9lives creates a sonic world that feels like the internet is breaking in the best way possible. It is a frantic, high-definition collision of underground rap and hyperactive electronic production. The sound is defined by its 'sigilkore' DNA: a mix of heavy, distorted basslines that rattle your chest and ethereal, almost ghostly melodies that float just above the noise. It is music that captures the restless energy of a generation raised on Discord servers and SoundCloud deep-dives.
What truly sets 9lives apart is the specific texture of the production. He manages to make digital degradation sound lush and intentional. Using bitcrushed effects, anime-inspired sound samples, and vocal manipulation that blurs the line between human and machine, he crafts an atmosphere that is simultaneously dark and playful. It is the sound of a 'final boss' encounter, full of tension and high-stakes momentum that never lets up.
For those new to the sound, starting with his collaborations with Odetari or the album '#exclusive' is the best move. These tracks highlight his ability to craft infectious, uptempo rhythms that bridge the gap between club music and underground trap. It is the perfect entry point into the chaotic, neon-lit landscape of modern sigilkore.
Maxwell Warren Jardine (born 10 March 2004), known professionally as 9lives, is a New Zealand record producer. Known for aiding in the popularisation of sigilkore, a mix of trap, hyperpop, cloud rap, and electronic music, he has released music collaborations with Odetari, Trippie Redd, Kanii, and Lil Nas X. 9lives has an RIAA certified Gold single "I Love You Hoe" with Odetari, and was named in Rolling Stone Australia's Future of Music, a celebration of the most exciting and innovative artists from Australia and New Zealand.
Shares cloud rap, trap, glitch (subgenres); processed, rap (vocal style)
Shares glitch, cloud rap, trap (subgenres); lo fi, layered dense (production style)
Shares cloud rap, trap, glitch (subgenres); lo fi, layered dense, noise textured (production style)
Shares trap, abstract hip-hop, glitch (subgenres); processed, rap (vocal style)
Shares cloud rap, trap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); urban night, basement show, midnight (atmosphere)
Shares cloud rap, trap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); mysterious, restless, brooding (moods)
Shares cloud rap, trap, glitch (subgenres); restless, mysterious, energetic (moods)
Shares cloud rap, trap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); urban night, basement show, stargazing (atmosphere)
Shares cloud rap, trap, glitch (subgenres); drum machine, keys/synth, sampler (instrumentation)
Shares cloud rap, trap, glitch (subgenres); processed, rap (vocal style)
Shares cloud rap, glitch, abstract hip-hop, trap (subgenre)
Shares glitch, abstract hip-hop, trap, midnight (subgenre)
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