NORTH WEST London rapper Nines has released short film Crabs in a Bucket, a visual embodiment of his new album of the same name.

Co-directed and written by Nines, the 28-minute short film details the ups and downs of the artist’s last two-and-a-half years.

It’s the first time the 30-year-old rapper, whose real name is Courtney Freckleton, has lifted the lid and offered an extended insight into his personal life in this way.

The highs and lows of fame and success are central to the film, as are the challenges the rapper, who started selling cannabis as a young teen and served time in jail for possession of cannabis with intent to supply, has faced with leaving his former lifestyle behind.

“Where I’m from everyone’s basically crabs in a bucket, all just dragging me back,” he says at one point.

The film, which is mostly comprised of scripted scenes, including one which references Nines’ 2019 stabbing, also features music videos and documentary-style footage. The music from his third studio album, Crabs in a Bucket, provides the soundtrack to the visuals.

The album, his first since signing with Warner Records, has been described as his most ambitious and confident LP yet.

The 17-track body of work is a statement of self-reflection and personal growth, featuring previously released singles Clout and latest single Airplane Mode featuring NSG.

Crabs in a Bucket is not the first time the rapper has used the medium of film to send a message. He also directed his own, 26-minute short film to coincide with the release of his album Crop Circle in 2018, which was shot and produced by Jungle video director, Charlie Di Placido and premiered at Soho’s Prince Charles Theatre in London. 

Crabs in a Bucket is out now.