Since his rise out of Virginia in 2023, Gunner Shepardson, better known as Nettspend has carved out a reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in underground rap scene at the young age of 18.
With warped vocal effects, gritty beats, and raw delivery, his music has found a dedicated fanbase. His breakout 2024 mixtape “BAD ASS F*CKING KID” even cracked the Billboard 200, a milestone that signalled his move from internet cult figure to one of rap’s biggest stars.
We’ll be taking a look at his top songs that make fans come back for more, the tracks that define his artistry and keep his audience hooked.
10) Beach Leak
“Beach Leak” stands out as the ninth track on Nettspend’s breakout debut album, “BAD ASS F*CKING KID,” and has the unique distinction of being the only song on the project to be leaked before its official release. The title itself nods to its bumpy history, with “Leak” serving as both a literal reference to what happened and a subtle wink to the fans who heard it early. Even with its rough rollout, the track went on to become one of the most talked-about songs in Nettspend’s catalog, showing how anticipation and controversy can sometimes fuel a track’s legacy.
The first glimpse of the song came on May 5th, 2024, when Nettspend previewed it on his Instagram story. Fans immediately latched onto the short snippet, flooding comment sections with demands for a full release. That early hype only grew when, months later, on September 24th, the track was fully leaked online. The leak had spread rapidly across TikTok edits, Discord servers, and underground playlists, making it impossible to ignore. By the time the official album dropped, fans already knew every word.
Part of the reason “Beach Leak” thrived even after the leak was its production style. The track blends Nettspend’s signature raw, unfiltered delivery with an almost beach-like, bouncy instrumental that sets it apart from the darker, more aggressive songs on the album. It’s playful but sharp, reflecting the duality that makes Nettspend’s sound so distinctive. Critics pointed out how the leak may have actually boosted the song’s mythos, turning what could have been a setback into a defining moment in his rollout.
9) Skipping Class
“Skipping Class” takes the eighth spot on Nettspend’s debut album, “BAD ASS F*CKING KID,” and quickly became one of the most anticipated tracks in the project’s rollout. As its title suggests, the track paints a vivid picture of rejecting routine responsibilities in favor of a more carefree, reckless, and indulgent lifestyle. Nettspend leans heavily into themes of living lavishly, shrugging off authority, and prioritizing the thrill of the moment over structured paths like school or work. The song’s concept struck a chord with his core audience, many of whom view Nettspend as a voice for youthful rebellion and nonconformity.
The beat, produced by ok or wegonebeok, is a bass-heavy, upbeat instrumental that perfectly complements Nettspend’s brash delivery. The booming low-end and sharp percussion create a backdrop that feels equally mischievous and celebratory, giving listeners the sense of breaking rules but doing it with style. Critics and fans alike highlighted how the instrumental mirrored the track’s message, it feels like sneaking out of class with your friends and blasting music at full volume, a sonic embodiment of recklessness and freedom.
The hype around “Skipping Class” started long before its official release. Nettspend first previewed the track during an Instagram Live session on January 30th, 2024. The raw snippet immediately circulated across fan pages and TikTok edits, with listeners praising its energy and tagging it as a “future anthem.” Just two months later, on March 20th, Nettspend previewed the track again on his Instagram story, doubling down on fan anticipation. Each preview acted like a spark, igniting conversations across online communities who eagerly awaited the official release.
By the time “BAD ASS F*CKING KID” dropped, “Skipping Class” was already a standout in the eyes of fans, not just because of its sound, but because of the movement it created beforehand. It became one of the defining songs of Nettspend’s early catalog, embodying the carefree, rebellious spirit that defines his artistry.
8) What they say
“What They Say” remains one of Nettspend’s older yet most popular tracks, and over time it has earned a reputation as a fan favorite. Unlike his more explosive, high-energy records, this song takes a different route with a slower tempo and a more reflective tone. That shift gave fans something they didn’t expect from him in his early catalog, proving that Nettspend could balance aggression with vulnerability and still strike a chord. The track’s focus on brushing off negativity and moving forward in his own lane resonated with listeners who connected to its motivational core.
The slow beat itself is part of why the track became so beloved. Instead of the booming bass and frenetic energy that define much of Nettspend’s sound, “What They Say” leans into minimal production, allowing space for his words to hit harder. The instrumental’s stripped-back quality makes the track feel more intimate, as though Nettspend is speaking directly to the listener. Concert clips often show fans chanting the lyrics word for word, despite it not being tied to a major album release. Its reputation as an older track only adds to its mythos, serving as a reminder of where Nettspend started and how he built a connection with his fanbase.
