Nines

Courtney Freckleton, better known as Nines, is a British rapper and songwriter from Harlesden, London. Born on January 17, 1990, he grew up in the Church End Estate, an environment that shaped much of his music, known for its raw storytelling and unfiltered depiction of street life.

Nines first made waves in the UK rap scene with his early mixtapes, including From Church Road to Hollywood (2011), Gone Till November (2013), and Loyal to the Soil (2014). His ability to paint vivid pictures of life in London’s streets quickly gained him a loyal following.

In 2017, he dropped his debut studio album, One Foot Out, which peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart and marked his transition from an underground artist to a mainstream success. This was followed by Crop Circle (2018), Crabs in a Bucket (2020), and Crop Circle 2 (2023), the latter two solidifying his status as a chart-topping artist. In 2024, he released Quit While You’re Ahead, which he announced would be his final album, reaching number four on the charts.

Beyond music, Nines is known for giving back to his community. In 2011, he organized charity events to distribute clothing to children and handed out Christmas turkeys to families in need.

After years at the forefront of UK rap, Nines officially announced his retirement in 2024, wrapping up his career with a farewell show at London’s O2 Arena on November 27. His departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a lasting legacy in British hip-hop.