King (Nine album) cover

King (Nine album)

Nine · 2018

46 min · 13 tracks · hardcore hip-hop

A raw and introspective blend of gritty beats and sharp lyricism, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of urban life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Killmongor — This track stands out with its powerful narrative that intertwines personal struggle with broader social commentary, showcasing Nine’s lyrical prowess.
  • →
    I Am — In this introspective piece, Nine confronts his identity and legacy, revealing layers of vulnerability that resonate deeply with listeners.
  • →
    Champion — This anthem encapsulates resilience and determination, making it a motivational highlight that aligns perfectly with the album's overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines strong lyricism with solid production, though its pacing and cohesion vary across tracks.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and intensities.
  • Lyrically, the tracks often feature a call-and-response structure, allowing Nine to engage directly with the listener's experience.
  • Several tracks incorporate samples from classic hip-hop, grounding the modern production in a nostalgic context.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Breathe

    The verse shifts between past regrets and present aspirations, utilizing vivid imagery to portray a journey of self-discovery.

    The contrast between reflection and ambition deepens the emotional weight of the song, illustrating how past experiences shape one’s current drive.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Revenant 3:12
  • 2 Pull Up 3:09
  • 3 Killmongor 5:01
  • 4 Hilfiger 2:35
  • 5 Tremendous 3:08
  • 6 Belafonte 3:52
  • 7 Medusa 3:53
  • 8 Breathe 4:52
  • 9 I Am 3:55
  • 10 Pita Roll 3:29
  • 11 Jump Em 3:22
  • 12 Champion 3:08
  • 13 King 2:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata