch — “LSD,” “Continue,” “Floatin’,” and “Don’t Need” — kept energy levels high while showing off Wax’s lyrical dexterity and Hoppa’s unmatched instinct for tempo. The set felt alive, improvised yet controlled. Each song bled into the next with a sense of purpose. Between tracks, Wax bantered with fans, cracked jokes, and shouted out the front row by name — that earlier walk through the crowd clearly wasn’t for show. It made the entire performance feel intimate, even in a venue that size.
Midway through, Wax grabbed a guitar and slowed everything down. The lights dimmed, and a hush fell. “When I’m Gone” hit like a confession — raw, emotional, and unguarded. “Outta My Mind,” “Limousine,” and “The Big One (Phone)” continued the stripped-down streak, showcasing the songwriter beneath the swagger. Every lyric landed like it came from someone who’s lived it twice — once in the moment, once in reflection.
Then Hoppa leaned over his decks, dropped a thunderous beat, and we were right back in motion. “Doin Damage” and “Push On” reignited the pit, Wax prowling the stage and shouting for everyone to move. “Music and Liquor” came next, a perfect anthem for the night — honest, funny, and self-aware. Then came “Shit I Used to Do,” which turned the floor into one giant sing-along, everyone rapping every word right back at him. By the time “Rosana” hit, it was chaos — joyous, nostalgic chaos. The entire hall became a chorus, people laughing mid-lyric, phones waving in the air. Wax looked overwhelmed in the best way.
He left for only a moment before Hoppa cued the unmistakable beat of “Red.” The room glowed crimson as Wax stormed back out for a final, fiery send-off. Every word hit like a closing argument: passion, humor, and humility wrapped in rhythm.
Wax and DJ Hoppa turned what could’ve been a straightforward rap set into something communal — a shared, sweaty, feel-everything kind of night. No flashy production, no over-the-top theatrics — just two pros running a clinic on how to connect with an audience.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Highlights: “When I’m Gone,” “Music and Liquor,” “Rosana,” “Red”
Moment of the Night: Wax hugging fans on his way to the stage — setting the tone for a performance that felt more like a reunion than a concert.
