Emerging out of Liberty City in Miami-Dade County, Major Nine has a story that goes beyond music. From developing his talents as a multi-instrumentalist to playing football at the University of Miami and reaching the NFL, his journey has been built on discipline, sacrifice, and the courage to pursue what he truly wants.
Growing up in Liberty City, Major Nine describes his childhood as fun, surrounded by the culture of Miami and exposed to flashy cars, jewelry, and celebrities from an early age. Music was also a major part of his upbringing. With family members introducing him to music and his uncle playing the drums, he developed an interest in sound early on. As he got older, he began learning more about music, including DJing, and discovering his natural abilities.
Attending New World School of the Arts and Norland Middle School helped him further develop his musical foundation. He learned music theory and sharpened his ear to the point where he could play nine different instruments by ear. But growing up in Liberty City also meant learning how to navigate his surroundings at a young age. The environment forced him to mature quickly, shaping the mindset that would eventually carry him through both football and music.
Although football became a major part of his life, music never left him. While still in high school, Major Nine began creating songs, but it took a moment of encouragement from a teammate for him to see the possibilities. After being asked to write a song, he recorded it using a simple setup in his room and released it on SoundCloud. The response from his peers opened his eyes. They began looking at him differently, recognizing him as someone serious about rap rather than just an athlete.
That moment planted a seed that would continue to grow, even as football took him to new heights.
Major Nine went on to attend the University of Miami, where he established himself as a top football prospect. Playing at a program known as “The U” gave him opportunities to build relationships and understand the importance of networking. However, balancing his ambitions as an athlete with his growing music career came with its own challenges. He often felt restricted by the demands of college football, especially as he worked to build his brand during a time when college athletes had fewer opportunities to benefit financially from their name and image.
His football career eventually led him to the NFL, where he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Reaching the league was a major accomplishment, but getting there was only part of the challenge. He had to adjust to the professional level, navigate the business side of football, and maintain the discipline required to compete among some of the best athletes in the world.
During his three years in the NFL, Major Nine experienced the difference between being a standout prospect and fighting to maintain a place on a professional roster. As the demands of the game increased, his passion for football began to change. Personal losses also weighed on him during this period, making an already difficult transition even more challenging.
Eventually, he made the decision to step away from the NFL and dedicate himself to music full-time. It was a major turning point, but one that allowed him to take control of his future and pursue his goals on his own terms.
The discipline he developed through football remains a major part of how he approaches his career today. Making an NFL roster requires a level of mental toughness, consistency, and accountability that extends far beyond the field. Major Nine now applies those same principles to his music, treating his career as a business and understanding that talent alone is not enough to reach the next level.
Over the years, he has continued building his catalog with records such as “Soul Ties,” “What’s Love,” “Ready for War,” “ErrBody,” “Facetime,” and “Let Me Vibe,” showcasing different sides of his artistry.
Now, Major Nine continues that journey with his latest project, “LIL TAPE 3.” The Lil Tape series carries a deeper meaning for him, rooted in the way people in his hometown initially viewed his early attempts at making music. Rather than allowing those early perceptions to define him, he has turned the title into a representation of his growth, progress, and determination to keep improving.
For Major Nine, the project is both therapeutic and motivational. He approached its creation with a commitment to getting better, recording numerous songs and repeatedly revisiting the tracklist to make sure each version represented an improvement on the last. The result reflects an artist who understands that growth is an ongoing process and that every release is another opportunity to show people who he is becoming.
One of the project’s standout moments is the closing track, “Check The Label.” The record serves as a letter to the music industry while also extending an invitation to his peers to take advantage of the resources and platform he has built. It reflects a broader vision that goes beyond his own career, showing his interest in creating opportunities and helping others move forward.
From Liberty City to the University of Miami, the NFL, and now the music industry, Major Nine has experienced multiple sides of success. His journey has required him to adapt, make difficult decisions, and redefine what success means to him.
