Nettspends Real Name: Unmasking the Rising Star Behind the Beats

Nettspends real name, Gunner Shepardson, has become a point of intrigue for fans of the burgeoning underground rap scene, revealing the 17-year-old prodigy from Richmond whose unfiltered energy is reshaping hip-hop.

As of September 2025, Nettspend, the Virginia rapper known for his chaotic trap-jerk fusion, has solidified his status with a sold-out “Invert” tour announcement in February and a high-profile runway debut at Miu Miu’s Paris Fashion Week in March, blending music with streetwear aesthetics. 

Born on March 18, 2007, Gunner Shepardson—affectionately called Nett by close collaborators—continues to drop heat like his July 2025 single “Echoes in the Void,” sampling underground legends while amassing over 5 million monthly Spotify listeners. 

His meteoric rise from bedroom beats to viral sensation underscores a raw talent that defies age, with Nettspend‘s story captivating a generation hungry for authenticity in an oversaturated industry.

Early Life of Nettspend: Roots in Richmond’s Creative Pulse

Nettspend, whose Nettspends real name is Gunner Shepardson, was born on March 18, 2007, in the vibrant heart of Richmond, Virginia—a city long synonymous with artistic rebellion and Southern grit.

 Growing up in RVA, as locals affectionately call it, Gunner was immersed in a melting pot of sounds, from his father’s country croons echoing through family gatherings to the trap beats pulsing from neighborhood block parties.

This environment, where music served as both escape and expression, sparked his interest early; by fifth grade, the young Gunner Shepardson was scribbling rhymes in notebooks, experimenting with flows over lo-fi instrumentals borrowed from older cousins.

Richmond‘s DIY ethos—think abandoned warehouses turned studios and graffiti-strewn alleys—mirrored Nettspend‘s unpolished beginnings. He attended local schools, where isolation during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 pushed him deeper into self-taught production on free software. 

Dropping out in ninth grade, Nett channeled that energy into music, finding solace in the digital underground. At just 17-year-old then, Nettspend‘s early life was a quiet forge, blending Richmond‘s blue-collar resilience with a budding swag that would soon explode online.

This formative phase in RVA wasn’t glamorous—late nights freestyling alone in his bedroom—but it instilled the raw lyrical edge that defines his sound. Nettspend often reflects on how Richmond‘s unpretentious vibe kept him grounded, far from the polished facades of LA or Atlanta scenes.

Musical Beginnings: From Bedroom Rhymes to SoundCloud Drops

Nettspend began his recording journey in late 2022, uploading raw tracks under early aliases like badassfuckingkid to SoundCloud. 

These initial releases, sparse and experimental, captured a teen grappling with identity amid distorted beats and mumbled flows. By December 2022, Gunner had rebranded as Nettspend, a moniker inspired by casual wordplay on “net spend”—a nod to his impulsive, no-holds-barred creative process.

His first notable drop, “#nemk,” showcased the embryonic trap and jerk influences that would define him: hazy synths layered over distorted 808s, with loose piano riffs adding an ethereal haze.

 Shared exclusively on SoundCloud, it caught the ear of local rappers in Richmond, including early supporters from NOVAGANG. At Nettspends real name age of 15, these bedroom sessions were therapeutic, a way to process the chaos of adolescence in RVA‘s ever-shifting streets.

Nettspend‘s early output was unrefined but magnetic, blending vulnerability with bravado. He credits his father’s musical background for the initial push, though Gunner Shepardson insists his style is self-forged, drawing from solitary late-night experiments rather than formal training.

The Viral Spark: “Drankdrankdrank” and Late 2023 Breakthrough

In late 2023, when a snippet of “Drankdrankdrank” surfaced on Twitter, Nettspend‘s world shifted overnight. Posted by an underground news page on Reddit and reposted across platforms, the 15-second clip—featuring slurred hooks over glitchy production—went viral on Twitter, racking up millions of views in days.

The track’s hazy, intoxicating vibe resonated with a generation craving escapism, propelling Nettspend from obscurity to buzzworthy status.

“Drankdrankdrank” wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural earworm, blending subgenres of underground rap with a lo-fi menace that echoed Chief Keef‘s drill roots but twisted through jerk‘s playful chaos. Released fully in early 2024, it became his calling card, with Spotify streams surpassing 4 million. Nettspend reflected in a 2024 interview with i-D: “It was one of those moments where the internet decided for me—no plan, just vibes.”

