Ronald Taylor, better known as Cloudnine, doesn’t believe in picking sides. Born and raised in the musical heart of New Orleans, Cloudnine grew up surrounded by the rhythms and soul that have shaped the city for generations. “It was hard not to get inspired by the musical environment,” he says, reflecting on a childhood where music was as natural as breathing.
That inspiration translates into a sound that’s hard to box in. A lot of artists split into camps—either chasing the raw edge of hard rap or drifting toward the softer side of R&B. Cloudnine isn’t interested in choosing. “I lean into melody without losing grit,” he explains. “I can sing hooks that stick but still keep my verses grounded and real, not overly polished or pop-washed.”
This balance is what sets Cloudnine apart. He’s just as comfortable crafting a catchy chorus as he is digging into verses with substance. When asked about his favorite lyric, he shrugs off the question: “I don’t have one. I just create and let the audience choose.” It’s a humble approach, but it speaks to the sincerity behind his work—he makes music for listeners to connect with, not just for his own ego.
Cloudnine’s momentum is only picking up. He’s got a string of singles rolling out through Universal Music Group, and he isn’t slowing down after that. “I have a bunch of singles dropping through UMG and I’m gonna follow it with an EP, then a debut album.” If you’re looking for what’s next, you don’t have to wait long. His new track, “Beautiful Soul,” just dropped, and another single, “Vogue,” is set to release on January 22nd.
Want to keep up? You can find Cloudnine on TikTok (@cloudnine504x), Instagram (@cliudni9e504), and Snapchat (@cloudnine504). With melody, grit, and a relentless drive to create, Cloudnine is ready to make his mark—one song at a time.