In the world of underground rap, few names have risen as quickly and garnered as much attention as Nettspend. Nettspend’s real name is not yet public. At just 16 years old and hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Nettspend is closely associated with influential groups such as NOVAGANG, 1c34, Witch Gang, CrashoutBoyz, and Nitemare. His frequent collaborations with fellow artists like xaviersobased and YhapoJJ highlight the interconnected web of the underground rap scene. His music is a mix of trap, rage, and plugg.
Early Career
Nettspend began his musical journey in fifth grade, showing an early passion for the art. He took his first major step into the music scene with the release of his debut EP, “KiCKDOOR,” on May 26th, 2023. Not one to rest on his laurels, he followed up with a deluxe version, “KiCKDOOR++++”, merely a week later on June 8th, 2023.
Online Presence
Starting on platforms like Rate Your Music, Spotify, and Soundcloud in 2022, Nettspend’s music began to gather momentum. His first song, “#shoutoutnem prod narcix,” was published on Soundcloud on October 10th, 2022. However, it wasn’t until April 9th, 2023, when he posted the music video for “U GON FALL” on YouTube, that he began to see significant engagement with roughly 19,300 views and 1,100 likes in five months.
His true online breakout moment came on September 10th, 2023, when an Instagram Reel of him flexing money and dancing to his song went viral. The video gained an astounding 169,000 views and 11,700 likes in just 19 days.
The Controversy
With virality often comes controversy. When his Instagram Reel was reposted by the account @ChrisFinesse111, it reached an even broader audience, amassing around 10 million views. The online reaction was polarizing; while some criticized his music, fashion choices, and fanbase, others defended him, claiming the criticism was unwarranted. Notable comments included discussions about cultural appropriation and the influence of artists like Playboi Carti on younger generations.
On September 21st, 2023, a video from a recent concert featuring Nettspend and Xaviersobased further fueled his online presence. The video was reposted with claims that it would be “legendary in 3 years,” receiving massive engagement and sparking further debates in the community.
Growing Following
Despite the divisive online discourse, Nettspend’s following continued to grow. By the end of September 2023, he boasted an impressive 23,100 followers on Instagram, 6,400 followers on Soundcloud, and 60,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify.
Nettspend’s rise to fame exemplifies the power of online platforms in shaping the modern music landscape. With his undeniable talent, backed by a growing and passionate fanbase, it’s clear that Nettspend is a name to watch in the underground rap scene. Whether through praise or controversy, Nettspend is undoubtedly making his mark. Tune in on Spotify.