How old is Nettspend? Rapper says he would have been "more stupid" if he didn't drop out of school

Nettspend, a 17-year-old rapper from Richmond, Virginia, has taken the music scene by storm with his unique style that blends elements from artists like Bladee, Playboi Carti, and Justin Bieber. Known for his surreal ad-libs and unconventional approach to lyrics, Nettspend's rise has been meteoric, earning him both devoted fans and harsh critics.

He is now gearing up for the release of his debut album, which could solidify his place in the rap world. But while his career is on the upswing, Nettspend recently made headlines with comments about his decision to drop out of school.

During a late-night recording session at IAG Studios in Santa Monica, the rapper reflected on his journey, music, and the unconventional path that has led him here. One of his most notable statements during the interview was,

"If I stayed in school, I just would have been more stupid, you know?"

This remark underscores the tension between his fast-paced rise in music and the traditional education system he left behind.

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Nettspend's rise: From dropping out to streaming millions

Born Gunner Shepardson, the Rapper began making music around 2017 but only fully committed to it in December 2022. His music has since been streamed millions of times, and he has performed at major festivals like Rolling Loud, where he has commanded huge crowds.

His fans, mostly from Gen Z, praise him for his unique voice, style, and energy, often likening him to Justin Bieber for the new generation. However, critics often accuse him of being part of the mumble rap movement, which they believe lacks substance.

In the studio, the rapper is focused on producing tracks for his debut album. He works with precision, layering surreal vocal sounds over fast-paced beats.

"I definitely grew up the fastest," Nettspend said.

He explained that his rapid life changes inspired him to take his time with the project.

Growing up in Richmond, Nettspend was surrounded by music. His father was a country singer, which heavily influenced him from a young age. However, his time in school was cut short when he was kicked out in the ninth grade. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in his departure from formal education.

"After all that COVID quarantine sh** f****d my life up, I wasn't really doing nothing," he said.

Instead, the Wake Up singer focused on his music, which ultimately paid off.

Though he acknowledges missing certain experiences, like completing his senior year, the rapper doesn't regret his choice to drop out. This reflects his belief that staying in school might have held him back from fully pursuing his passion for music.

In the studio, the 17-year-old's creative process is meticulous. He continually tweaks his tracks, removing and adding layers of sound until they meet his exacting standards. The young artist is acutely aware of the pressure to deliver a successful debut album for his rapidly growing fan base.

Having been influenced by a diverse range of artists, from Chief Keef to Justin Bieber, Nettspend's music is a unique blend of drill, pop, and experimental sounds. He is known for tracks like Wake Up and Shine n Peace, which have gone viral on platforms like TikTok.

As Nettspend prepares to release his debut album as fans are eagerly awaiting the project.

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