Between 2022 and 2024, after decades of building his rap career, John Brown the Rapper decided to sharpen his already formidable pen at Pendulum Ink– a rigorous, almost mythic training ground for lyricists led by Mickey Factz and a rotating cast of elite emcees. Often described as the X-Men school for lyricism, the online academy helped Brown hone his craft, which finds its fullest expression on Waxing In Mecca, his full-length collaborative album with legendary Brooklyn production duo Da Beatminerz. Waxing In Mecca is both statement and philosophy. The title is a nod to the phrase “waxing poetic”, the act of delivering dense, elevated lyricism. The album was written and recorded in Harlem, a cultural mecca of NYC. The album title also reframes the idea of boom bap’s relevance, asserting that rather than waning, the sound is in a constant state of growth, expanding in complexity and impact, shining brighter with each new generation of artists committed to the craft. Sonically cohesive yet thematically expansive, Waxing In Mecca moves from deeply personal narratives like love and parent-induced trauma, to expansive conceptual ideas like quantum physics and social commentary. Anchored by meticulous songwriting and a clear artistic vision, the album doesn’t chase trends—it builds worlds, rewarding listeners who return again and again to uncover new layers.