Nines is the professional name of Courtney Leon Freckleton, a 33 year old rapper from Harlesden, London. His first appearance came in 2007 as a young 17 year old prodigy, but he has taken time to build an image and sound over the intervening years that has now put him more into the mainstream of the UK rap scene. Calendar comes from his fourth studio album, Crop Circle 2. 

Calendar isn’t the type of song I would normally listen to, mainly lyrically. The term calendar refers to the days of the week, where Nines is telling a story of the muddle he is in because he has swapped his normal Friday lady with a Tuesday. The rest of the song goes on to describe his daily encounters. It doesn’t paint a picture that many would want their sons to aspire to, but is clear in the lyrics of what the intention of the song is about. 

Whilst lyrically, Calendar isn’t that appealing, musically it is very different. With layers of backing built on a simple groove, the arrangement is classy and has a real appeal to it. The melody and rhymes flow effortlessly to help narrate the strong, with Nines’ clear London accent being heard throughout. What I really like about the music here is more the feel of genre and attitude that is portrayed. This part of a calendar I really like and I think this track will appeal to followers both old and new.

Author: Phil Arnold

Phil Arnold is a musician, producer and music reviewer from Devon, in the South West of England. Whilst not writing music reviews, Phil also writes and records under the name of Ugbrooke.