7) F*CK SWAG
Known for his long-standing collaborations with Nettspend, the instrumental was previewed by producer ok during an Instagram Live session. ok gave fans an early taste of what would later become one of the artist’s most impactful standalone tracks. The beat’s gritty yet infectious bounce instantly caught listeners’ attention, sparking speculation about when Nettspend would finally pair it with his signature vocals. That anticipation simmered for weeks until it exploded into the spotlight during a major live performance.
On July 14, 2024, Nettspend officially introduced “F*CK SWAG” with vocals for the first time at Clout Festival 2024 in Warsaw, Poland. The debut came with a personal twist before launching into the track, Nettspend told the crowd: “I just wanna show y’all something just ‘cause I’ve been going through something recently. I just wanna show y’all something new.”
On October 2, 2024, Nettspend announced on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) that “F*CK SWAG” would finally be dropping. He revealed the official release time, 6:00 PM Pacific Standard Time and paired the announcement with the news of a Lyrical Lemonade music video, directed by Cole Bennett. The collaboration elevated the track’s rollout, bringing Nettspend into a wider spotlight and cementing “F*CK SWAG” as one of his most defining songs of that year.
6) That One Song
“That One Song” quickly became one of Nettspend’s most talked-about and eagerly awaited tracks, largely because it prominently samples “Entombed” by alternative metal icons Deftones. First teased on an Instagram livestream in 2023, the snippet immediately captured attention with its unique energy and atmospheric production, blending metal-infused textures with Nettspend’s signature hip-hop style. The hype intensified when Nettspend previewed it again on March 10th, 2024, reigniting conversations across social media. Later, when he performed the snippet during his Rolling Loud set, it solidified the track as a must-have in his catalog, building anticipation to a fever pitch.
The Deftones sample is central to the track’s viral rise. Its slightly pitched-up, haunting guitar riff forms the backbone of the song, giving it an unexpected melodic depth and a brooding, emotional undertone. Nettspend layers his verses over the sample in a way that merges metal and hip-hop sensibilities, creating a sound that feels both daring and fresh. TikTok edits featuring the snippet exploded in popularity, often paired with moody, atmospheric visuals that highlighted the sample’s intensity. On Twitter, fans circulated clips with captions dubbing it “his best unreleased work,” helping push the snippet into cult-classic territory before its official release.
When “That One Song” finally received a music video, it further elevated the track’s mystique. Drawing inspiration from Burberry’s Open Spaces advertisement, the video leaned into surreal visuals of open landscapes, dreamlike camera movements, and high-fashion aesthetics. With Cameos from collaborators and peers including OsamaSon, xaviersobased, zuro, and Mazzy Joya, fans praised the video’s artistic direction, calling it one of his most ambitious visuals to date, which amplified the track’s status as a creative milestone.
However, the track’s success was abruptly cut short. On July 9, 2024, Warner Music Group removed both the music video and the track from all platforms, reportedly due to copyright issues with the Deftones sample. The takedown sparked outrage among fans, who flooded comment sections and social media with calls to restore the track. It’s removal only deepened the track’s legacy, transforming it from a rising hit into one of Nettspend’s most infamous “lost” songs.
5) shine n peace
Known as one of Nettspend’s OG songs, “shine n peace” is widely regarded as the track that helped kickstart his career and introduced him to a broader audience. Released on July 23, 2023, alongside a music video on YouTube, the song immediately drew attention for its unique blend of melodic sensibilities and gritty, raw delivery. Fans quickly recognized it as a standout in his early catalog, and the track’s impact was amplified by its video, which visually captured the themes of resilience and ambition woven into the lyrics. From the very beginning, “shine n peace” marked Nettspend as an artist with a distinct voice and aesthetic.
The song’s instrumental is both uplifting and moody, combining airy synths with a steady, hypnotic drum pattern that allows Nettspend’s vocals to take center stage. This balance between melody and grit became a signature element of his style and contributed to why the track resonated so strongly with listeners. Critics and fans alike praised the song’s ability to feel both approachable and emotionally resonant, a feat that would become a recurring strength in Nettspend’s later work.
Over time, “shine n peace” has maintained its status as one of Nettspend’s most acclaimed tracks. Fans often cite it as the song that first made them take notice of his talent.
