Nine4 is the quintessential music artist of today’s era. The Norwalk, CT native dubs himself “the male Mary J. Blige”, and solidifies that mantra as an R&B vocalist who infuses rap and hip-hop, creating a unique blend of music that spans across multiple genres.
His love for music started as a youth, influenced immensely by Lil Wayne, whom he considers to be the rap hero of his generation and who, along with Drake, inspired much of his music and writing from the early years until today.
On his own terms
Nine4 does things on his terms, his way; a true eccentric. Sometimes, he has his songs written before hitting the booth or sometimes he goes full throttle, recording at the top of his head within an hour. But be wary when entering his domain. Nine4 is serious about his craft and is particular about who he lets in. He will let nothing stand in his way, remaining steadfast on his goal of making good music.
Boy Meets World
His individuality is evident in his music. While inspired by hip-hop legends, Nine4 makes no secret that he has a deep fascination with the 90s television show “Boy Meets World”. Many of his songs are heavily inspired by the show’s episodes and the life lessons that he had learned from watching the series as a young boy.
According to Nine4, if he had to choose the realest song that he has ever written so far that has been released, it would be a tie between “Boy Meets World 1” and “Boy Meets World 2”, both of which were obviously inspired by the show.
When asked about his fascination with the show several years after it had gone off air, Nine4 reveals how “Boy Meets World” was an integral part of his growing up years, teaching him about relationships, whether it was girlfriend and boyfriend, friendships, or family.
Nine4 has recently migrated to Atlanta, consider the Black entertainment mecca, to pursue his music career. He’s certainly all in.
We had the opportunity to ask Nine4 a few questions. Get to know the musician below:
Nine4 Interview
Unheard Voices: When did you fall in love with music?
Nine4: I first fell in love with music when I was very young. It’s been for as long as I can remember, maybe 4 years old. I remember a long time my mom bought me a Fisher Price drum set, I was 4 or 5 then but even then I believe that my love for music started before then. Straight out of the womb even. Must be my true calling.
Unheard Voices: What is the meaning behind your name?
Nine 4: The meaning & purpose behind my artist name ” Nine4 ” is to partially explain who I am. 94′ is the year I was born, & when you flip it to 49 that represents the hood I’m from in Norwalk Connecticut. The 49th side of things .
Unheard Voices: What does your work aim to say?
Nine 4: Most of the work that I put out speaks to the lovers. Whether you in love or just move with love. But then of course I still tend to be a product of my environment, so you’ll still hear some lines in some songs where I might say some hood n–ga sh-t lol.
Unheard Voices: Does your work comment on current social or political issues?
Nine4: As much as I love to ruffle feathers when it comes to anything political, I try to keep that kinda stuff out of my music & interviews. I have a lot of trust issues with this country/government. So until I’m able to sit down in a room with some big wigs who knows what’s REALLY going on behind closed doors. I’ma just stay away from public conversations bout it .
Unheard Voices: What or who have the greatest musical influences on you and your music?
Nine4: I actually have a crazy diverse music selection that has me influenced by many moguls, groups, & artist like : Quincy Jones, Diddy, James Brown, Whitney Houston, Jazmine Sullivan, Michael Jackson, Freddie Jackson, Brian McKnight, 112, THE WHOLE DUNGEON FAMILY, Jagged Edge, Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Jekalyn Carr, Prince, Chris Brown …. just to name a few. Last but never the least, I’m truly inspired by my musically inclined friends: 9X, OE, Limitless . Shout out to my childhood friend JXGGY, who is now & for the last 7 years been my main producer.
Unheard Voices: How has your music journey been since moving to Atlanta to pursue your career?
Nine4: I’m not gunna lie, moving to ATL may have made it a little bit harder to pursue my music . Now this city has definitely influenced me in many ways from art, to just being consistent. But it seems like when you stay home ( wherever you from ). The people there support you more when you right there & they see you grinding every day for what you love, other than seeing it on social media . Because being new somewhere & nobody knows you, there is a long discouraging road ahead where you gotta work hard day & night to make your name ring bells. It sucks, but I respect it & I love my city ! 203 !
Unheard Voices: What is the biggest challenge you encountered during your journey with music?
Nine4: I would say the hardest part or my biggest challenge would be, staying focused, & becoming more disciplined. If you don’t stay focused or don’t have discipline, there is no structure. In other words, without the two, it’s hard to see if you really want what you say you want. It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding.
Unheard Voices: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Nine4: I’m in a place where I feel good about everything that life is right now. So in the next 5 years, I see myself wealthier than my wildest dreams could imagine, & accepting my 2nd Grammy.
Unheard Voices: Do you have any upcoming shows?
Nine4: We got a show coming up too. I think it’s September or November, but we in Miami with it ! Me & Christianne, another upcoming artist I’ve had the pleasure to make a lot music with . In Miami, we are going to an event where we will be judged by label A&R’s from labels like, Def Jam, Roc Nation, 808 Mafia & a few others. We actually got first place out of 14 contenders for the online competition to even see if we’d even make it to go to Miami. So that was cool.
Unheard Voices: In closing, I would like for you to leave the Unheard Voices readers words of encouragement and inspiration, especially for those pursuing a career in music and entertainment.
Nine4: I just want everyone who is out there trying to do the music thing to always remember this. You will not be seen in this huge crowd of striving upcoming artists or overall succeed in anything you want to do without these 3 things: Remaining focused, having discipline, and staying consistent.
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