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Nines review – British rap great bows out with glittering career highlights

This rapturously received set of greatest hits showcases the rapper’s full street-hardened and uniquely influential discography – but is it really his final gig?

This is supposedly the final gig by the west London rapper, who announced his retirement aged 34 with Quit While You’re Ahead, his sixth album in a row to reach the UK Top 5. Halfway through, Nines teases snippets of 11 classic hits, including AJ’D Out, Tap Dat, Can’t Blame Me, and Money on My Mind, but the highlight is his full Fire in the Booth freestyle. Nines feels too distinctive to fall into the tired “farewell/comeback tour” cliche, but this enjoyable celebration of his discography lacks the gravitas of a true final show.

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