North Coast Rising Talent C9 Stakes His Claim With 9 Is Now

Blending dancehall, trap and melodic influences, C9 introduces his sound and story on his debut EP, declaring, “The time isn’t someday - the time is now.”

Rising dancehall deejay C9

Rising North Coast deejay C9 is multifaceted, driven and determined to carve out his own space in the Jamaican music scene with a distinct sound that draws from both dancehall and trap. Blending Jamaican influences with melodic flows and contemporary production, the St. Ann native is developing a modern fusion aimed at a new generation of music fans.

The versatile talent has no intention of limiting himself to one particular sound or style. “I’m not trying to put myself in one box. I want people to hear C9 and know they’re getting something real - my experiences, my mindset, my energy and my story,” he shared. “I want the name C9 to represent somebody who came from a place where big dreams can seem far away, but still believed enough to go after them.”

With the recent release of his seven-track debut EP, 9 Is Now, C9 is giving listeners a broader introduction to his artistry. The project showcases his versatility while touching on his journey, achievements and ambitions, offering an early glimpse into the direction he hopes to take his career.

For C9, the timing of the project is just as important as the music itself. “I’ve reached a point where I’m ready to show people more than just individual songs. I wanted to create a body of work that gives people a real introduction to who C9 is and what I’m capable of,” he explained. “9 Is Now represents a new chapter for me. It’s basically me saying that the time isn’t someday - the time is now.”

The project leans heavily into C9’s dancehall and trap roots, pairing melodic elements with contemporary dancehall production. Rather than choosing between the two genres, the emerging artiste sees their combination as an opportunity to broaden his creative range and continue evolving musically.

“Trap and dancehall both have a strong energy and a way of telling stories that connects with me. Dancehall is where I’m from, but trap gives me another space to express myself - especially with the melodies, flows, production and darker energy,” he said.

“Trap and dancehall both have a strong energy and a way of telling stories that connects with me. Dancehall is where I’m from, but trap gives me another space to express myself.”

As dancehall continues to expand its global reach and a new generation of Jamaican artistes experiment with different sounds, C9 believes his approach gives him an opportunity to stand out.

“I think my sound sits in a space where Jamaican words meet a more rap flow, and I’m not afraid to experiment,” the rising deejay added.

The vision behind 9 Is Now has also been strengthened by the support of Laro Don and G9 RECORDS LLC. For an artiste still building his foundation, C9 believes having the right team around him has played an important role in turning his ideas into a serious project.

“Having the right people believe in your vision makes a huge difference, especially when you’re building from the ground up. Laro Don and G9 RECORDS LLC have given me a foundation to develop as an artist and take this project seriously,” he noted. “This isn’t just about releasing music - it’s about building something that can last.”

While his roots remain firmly planted in St. Ann, C9’s ambitions extend far beyond the North Coast. His immediate goal is to establish himself nationally and become a recognizable name across Jamaica, with an even bigger vision of eventually taking his music to international audiences.

“For me, breaking through nationally means becoming an artist that people across Jamaica recognize, respect and genuinely want to hear. But I’m thinking beyond Jamaica,” he outlined. “Internationally, I want C9 to be a name that people can recognize without me having to explain where I’m from.”

“Breaking through nationally means becoming an artist that people across Jamaica recognize, respect and genuinely want to hear. But I’m thinking beyond Jamaica. Internationally, I want C9 to be a name that people can recognize without me having to explain where I’m from.”

His long-term vision includes touring, major collaborations and performing for audiences around the world while representing where his journey began.

“I want to tour, collaborate with major artists, perform for different audiences, and show that an artist from St. Ann can create music that reaches the entire world,” C9 continued. “The goal is bigger than just having a hit song - I want to build a legacy.”

With 9 Is Now, C9 is staking his claim as one of the emerging talents looking to bring a different approach to Jamaica’s evolving music landscape. For the St. Ann deejay, the project represents more than a debut - it is a declaration of his ambition, his direction and his belief that his moment has arrived.