Let us introduce you to 9Ni9ht. A group that isn’t here to play it safe or water down their art. They’re rooted deep in culture, history, and truth. Their debut single, “Black Ark,” is a fearless statement; a fusion of sounds, a call to ancestors, and a demand for real change.

BET spoke with Racquel and Chuck about their music and the meaning behind it. Right off the bat, their name sets the tone. 9Ni9ht takes inspiration from a Jamaican tradition — the nine-night ceremony. It happens nine nights after someone dies, when families and communities gather to support each other and send the spirit off in peace. But for this group, it goes beyond mourning. It’s about calling on the power of our ancestors to get through the struggles that today’s world throws at us.

Racquel explained it like this: “Nine night is when people come together to send the spirit off in peace. It’s a space to summon strength from the ancestors.” The ceremony is a ritual of release and healing, but also a summoning of guidance and power. That energy flows through their music and message.

When you listen to it, you hear a mix that refuses to be boxed in. Hip hop, jazz, dub, alternative rock — it’s all there, blended without second-guessing. Chuck’s background shaped that sound. Growing up in South Florida, he soaked up everything from Caribbean music to jazz legends like Jaco Pastorius. He’s the mastermind behind the production, crafting a sound that reflects their diverse influences but stays true to their roots.

Racquel added her layer, drawing from her Jamaican heritage and a lifetime of exposure to multiple genres. She talked about how hip hop and dancehall feel connected to her, how her father’s music taste and her exploration shaped her. The song feels like a conversation between all those elements, natural and fearless.

“Black Ark” being released on Jamaica’s Emancipation Day — no coincidence. Racquel’s family comes from the Maroon communities in Portland, Jamaica, descendants of fighters who took their freedom by force. “My ancestors didn’t ask for change. They made it happen by whatever means necessary. I feel responsible to use my art to speak truth and push for real change,” she said.

The visuals for the debut single are extremely moving and symbolic, filmed on the grounds of a former sugar plantation that once held enslaved people. Racquel’s mother taught at the school that now stands on the site. The video reclaims that space, flipping the script on oppression. The colors red, black, and white are rich in symbolism; red represents fury, black signifies destruction, and white symbolizes the change that follows. Racquel riding a black horse is an image of power and resistance, echoing Renaissance art but telling a new story.

What stood out was their refusal to tone it down. Racquel said, “There’s no balance. We push it all day, every day. I’m not trying to tame it or make it palatable.” She called out a generation obsessed with prettiness, saying it often glosses over real pain and frustration. Her voice doesn’t shy away from discomfort, and neither does the music.

Chuck talked about how their connection goes beyond just making songs. “When you know something’s right, you just know. We met by chance, but this project feels like something bigger.” They plan to release an album, building on the themes and sounds of “Black Ark.” The music will keep pushing boundaries and mixing influences without apology.

Listening to them, you get the sense that 9Ni9ht is about reclaiming more than just sound. They reclaim history, power, and freedom through their art. This debut single is just a glimpse of what’s coming. They want people to wonder what’s next, to sit with the message, and to feel something real.

In a world where so much feels watered down or controlled, 9Ni9ht stands firm. They speak their truth without apology. They pull from their roots and ancestors to create something fierce, honest, and necessary. If you’re ready for music that refuses to compromise and tells stories that matter, 9Ni9ht is the group to watch.