Nine Vicious

Trevon Deronta O'Ryan Echols, known professionally as Nine Vicious, is an American rapper who has carved a distinct lane in the underground hip-hop scene. With a sound that fuses raw lyricism with melodic hooks, he first gained attention as a signee of YSL Records, the label founded by Young Thug. Since stepping away from that deal, he has released three studio albums: Tumblr Music and For Nothing in 2025, and Emotions in April 2026. His music often explores personal struggles and internet-era anxiety, delivered with a voice that can shift from vulnerable to aggressive in a single bar.

Nine Vicious has built a dedicated following across streaming platforms, pulling in over 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify. His 2026 feature on Kanye West's album Bully brought him into the mainstream spotlight, and his live sets at festivals like Rolling Loud have cemented his reputation as a compelling performer. Fans connect with his unfiltered honesty and his ability to turn chaotic emotions into catchy, hard-hitting tracks. As of 2026, he continues to evolve, releasing music at a rapid pace and keeping his audience on their toes. [edit]

Born in Athens, Georgia, Nine Vicious grew up surrounded by the sounds of Southern hip-hop. Details about his childhood are scarce, but his early affinity for music was clear. He found his way into the SoundCloud rap scene, posting tracks under the handle “ninesomnia”, a name that hints at the late-night, introspective vibe that would define his early work. That platform became his launching pad, allowing him to build a small but loyal following before any label attention.

His big break came when he signed with YSL Records, the label run by Young Thug. The deal gave him instant credibility in the rap world and connected him with a network of established artists. During his time with YSL, he honed his craft, absorbing the experimental energy of the label's roster while developing his own style. The experience taught him the ins and outs of the industry, but it also came with creative constraints that he would later chafe against. By the time he left the label, he had a clear vision for his own sound and a burning desire to prove himself on his own terms. [edit]

Nine Vicious's solo career took off in 2025 with the release of his debut album, Tumblr Music. The title alone signaled his digital-native identity, and the project's blend of confessional lyricism and melodic trap quickly resonated with underground listeners. Later that year, he followed up with For Nothing, a more aggressive and experimental record that showcased his range. Both albums helped him build momentum, but it was his feature on Kanye West's 2026 album Bully that truly catapulted him into the mainstream conversation. Complex magazine ran a feature on him, asking “What to Know About Nine Vicious, the Underground Rapper Featured on Kanye West's ‘Bully’.”

On April 3, 2026, he dropped his third album, Emotions. Pitchfork reviewed it, noting that he “blew up for a reason” and praising his “precocious” output. The album's tracks, including “Talk About It” and “Need,” showcased his ability to blend vulnerability with hard-hitting production. A music video for “Need” arrived the following day, and he took the stage at Rolling Loud in May 2026, delivering a performance that Dazed magazine documented. His rapid rise hasn't been without drama, a public dispute with Young Thug over his YSL status made headlines, with Nine Vicious denying the label boss's claim that he was still signed. Through it all, he has remained focused on his music, consistently releasing new material and expanding his fanbase. [edit]

Nine Vicious is often described as an “underground rapper” with a sound that blends raw lyricism with melodic hooks. His aesthetic draws heavily from internet culture, evident in album titles like Tumblr Music and his engagement with memes and online trends. He has a reputation for being direct and confrontational, as seen when he publicly denied Young Thug's claim that he was still signed to YSL, calling it “cap.” Pitchfork praised his “precocious” output, and his fanbase, while polarizing, is deeply devoted. Reddit threads in communities like r/playboicarti and r/ug_music debate his merits, indicating a strong but niche following. He doesn't have an official fandom name, but his listeners often describe themselves as fans of the “underground” scene he represents. [edit]

Nine Vicious commands a dedicated but unorganized following that operates primarily through digital engagement rather than formalized structures. His supporters, numbering in the hundreds of thousands across major platforms, have not coalesced around a specific moniker or coordinated campaigns such as birthday billboards and chart pushes. The audience remains fragmented, often debating his merits on niche forums like r/ug_music without establishing a unified identity or ritualistic interaction with the artist himself. While high-profile collaborations with Kanye West and Trippie Redd have expanded his reach, these moments have not yet translated into a legendary mythology or iconic folklore that defines his public persona. The narrative surrounding him is currently limited to verified industry milestones and recent debunked rumors rather than celebrated fan-created stories. Regarding his standing within the broader cultural landscape, iFANN has evaluated his global impact. Nine Vicious does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list) according to the August 2026 evaluation. This status reflects his position as an emerging figure in the underground hip-hop sphere who has not yet reached the threshold for a ranked position in the primary global index.[edit]

His SoundCloud handle was originally ninesomnia, a deliberate play on insomnia that mirrored his late-night creative habits. The debut album Tumblr Music served as a clear nod to the internet culture shaping his visual and sonic identity. In May 2026, false death rumors circulated online before being debunked when AI-generated search summaries incorrectly listed him as deceased. A Bandcamp storefront allows fans to support his work directly, bypassing traditional retail channels. The music video for "Need" premiered on April 4, 2026, arriving just one day after the release of the album Emotions. Recent years have also seen significant industry interactions, including a feature on Kanye West's track "Bully" which elevated his profile among mainstream listeners. A collaboration titled "Kidding Me" with Trippie Redd followed in August 2026, accompanied by an official visualizer. Additionally, he publicly addressed Young Thug's legal situation in July 2026, dismissing claims about a re-signing to YSL Records as cap.[edit]

Specific details about Nine Vicious's family are not publicly available. He has not shared information about his parents or siblings in interviews or on social media. The rapper tends to keep his personal life private, focusing his public persona on his music and artistic expression. While he occasionally references personal struggles in his lyrics, he has not revealed specifics about his upbringing or family dynamics. As of 2026, he appears to be unmarried with no reported children. [edit]

As of 2026, Nine Vicious has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. He keeps his personal life out of the spotlight, and there are no credible reports of him dating, being engaged, or married. His focus appears to be on his music career, and he has not shared details about his romantic life in interviews or on social media. Without confirmed information, his relationship status is presumed single. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Nine Vicious's net worth at $1 Million as of 2026. This valuation reflects his steady growth as an emerging artist in the underground hip-hop sector. Income streams include streaming royalties, album sales, live performance fees, and merchandise revenue. He attracts over 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, generating consistent returns from digital consumption. His YouTube channel has accumulated 1.2 million views, contributing to his overall earnings. Direct-to-consumer sales via Bandcamp provide a reliable path for revenue that bypasses traditional intermediaries. Festival appearances, such as his set at Rolling Loud in 2026, add substantial performance fees to his portfolio. While this figure remains modest compared to established mainstream rap peers, the combination of rapid output and expanding popularity suggests the total will increase in the coming years.[edit]