Polished, unhurried UK rap that pairs cinematic soul samples with a cold, deadpan delivery. The sound of luxury and street grit colliding at 2 AM.
Nines sounds like the calmest person in a room full of chaos. His music is defined by a distinctively relaxed, almost conversational flow that never feels the need to rush or shout to get its point across. The production often leans into lush, soulful samples and melodic piano loops that provide a sophisticated backdrop to his gritty, street-oriented storytelling. It is a sound that feels expensive yet grounded, balancing the boastful energy of success with the somber reality of the environment he emerged from.
What makes Nines truly distinctive is his 'boss' persona, which is conveyed through restraint rather than aggression. While his peers might opt for high-energy drill or frantic grime, Nines stays in a mid-tempo pocket that emphasizes his lyrical authority. His use of cinematic skits and recurring 'Crop Circle' themes creates a cohesive world-building experience across his albums, making each project feel like a new chapter in a long-running crime drama.
To get the full experience, start with 'Crabs in a Bucket' or 'One Foot Out'. These projects perfectly capture his ability to blend high-end production with authentic road rap narratives. It is the ideal soundtrack for late-night drives or moments when you need to tap into a sense of quiet, unwavering confidence.
Courtney Freckleton (born 17 January 1990), known professionally as Nines, is a British former rapper. After releasing a string of mixtapes between 2012 and 2015, Nines signed to XL Recordings and released his debut album One Foot Out (2017), which charted at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. In 2018, his second album Crop Circle charted at number 5, and he topped the chart with his third album Crabs in a Bucket in 2020. In 2023 he released Crop Circle 2 and Crop Circle 3, which both charted at number 2, while Quit While You're Ahead reached number 4 in 2024.

Shares boom bap, gangsta rap, trap (subgenres); sample based, studio polished, analog warmth (production style)

Shares gangsta rap, boom bap (subgenres); sample based, studio polished, analog warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, gangsta rap, trap (subgenres); deadpan, baritone, rap (vocal style)

Shares boom bap, gangsta rap, trap (subgenres); sample based, studio polished, analog warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, gangsta rap, trap (subgenres); studio polished, sample based, analog warmth (production style)
Shares gangsta rap, boom bap (subgenres); analog warmth, sample based, studio polished (production style)
Shares boom bap, gangsta rap, trap (subgenres); sample based, studio polished, analog warmth (production style)
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