RAP fans have shared their disappointment after one of their favorite stars announced his retirement.
MOBO winner Nines, 34, has confirmed he is retiring from the music industry after a successful career spanning more than 10 years.
5
Rapper Nines has confirmed his retirementCredit: Getty
5
The musician took a bow with the last album and performance Credit: Getty
But there is good news.
The rapper has confirmed that he will release one last album and hit the road before saying goodbye for good.
His rep said in a statement: “British rap legend Nines has announced his monumental tenth project, Quit While You’re Ahead – his sixth and final album.
“Along with the album, Nines have confirmed news of their final headline show, which will take place at London’s iconic O2 Arena.
“This long-awaited performance will mark the final chapter of his illustrious career.”
Nines – real name Courtney Leon Freckleton – signed their first record deal in 2017.
His debut album One Foot Out reached number 4 in the UK charts.
Nines’ second album, Crop Circle, peaked at number five, but managed to reach number one with his third.
Crabs In A Bucket not only went to #1, but also earned him the 2020 MOBO Award for Album of the Year.
He also received the gong for Best Hip-Hop Performance at the event, which was hosted by Maya Jama and was held virtually due to the pandemic.
The big rapper reveals that he is expecting his third child after his divorce from the former soap star
Globally, Nines’ releases have had 100 million streams and his 2023 album, Crop Circle 2, became the UK’s most streamed album in its first week of release.
But it was not an easy road to success.
Nines – also known as Courtney – grew up with his two brothers in a run-down housing estate in London.
In 2008, his 25-year-old brother Wayne was killed in a gang attack while waiting for his cousin in a barber shop. Two were later imprisoned for his murder.
The way of nines to success
- Nines rose to fame with his mixtape Church Road To Hollywood in 2012. He grew up on the troubled Church Road estate in London.
- The following year he released the mixtape Gone Till November. It won the People’s Choice Award at the BBC 1Xtra Mixtape Awards.
- In 2015, Nines’ third mixtape release earned him a nomination for Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the MOBO Awards.
- In 2016, Nines signed to UK independent label XL Recordings.
- He released his debut album One Foot Out in 2017.
- In 2018, Nines released their second album, Crop Circle.
- Until 2020, the musician signed a contract with music giants Zino Records and Warner Records.
- The Nines’ third album, Crabs In A Bucket, won Album of the Year at the 2020 MOBO Awards. It also won Best Hip-Hop Artist.
- Last year Nines released the albums Crop Circle 2 and Crop Circle 3.
- Nines announced his retirement in September 2024. He will retire after his latest album and performance at the O2 Arena.
Nines was only 16 years old at the time and was already performing musically in his local area.
He continued to freestyle several songs on YouTube before releasing his first single, AJ’D OUT [JD SHUTDOWN]in 2011.
In the years that followed, the Nines released a series of mixtapes before making a big splash in the mainstream music world.
Nines has now released the first single from his album Quit While You’re Ahead titled Tony Soprano 3.
After sharing the clip on Instagram, one fan said: “I’m terrified this is going to be hard, but this is the last album of a generation.”
Another added, “When all is said and done, he will fail!”
Quit While You’re Ahead is out on September 27th and will play their final show at the O2 Arena on November 27th.
The rapper’s rep added: “Nines will retire at the height of their powers, leaving an indelible mark on both culture and the music industry.”
5
Nines won two MOBOs in 2020
5
The rapper’s latest album, Quit While You’re Ahead, is out this month
5
He will perform at the O2 Arena in NovemberCredit: Nines/Instagram
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education