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With the release of his powerful debut single, “Freedom”, north London rapper 4t9 (pronounced forty-nine) introduces himself as more than just an artist – he’s a mindset. A bold voice in UK rap and drill, 4t9 brings an uplifting, hustle-fuelled energy to the scene with a message rooted in self-belief, resilience and staying grounded in faith. In this exclusive interview, 4t9 sits down with Vents Magazine to talk about the inspiration behind “Freedom”, his roots, his mission and why he’s not here to follow the crowd – he’s here to lead.
Vents Magazine: Congratulations on the release of your debut single, “Freedom”. Can you elaborate on the meaning and message behind the song?
4t9: Thank you! Far too kind! The message behind the song is to remind people to live life freely, do what you love best and to not let anything that you go through in life, phase you. Be grateful, stay positive and keep pushing forward – in whatever it is you strive to do in your life!
Vents Magazine: How did the song come about, and how did you end up linking up with ODXC who produced the song and directed the video?
4t9: The song came about because that’s just how I felt when I wrote the song and it’s the mindset I always aim to have – I’ve been through a lot in my life but always remind myself that I am blessed and to take the positives from any situation life throws my way.
I’ve actually known ODXC for a while on a personal level – before the music. So working together has been a great experience as I am working with someone I consider a friend outside of music. We both began our own music journeys in our teens so it’s good to link up and combine different ideas to create a unique sound and great visuals.
ODXC sent me a folder of beats – as soon as I heard the instrumental for “Freedom”, I knew this was going to be a mad one!
Vents Magazine: What’s the meaning behind your name 4t9?
4t9: The t represents the initial for my first name which means “We are with God” in my native tongue. The number 49 represents invincibility – combine the two and I am a man on a mission. Nothing can stop me with God on my side.
Vents Magazine: What were you doing before music?
4t9: Outside of being “waviest of ’em all”, I am an accountant by day and work in Finance. I am a numbers man – hence why the name works for me!
Vents Magazine: Who are your musical influences?
4t9: We could be here all day – I have musical influences ranging from all types of artists and genres due to my overall love for music. If we are keeping it hip-hop/rap, my influences range from US artists such as Nipsey Hussle, JAY-Z, Nas, Drake etc to UK artists such as So Solid Crew, Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Skepta etc.
I think every rapper has influenced me in some way shape or form – anyone that’s ready to pick up the mic, any level or status, is an inspiration in my eyes.
Vents Magazine: What are your thoughts on the current state of UK rap and drill?
4t9: I think there are a lot of great artists in the scene currently and the scene is doing okay from what I can see, but I do think the scene needs more originality. There are a lot of rappers or beats that sound the same – I feel people shouldn’t be afraid to experiment or try a different sound without the fear of being told they’re a sellout for example.
Vents Magazine: What do you think you bring to the UK rap/drill scene?
4t9: I bring a different vibe and a different energy – I never want to be known as someone who follows the crowd, and I feel that is a breath of fresh air the scene needs. Even if jumping on instrumentals that may have a common sound, I will always bring a fresh and different style to every song I write.
Vents Magazine: Who are some artists or producers you’d love to work with in the future and why?
4t9: I love hip-hop so as a hip-hop purist, I’d love to make a song with a JAY-Z, Nas, J. Cole or Kendrick – mainly to test the limits of my lyricism against some of the individuals that have reached the pinnacle of the “sport” and just to say momma we did it! I put Drake in that category too, but I’d also like to work with him in future mainly to make a club banger for the ladies! And just to say momma we did it!
There are plenty of UK artists I would like to work with too – all will come to fruition in due time.
Vents Magazine: Now that your 1st single is out – what else can new fans of yours look forward to? What’s next?
4t9: A whole lot more – the main thing is a lot more music! I wrote “Freedom” about two years ago, so I have a whole lot of songs we aim to release in the next few months. Also, just lots of fun and a good time whilst releasing songs, performing and anything I might get myself involved in.
Lastly, I look forward to showing fans my versatility as an artist with different styles and sounds on the horizon!
