“Music Connects Us All… Even When We’re Confused”: AL99 Reflects on Faith, Culture, and Growth in Elevate’s “WHY II”

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March 04, 2026

When AL99, pronounced “AL Nine-Nine,” drops a new track, it’s never just another single—it’s an experience. His latest release, “WHY II,” the ninth track from his EP Elevate, is no exception. From the first bars, the song is reflective, pulling listeners into the artist’s world of introspection, faith, and cultural awareness.

“I really was in the moment of reflection,” AL99 explains, recounting the creation of “WHY II.” “It was reflective from my own journey, and then reflective in terms of how I think about the world and what was going on at the time. I feel like music is so important to connect us all because then we realize we’re all the same.”

The song arrives as part of Elevate, a nine-track collection that sees AL99 seamlessly navigating the highs and lows of life and Hip-Hop. Tracks like “SET IT OFF,” “POP,” “ENIGMA,” “SINK OR SWIM,” “9 GOD,” “PASSION,” and “MOMMA” showcase the versatility that fans have come to expect. Each track feels intentional, with AL99 carefully crafting every beat, hook, and lyric to reflect a broader journey.

What makes “WHY II” unique in AL99’s catalog is its collaborative genesis. Unlike most of his music, which he produces himself, this track began with a beat by international producer B Noize. “I found this beat on YouTube, and I was like, ‘Man, this really speaks to me,’” AL99 recalls. “I just started rapping to it… and it kind of started the Y series.” The track continues a thematic exploration of the “why” behind his artistry—a series AL99 says is meant to connect listeners with purpose, introspection, and culture.

AL99’s artistry is as much about heart as it is about craft. On “WHY II,” he reflects on the delicate balance between ambition and authenticity: “I had to separate my mindset and how I’m grinding for a goal and my heart… still keep the passion of what I’m doing… it’s all still about the love.” This philosophy permeates his work, giving tracks a depth that resonates beyond the music itself.

Cultural heritage is another driving force. While not Haitian himself, AL99 draws deeply from his family’s roots. “Being around the family and speaking patois and Creole… it was always such a very spiritual, family-oriented situation,” he says. “You can manifest whatever energy you have inside you into reality. We have power in our heritages, we have power in our culture.” The influence of this lineage, coupled with his faith and personal growth, is threaded throughout Elevate, especially on tracks like “9 GOD” and “MOMMA.”

Beyond music, AL99 is an entrepreneur and a visionary. Founder of TPC Music Production, he recently signed a distribution deal with Universal Music Group/Bungalo, cementing his independent grind while expanding his reach. From the early success of singles like “POP” to his ongoing rise in the Hip-Hop scene, AL99 continues to define his own path, blending artistry, business, and culture.

“WHY II” is more than a track—it’s a testament to AL99’s journey as an artist and as a person. He hopes listeners will take away the essence of authenticity and reflection that permeates his music. “I just want people to go back and listen and feel that I was always speaking what I believed,” he says. “As long as I’m doing that, I’ll be happy, and I hope people now or later on feel that too.”

With Elevate, AL99 doesn’t just make music; he offers a roadmap of introspection, resilience, and cultural pride, proving once again why fans call him “Versatile AL” and peers recognize him as “The Genius.”

AL99, known for his versatility as a lyricist, performer, instrumentalist, and producer, is redefining the boundaries of Hip-Hop. Drawing inspiration from icons like Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake, his music blends introspective lyricism, energetic performance, and cultural resonance. Founder of TPC Music Production, AL99 balances artistry and entrepreneurship, delivering music that inspires, entertains, and uplifts. With a mission to create tracks that connect deeply with listeners, AL99 continues to push Hip-Hop forward while remaining authentically himself.