Ninetoes

Ninetoes, the alias of German producer Özgür Yelmen, represents a unique bridge between the worlds of hip-hop craftsmanship and global house music dominance. Emerging from Stuttgart's vibrant scene, Yelmen spent over fifteen years as a hip-hop producer before pivoting to electronic music.

This background is the secret weapon of his sound identity; he applies a crate-digger's ear for samples and a beat-maker's sense of swing to the 4/4 grid. His 2013 breakout hit 'Finder' remains one of the most influential house tracks of the decade, famous for its use of a Caribbean-influenced mallet sample that redefined the 'Ibiza sound' for a new generation. His career arc has seen him move from a 'one-to-watch' breakout to a staple of elite labels like Saved and Toolroom. Critically, he is respected for maintaining a high-fidelity, polished production standard while keeping the 'soul' and organic grit of his sample sources intact. He occupies a central position in the tech-house hierarchy, frequently championed by titans like Carl Cox and Luciano.