This breakthrough at Nettspends real name‘s tender age amplified his Richmond pride, turning local cyphers into sold-out spots. The virality wasn’t accidental; Gunner‘s intuitive grasp of social media algorithms—short, shareable clips—catapulted him into the spotlight.

Breakthrough Year 2023: Building Momentum in the Underground

2023 marked Nettspend‘s ascent from niche SoundCloud lurker to underground darling, with a string of releases that solidified his sound. Tracks like “Shine n Peace” and “We Not Like” dropped sporadically, each layering distorted 808s with introspective bars about isolation and excess. Affiliated with Xaviersobased‘s collective 1c34, Nett tapped into a network of like-minded creators pushing jerk boundaries.

His snippet strategy paid off: A viral Instagram preview of “Shine n Peace” in mid-2023 garnered millions of views, drawing comparisons to Lil Uzi Vert‘s early eccentricity. Nettspend‘s meteoric rise was grassroots—shares on Reddit‘s r/hiphopheads and TikTok edits fueled organic growth. By year’s end, he’d amassed a cult following, with fans dubbing him the “Richmond Grim Reaper” for his haunting, otherworldly flows.

At Nettspends real name age of 16, 2023 was a whirlwind of self-discovery, where Gunner Shepardson balanced school dropout realities with the thrill of emerging fame in RVA‘s tight-knit scene.

Debut Mixtape in 2024: KiCKDOOR and Its Deluxe Impact

Released his debut mixtape KiCKDOOR on May 28, 2024, Nettspend delivered a 10-track project that captured his chaotic essence, featuring Yungster Jack and phreshboyswag. Clocking in under 20 minutes, it blended trap and jerk with raw, unfiltered energy—one song like “U Told Us Quit” sampled glitchy pop hooks, while others delved into personal turmoil. The deluxe edition followed on June 8, adding four bonus cuts that pushed boundaries further.

KiCKDOOR wasn’t a polished major-label affair; it was a SoundCloud-era artifact, with tracks like “That Sh*t Wont Easy” showcasing Nett‘s lyrical vulnerability over loose piano riffs. Dropped amid his rising buzz, it hit streaming platforms hard, peaking at 500,000 monthly listeners by summer 2024. However, in a twist, the tape was pulled from major services later that year due to songs being uncleared samples, leaving fans scrambling to SoundCloud archives.

Nettspend‘s debut mixtape at Nettspends real name‘s 17 marked a rite of passage, proving he could sustain hype with substance amid RVA‘s DIY spirit.

Viral Hits of 2024: “Nothing Like Uuu” and Beyond

Entering into 2024, Nettspend unleashed “Nothing Like Uuu,” a ok-produced banger that went viral through social media, blending distorted 808s with ethereal synths for over 10 million streams. The track’s hook—mumbled confessions over a haunting beat—resonated as an anthem for disaffected youth, landing on Spotify playlists and TikTok challenges.

Follow-up “That One Song,” sampling Deftones’ “Entombed,” teased at shows before its July drop, capturing Nett‘s rock-infused edge. These biggest hit singles propelled him to 1 million monthly listeners, with collaborations like “Withdrawals” with Osamason adding Jersey club flair. Nettspend‘s 2024 output was prolific yet selective, each release a snippet turned supernova.

At Nettspends real name age, these hits transformed Gunner from bedroom producer to festival staple, with live performances at Lollapalooza drawing thousands.

Collaborations and the 1c34 Collective: Building the Squad

Nettspend‘s ties to the collective 1c34, founded by Xaviersobased, have been pivotal, fostering a Richmond artist ecosystem that champions underground rap. 

Tracks like “40” with Xaviersobased and Evilgiane in January 2024 fused jerk microgenres, earning spots on The New York Times‘ best-of lists. Nett‘s chemistry with Osamason on “Withdrawals” in June 2024—a hazy, introspective cut—highlighted their shared swag, blending Virginia trap with New York edge.

These partnerships extend to visuals, like Nettspend‘s cameo in Tommy Richman’s “Devil Is a Lie” video, nodding to RVA solidarity. 1c34‘s ethos—raw, collaborative, anti-corporate—mirrors Nett‘s journey, turning solo snippets into communal anthems.

Nettspends real name Gunner thrives in this crew, crediting them for amplifying his voice in a scene dominated by solo stars.

