Watch the stunning performance of “Need 2 Know” below.
Independent R&B singer-songwriter 96 is someone you should definitely have on your radar. He just released his single called “Need 2 Know” and it was accompanied by the release of a live performance of the song (available on YouTube). The new track is a sample of Fabolous’ 2003 hit song “Can’t Let You Go,” and it’s everything you never knew you needed!
96 is based in Toronto, Canada and has been gaining plenty of traction recently in his city and all over the US. In an interview with Remixd Magazine, 96 said that one reason he is passionate about music is because he feels like it’s therapeutic for him.
“It’s a therapeutic release for me,” he said. “Music is the best way for me to communicate how I’m feeling. When people reach out and tell me how much my music resonates with them, it makes sharing my stories that much more worth it.”
The new single has a 2000s vibe, which is reminiscent of 96’s other projects and sound. The artist has a few other standout singles and EP under his belt, but is truly just getting started with tapping into his sound.
According to the rising talent, “Need 2 Know” is about him trying to get with a girl that he “just met at a function but she’s taken.”
“I’m basically letting her know like ‘I know you got someone but I don’t care. I want you and I’m tryna see wassup,'” he continued.
Keep reading to learn more about 96 and what inspires him. Be sure to watch the live performance video below!
What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?
I think back to all of the music that was coming out of the city at the time, how inspiring it was. Having two of the biggest artists, Drake and The Weeknd, they put Toronto in the spotlight and open the doors for that next wave of upcoming artists. Seeing people where I was from do such great things motivated me to go twice as hard.
Tell us about the project that you are promoting. What is it about? Is it a single or EP? Also, what is the name of the last project you released?
My most recent single “Need 2 Know” is available now on all platforms! The song samples Fabolous’ “Can’t Let you Go” which gives it that early 2000s type of feel. Shout out to DJ Chopp-A-Lot for flipping the sample on that beat he killed that shit. “Need 2 Know” is about me trying to get with this girl I just met at a function but she’s taken. I’m basically letting her know like “I know you got someone but I don’t care. I want you and I’m tryna see wassup.”
What has the response been like to that project?
It’s been amazing honestly. I just released the live performance as a gift to my fans for getting the song to over 10K streams. It’s my biggest release to date in terms of streams and overall exposure. All the positive feedback has been dope.
What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?
My second EP GOIN96HOST 2 (Going Ghost 2) was my first body of work that I was completely hands on with in terms of the composition and overall sound. All but two songs were produced by myself and my bro 19 so we were proud of that. I was also going through a lot at the time; recovering from lung surgery, fresh out of a relationship, the music was very personal. Looking back I can say that project was a career defining moment for me.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.
My next single will be dropping next month as well as the first music video from GOIN96HOST 2 to finish off the year. The next episode of 96LIVE will be coming soon as well so be on the lookout for that too!
What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
Always stay true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to tell your truth because people will always gravitate towards the real shit. You don’t gotta follow the trends or pretend to be someone you’re not. Just be you.
Where can we follow you on social media?
I’m on Instagram and Facebook @n9ne6 and twitter @_n9ne6.
Watch “Need 2 Know” below!