4) drankdrankdrank
“drankdrankdrank” is widely considered Virginia rapper Nettspend’s breakout single of 2023, cementing his place in the underground rap scene. The track gained rapid attention for its hard-hitting beat, catchy hook, and unfiltered lyrical content, quickly becoming a favorite among his early fanbase. However, it also became one of his most popular controversial releases, partly because it emerged during a time when the new underground rap scene was gaining immense popularity. Despite Nettspend becoming a meme in the underground community for the song at one point, yet fans couldn’t deny that the track itself was undeniably catchy and well-produced.
The instrumental of “drankdrankdrank” pairs distorted 808s with a minimalist, hypnotic rhythm, creating a space where Nettspend’s voice dominates the track. The beat’s repetitive energy mirrors the title and theme, evoking a sense of indulgence and excess that complements the lyrics. Critics and fans alike have highlighted the track’s ability to merge aggression with accessibility, making it simultaneously confrontational and highly replayable.
The song also went viral on TikTok, with users creating short videos and memes that amplified its reach and solidified its place in Nettspend’s growing online presence. This combination of controversy, humor, and virality contributed to “drankdrankdrank” becoming a defining moment in his early career.
Today, it stands as one of his most important early releases in Nettspend’s discography, as it was the song that helped him transition from underground buzz to the mainstream.
3) We Not Like You
Released on August 10, 2023, “We Not Like You” stands as Nettspend’s most streamed track to date, amassing over 29 million streams on Spotify alone. The song’s success marked a pivotal moment in Nettspend’s career, propelling him into the spotlight of the underground rap scene.
The track’s production features a haunting, atmospheric beat that complements Nettspend’s introspective lyrics, creating a captivating listening experience. Its unique sound and emotional depth resonated with a wide audience, contributing to its viral success.
Beyond its streaming success, “We Not Like You” has become a cultural touchstone within the underground rap community. Its influence is evident in the numerous remixes and covers by fans and fellow artists, showcasing its lasting impact on the genre.
The song’s popularity also translated into significant online engagement, with fans sharing their interpretations and reactions across various social media platforms. This widespread discussion further solidified Nettspend’s position as a prominent figure in the underground rap scene.
2) nothing like uuu
If “Drankdrankdrank” introduced fans to Nettspend and the underground rap scene, “nothing like uuu” propelled him into superstardom. Released on April 28, 2024, the single quickly became a cultural phenomenon, amassing millions of streams across platforms. The track’s success was fueled by its emotionally charged lyrics and a captivating instrumental produced by frequent collaborator OK.
Lyrically, Nettspend delves into themes of fleeting love, addiction, and the dopamine rush of short-lived relationships. His introspective verses resonate with listeners, capturing the complexities of modern romance and personal struggles.
Prior to its official release, Nettspend teased the track through an Instagram post that included a lyric from the song and behind-the-scenes footage of the music video shoot. This strategic buildup generated significant anticipation among fans. However, on July 9, 2024, both the song and its music video were removed from all streaming platforms by Warner Music Group, allegedly due to copyright issues with the sample used in the track. Despite the takedown, “nothing like uuu” remains a cult classic.
1) Shut Up
“Shut Up” has swiftly become Nettspend’s most popular and successful track to date, solidifying its status as the number one song in his discography. On“BAD ASS F*CKING KID,” “Shut Up” appears as the ninth track. Released on December 6, 2024, “Shut Up” has become a hit for Nettspend, especially on TikTok, where it has been embraced by various celebrities and influencers through a trend called “aura farming.”
@djfashionkill no rizz just aura guys
This trend involves someone dropping a piece of paper as if by accident, another person picking it up, and the original person signing it like an autograph. The playful act is meant to “collect aura,” a humorous metaphor for gaining attention or positive energy online. The energetic hook of “Shut Up” provides the perfect soundtrack for these short skits, enhancing the comedic and viral appeal of the trend.
Critics and fans alike have praised “Shut Up” for its production quality and lyrical intensity. The track showcases Nettspend’s ability to blend emotive storytelling with hard-hitting beats, creating a sound that is both innovative and accessible. Its mix of catchy melodies and aggressive energy ensures that it resonates in a variety of listening contexts—from headphones to festival stages making it one of the most versatile songs in his discography.
The song’s virality on TikTok has been a major factor in its popularity. This online momentum amplified the song’s reach far beyond Nettspend’s core fanbase, helping it gain mainstream attention while solidifying his presence in the underground rap scene.