Style and Influences: Trap, Jerk, and Beyond

Nettspend‘s sound is a heady brew of trap and jerk, laced with distorted 808s, loose piano riffs, and glimmering synths that evoke a fever dream. Influenced by Chief Keef‘s drill grit, Lil Uzi Vert and Young Thug‘s acrobatic flows, and Yungster Jack‘s experimental haze, Nett crafts subgenres that feel both nostalgic and futuristic. In his interview with i-D, he stated Chief Keef as a blueprint: “That raw energy, but twisted my way.”

Tracks like “Shine N Peace” exemplify this—lyrical fragments over warped production, capturing teen ennui with sly humor. Nettspend‘s explanation from Nettspend on his process: “I don’t overthink; it’s vibe first, words second.” His swag—bleached hair, oversized fits—mirrors the music’s chaotic allure.

At Nettspends real name‘s core, this style is Richmond-bred rebellion, evolving underground rap one distorted beat at a time.

Debut Mixtape Badassfuckingkid: A 2024 Milestone

On December 6, 2024, Nettspend released his debut full-length Badassfuckingkid, a 14-track odyssey that crystallized his ascent. Featuring producers like reklus1ve and guests including Osamason, the tape dives into themes of isolation and excess, with standouts like “F*ck Swag” (directed by Cole Bennett) railing against industry fakes over glitchy riffs.

Debuting at #197 on the Billboard 200, Badassfuckingkid blended n peace vibes with harder edges, earning praise from Pitchfork for its “frenzied groove.” Nettspend‘s vitality as “drankdrankdrank” echoes here—short, punchy cuts under two minutes that demand replays. The project’s leaks and backlash over artwork only fueled hype, proving Nett‘s grip on the underground.

Nettspends real name Gunner poured personal chaos into this milestone, turning 2024 frustrations into a deluxe-worthy statement.

2025 Updates: Tour, Fashion, and New Horizons

Entering into 2025, Nettspend hit the ground running with the “Invert” tour announcement on February 21, a 30-date jaunt across North America that sold out in hours, blending high-energy sets with fan meet-and-greets. His March Paris Fashion Week strut for Miu Miu—alongside Cortisa Star—marked a model from Richmond evolution, with bleached locks and streetwear signaling crossover appeal.

Singles like “Echoes in the Void” (July 2025) sampled Deftones again, while uncleared tracks from 2024 got reuploads, quelling fan outcry. Nettspend‘s 2025 trajectory includes rumored Interscope/Grade A signing, positioning him as underground’s next breakout.

At Nettspends real name age of 18, these moves cement Gunner as a multifaceted force.

Physical Appearance: The Visual Swag of a Gen-Z Icon

Nettspend‘s look is as signature as his sound—tall, lanky frame draped in oversized hoodies, baggy cargos, and chunky sneakers that scream effortless cool. At 6 feet 1 inch, his height commands stages, often towering over collaborators like Osamason, while his athletic build (from skateboarding roots) adds kinetic energy to live performances. Weighing around 160 lbs, Nett maintains a lean, wiry physique that fits the jerk aesthetic—agile, unpredictable.

His style evolves with seasons: Bleached blonde hair in 2024, now streaked with neon for 2025 tours; piercing blue eyes framed by subtle liner for that “grim reaper” mystique; fair skin often inked with minimalist tattoos nodding to RVA pride. Body measurements hover at 34-28-34, slim but toned, reflecting a diet of energy drinks and studio marathons.

This visual swag amplifies Nettspends real name‘s enigmatic aura.

Nettspend on Social Media: Viral Engine and Fan Connection

Nettspend wields social media like a weapon, turning snippets into streams and memes into moments. His Instagram (@nettspend) buzzes with tour teases and fit checks, while Twitter (@nettspend_) drops cryptic riffs and fan Q&As. With explosive growth post-2024, his platforms are hubs for underground rap discourse.

These channels, at Nettspends real name‘s command, keep the momentum alive.

Influences and Evolution: From Chief Keef to Personal Sound

Nettspend‘s influences read like a 2020s rap bible: Chief Keef‘s drill menace for that guttural punch, Lil Uzi Vert‘s vocal acrobatics for playful chaos, and Young Thug‘s eccentricity for boundary-pushing flair. In his interview with i-D, Nett shared: “Growing up in Richmond, it was all vibes—dad’s country mixed with trap radio.” This blend birthed his signature: distorted 808s rumbling like thunder, loose piano riffs weaving melancholy threads.

