Written by Alexandria Anglade
From humble beginnings making beats to finding his voice as a rapper, GHST 9INE owes much of his journey to a close friend, Damani—known in music circles as Ynotdamani. While GHST 9INE always enjoyed producing tracks, it wasn’t until Damani encouraged him that he decided to pick up the mic himself. “He built my confidence up to actually start rapping and releasing music,” GHST 9INE recalls. It was the spark he needed to blend the raw energy of New York and Chicago drill with his own unmistakably deep vocals, forging a sound that resonates with fans of both scenes.
A Drill Fusion With a Distinctive Edge
GHST 9INE’s music captures the adrenaline of drill while highlighting his deep vocal tone—a trait that poses challenges for melodic singing but becomes a weapon in his rhythmic arsenal. “I had to learn how to use my voice to my advantage,” he explains. That dedication shines through in tracks marked by hard-hitting beats, gritty storytelling, and carefully crafted energy.
Freestyle Mindset
What sets GHST 9INE apart from many artists is his freestyle-based creative process. He often records lyrics on the fly—sometimes even while at work—and then perfects them later in his home studio. “I don’t really write,” he admits. “I have about five pages of lyrics I haven’t used.” That spontaneity brings a raw, immediate feel to his music, ensuring each track captures a moment in time rather than a meticulously revised script.
Influences and Vibes
When asked about his biggest inspirations, GHST 9INE points to Pop Smoke, Sheff G, King Von, Juice WRLD, and the late XXXTentacion—icons who’ve pushed the boundaries of drill, hip-hop, and melodic rap in their own ways. Yet, he’s quick to note that he has “love for almost every rapper in the game” and “vibes with almost every artist, no matter the genre.” It’s a testament to his open-minded approach, one that welcomes experimentation and cross-genre fusion.
Favorite Tracks and the Path to Mainstream
Choosing a favorite track can be tough for an artist, but GHST 9INE names two that hold special significance:
“International Op” – His first ever attempt at a song, and also the first one he released.
“Light Pack” – A contender he believes “has the chance to be mainstream material,” as well as “Family Ties,”which he sees as equally promising.
These songs represent the rawness of his beginnings, as well as the polished potential he continues to develop.
Dealing With Creative Blocks
Like many artists, GHST 9INE faces periods of stagnation. But when writer’s block hits, he steps away from music to refresh his mind. “Some days I just lay off music entirely, and other days I can make five songs in a couple hours—one take each,” he shares. This ebb and flow lets him avoid burnout, returning to the booth rejuvenated and ready to create.
Sharing a Street Perspective
While GHST 9INE’s music pulses with drill energy, it also offers a gritty glimpse into his background and worldview. “If you listen closely, you’ll understand what happens in the streets, as well as the way someone like me thinks,” he explains. His experiences inform a mentality shaped by harsh realities: “I’ve always been the type to go past an eye for an eye—it was a ‘do me wrong and I’ll take everything you have’ mentality.” As he grows, he’s working to leave that part of his life behind, channeling personal evolution into his art.
“Hopefully I can stay on track with my progress,” he says. For fans, that progress is part of the intrigue—a front-row seat to an artist navigating life, loyalty, and a drive to share unfiltered truths through every verse.
GHST 9INE stands at the intersection of New York and Chicago drill, forging a style that’s urgent, authentic, and undeniably personal. With an evolving mindset, a raw creative process, and aspirations that stretch well beyond his current catalog, he’s poised to leave a mark on the drill scene—and beyond. Keep an eye on him as he continues to refine his sound, push boundaries, and speak from a place of realness that few can replicate.
Instagram: @ghst9ine
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