Cloud 9

Cloud 9 is the second album by Nine, released on August 6, 1996 through Profile Records. The album spawned the lead single "Lyin' King" to promote the album. The album had mixed reviews. The album peeked at number #45 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. Background Nine had released his debut album Nine Livez the previous year. The album was an underground hit, reaching No. 90 on the Billboard 200, while also reaching the top 20 on the R&B charts. The album also spawned the crossover hit, "Whutcha Want?", which reached No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. After the success on "Whutcha Want?", Profile gave Nine the green light to begin work on his second album. Like his previous album, this album was mostly produced by Rob Lewis. The album featured several guest appearances, including Smoothe da Hustler and 3rd Eye, a departure from his previous album which featured virtually only two guest appearances. The album's lead single was "Lyin' King", an indirect diss to rappers who were trying to capitalize on the popular gangsta rap and mafioso rap genres at the time. It made it to No. 81 on the R&B singles chart and 21 on the Hot Rap Singles chart. The album's second single was "Make or Take", which was a duet with label-mate Smoothe da Hustler. Reception