Wax Poetics, the legendary New York-born music journal known for its deep storytelling and dedication to record-collecting culture, has unveiled one of the most significant finds in pop history — an ultra-rare early Mariah Carey demo tape sourced from the personal archive of iconic producer Arthur Baker.
The auction opens on December 2nd at 3 PM ET and runs until December 11th, with fans and collectors able to bid exclusively via Wax Poetics.
A Priceless Piece of Pop History
Handed to Arthur Baker on the same night Mariah Carey was discovered, the cassette contains unreleased early recordings — raw performances that sparked the rise of one of the most celebrated voices in music. The demo tape, complete with Baker’s personal notes and a verified certificate of authenticity, marks a defining moment in Carey’s journey from aspiring vocalist to global superstar.
Wax Poetics also released a short film chronicling how Baker first met a young Mariah Carey at a New York Christmas party. After she handed him the tape, he took her to his studio that very night. Upon hearing her sing, Baker realised he had found a once-in-a-generation talent.
“I stick the cassette in and the first three songs are all hits and I’m thinking, holy shit, it’s Madonna meets Whitney,” Baker recalls. “She writes like Madonna, sounds like Whitney. This is it — I’ve discovered gold.”
Preserving Music History
Wax Poetics’ CEO Alex Bruh described the release as “one of the most sought-after items we’ve come across,” noting that it captures “the exact moment an era-defining artist was emerging, before the world knew her name.”
The release continues the publication’s transformation from a print journal — first launched in 2001 — into a premier, editorial-driven collectibles platform. Its mission blends archival storytelling with authenticated artist memorabilia, preserving music’s most pivotal moments for future generations.
This auction follows successful collaborations with icons including Bootsy Collins, Louie Vega, Don Blackman, and DāM-FunK, cementing Wax Poetics’ status as a trusted curator for collectors and fans alike.
Auction Details
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Preview Opens: November 11, 2025
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Bidding Window: December 2–11, 2025 (Closes 3 PM ET)
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Where to Bid: waxpoetics.com
About Wax Poetics
Founded in 2001, Wax Poetics has been a cornerstone of music journalism, delving into the stories behind records, artists, and collectors who shaped music culture. Today, it serves as a bridge between music storytelling and memorabilia, connecting artists and fans through authentic, historical items.
About Arthur Baker
Renowned for producing Afrika Bambaataa’s groundbreaking “Planet Rock,” Arthur Baker helped define the sound of electro-funk and early hip-hop. His innovative sampling and production techniques have influenced generations of producers. Baker continues to DJ internationally, hosts the Baker’s Revenge show on SiriusXM, and is currently working alongside Nas on a Broadway adaptation of the classic hip-hop film Beat Street.
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