9TH WARD was born Jamaal Williams in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 10, 1979. The name 9TH WARD came from the projects he was raised in.
Raised in a ghetto of New Orleans, when it had the second highest murder rate in the country, 9TH WARD was determined to make it. 9 TH WARD was encouraged to start rapping by his best friend Joe. He has thought about rapping but never became serious until now.
9TH WARD & Joe went out and purchased studio equipment. He started recording and made several songs. Then Hurricane Katrina the city and he were displaced with no place to call home. 9TH WARD decided to relocate in Atlanta.
Relocating in Atlanta all 9TH WARD had his studio equipment and his faith. After searching the Internet for all the open mic showcases, 9 TH WARD started to beat the pavement to promote his music. There was one song that caught the attention of Super Producer NITTI, called Secret Lovers. NITTI really liked his music and told him he would get back with him in a couple of months.
Seven months went past and 9TH WARD had moved back to Louisiana. He started working a job trying to get back on his feet. He was off from work this particular day and was watching BET Rap City when he saw NITTI sitting on the couch giving an interview. NITTI stated that he was getting ready to sign a cat from New Orleans named 9TH WARD Gucci. 9TH Ward got in his car pack all his belongings and moved to Atlanta. NITTI and 9TH WARD having been working together ever since preparing for 9TH WARD's anticipated album to be completed.