Alternative Hip Hop from ninemansion

Coming out of Portsmouth in Virginia, Nicholas Jones, operating under the artist banner ninemansion, is rising as one of the most exciting new voices in the underground rap sphere. Beginning his creative journey in 2020, he first gravitated toward beat-making, heavily inspired by the experimental soundscapes of Pierre Bourne. A fascination with production soon expanded into a full artistic vision and by 2023, he transitioned into rapping, shaping his own voice and aesthetic.

Today, his music sits at the crossroads of emo-plugg, digicore and modern rap, a fusion of sub styles that feels equally futuristic and instilled with emotion. His work is all about storytelling, offering a lens into the contexts of heartbreak, transformation and ambition. Drawing from anime culture, digital aesthetics and the everyday realities of love, his music connects profoundly with Gen Z listeners who are searching for meaning in a digital-heavy era.

Making his entrance as ninemansion in October last year with the debut single “Jennifer’s Body,” he’s since dropped multiple well-received singles as well as his expansive debut full-length record, Kamioso: Ascended. Now, ninemansion brings us the perfect taste of his sound with his sophomore single titled “Brand New Weapon,” a thrilling release that doubles as a compelling artistic statement.

Dropped on his 20th birthday, the track thematically frames determination in the face of heartbreak, blending impactful production with melodic cadences that flow between aggression and sensitivity. The single’s title is fitting, capturing the energy of transformation, the idea of finding strength through struggle, and re-emerging more focused than before. “Brand New Weapon” introduces listeners to a sound that’s constantly developing and with upcoming projects on the horizon, including the New Life EP and sophomore album My Favorite Stranger, ninemansion is steadily building momentum toward a larger vision.

Brought in by the smokey sound of echoing beats that boom through the misty setting, while distant synth lines add touches of melodic bliss, the track comes into sharp focus with the crisp rattle of percussion capped by ninemansion’s smooth vocal leads. Rolling with slick rapped delivery that cuts through the hazy arrangement, his razor-sharp rap flows serve up catchy hooks wrapped in spacey processing to craft an immersive and truly engaging listening experience.

At once accessible and highly original, “Brand New Weapon” offers a spectacular display of ninemansion’s visionary alternative hip hop sound that sits at the apex of cutting edge rap. With stacks of material set to be revealed later this year, ninemansion is set to continue his journey as a prolific and exciting artist who shows no signs of slowing down.

Listen to Brand New Weapon below

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