Nef the Pharaoh Biography

Tonee Hayes, known by his stage name Nef the Pharaoh, is an American rapper from California. In 2015 he released the single Big Tymin which brought him recognition and a deal with Sick Wid It Records. In 2017 he released a major hit, Back Out, featuring Ty Dolla $ign.

Early Life 

Nef was born in 1995 in Vallejo, California. He began rapping when he was only four, consequently starring in a talent contest. He grew up listening to Mac Dre and E-40, which continued to inspire him. His nickname came from his uncle who called him “nef” from the word nephew. He found music therapeutic after his grandmother passed away and he moved to Sacramento, California to pursue it professionally. He began at the bottom, as an “internet freestyle” and released some local hits in 2014. Moreover, he collaborated with E-40 on the latter’s Sharp On All 4 Corners album and, later, E-40 remixed Nef’s 2015 hit I’m From Vallejo.

Breakthrough

Nef made his breakthrough in the summer of 2015, with the song Big Tymin’, an “homage to New Orleans bounce music.” The song received extremely positive reviews. Furthermore, the song received a remix by YG and Ty Dolla $ign, which premiered on major hip-hop and rap sites. Additionally, Nef signed with E-40’s Sick Wid It label. In late 2015 he came out with his debut, eponymous EP. He is currently working on his debut album, My Great Impression.

Photo source: MassAppeal