Evolving from 2023‘s raw demos to 2025‘s polished chaos, Nettspend experiments with subgenres, sampling rock like Deftones while nodding to Uzi Vert and Young Thug‘s melodic traps. Nettspend reflected on growth: “It’s me processing life—school skips, heartbreaks, highs.”

Nettspends real name Gunner infuses autobiography, turning influences into a uniquely RVA dialect.

Challenges and Controversies: The Uncleared Sample Saga

Nettspend‘s path hasn’t been smooth; 2024 saw songs being uncleared pull hits like “That One Song” from streaming platforms, sparking fan backlash and legal whispers. Evilgiane‘s beats, often sampling without clearance, clashed with labels, forcing reuploads to SoundCloud. Nett addressed it vaguely: “It’s the game—create first, fix later.”

Controversies include 2023‘s expulsion rumors and online trolls questioning his 17-year-old authenticity, but Nettspend‘s response—doubling down on raw drops—silenced doubters. In 2025, a brief feud with a NOVAGANG affiliate fizzled into a collab tease.

These hurdles at Nettspends real name age test resilience, forging a tougher young rapper.

Live Performances and Tour Life: Energy Unleashed

Nettspend‘s live performances are electric chaos—mosh pits erupting to “Drankdrankdrank”, Nett crowd-surfing in baggy fits, mic in one hand, bubble gun in the other. His November 2024 tour—packed venues from RVA to LA—drew thousands, with sets blending high-energy jerks and intimate freestyles. The 2025 “Invert” run, announced February 21, promises bigger stages, with openers like Osamason.

Fans rave about the intimacy: Nett pausing mid-set for fan dedications, his 6’1″ frame commanding yet approachable. Richmond homecoming shows in RVA felt like block parties, blending local pride with global buzz.

Nettspends real name shines here, the 17-year-old phenom connecting viscerally.

Fun Facts about Nettspends Real Name

• Nettspends real name Gunner Shepardson was inspired by action heroes, but he jokes it’s “too football-sounding” for rap.
• At 17-year-old, Nettspend‘s first viral snippet was recorded on a cracked phone mic in his Richmond basement.
• He owns a custom crystal ball for “vibes only” decisions, used before dropping “Nothing Like Uuu.”
• Gunner once skated a RVA rail during a music video shoot, breaking his board but nailing the take.
• His dad’s country tunes snuck into a hidden 2024 bonus track, blending genres unexpectedly.
• Nettspend‘s bubble gun at shows has sparked TikTok trends, with fans recreating “bubble mosh pits.”
• In 2025, he modeled for Supreme’s Dickies collab, bridging Richmond streets to high fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nettspends Real Name

Q: What is Nettspends real name?

A: Nettspends real name is Gunner Shepardson, the 17-year-old behind the badassfuckingkid moniker.

Q: Where is Nettspend from?

A: Richmond, Virginia (RVA), where he grew up surrounded by music and local trap scenes.

Q: When did Nettspend go viral?

A: Late 2023, when a snippet of “Drankdrankdrank” went viral on Twitter, exploding his following.

Q: What is Nettspend’s debut mixtape?

A: Badassfuckingkid, released December 6, 2024, featuring distorted 808s and loose piano riffs.

Q: Who are Nettspend’s influences?

A: Chief Keef, Lil Uzi Vert, and Young Thug, shaping his trap and jerk fusion.

Q: Is Nettspend part of a collective?

A: Yes, affiliated with collective 1c34 and collaborators like Xaviersobased and Osamason.

Q: What happened to Nettspend’s 2024 songs?

A: Many were pulled for songs being uncleared samples but reuploaded to SoundCloud by late 2024.

Conclusion on Nettspends Real Name

Nettspends real name, Gunner Shepardson, encapsulates the whirlwind of a 17-year-old Richmond phenom whose meteoric rise from 2022 SoundCloud drops to 2025 fashion runways redefines underground ambition. Through viral anthems like “Drankdrankdrank” and the chaotic triumph of Badassfuckingkid, Nettspend has woven RVA grit into global threads, blending trap and jerk with unapologetic swag. 

Collaborations with Osamason and Xaviersobased in 1c34 amplify his voice, while challenges like uncleared tracks only sharpen his edge. As Nett navigates tours and temptations, his story—at just 18—promises more riffs, more chaos, and endless evolution in hip-hop’s ever-shifting landscape.