His tenth studio album, K.O.D., was released October 27, 2009. He has spent his illustrious career making sure he’s been grinding harder than the average rapper, and is the best selling artist out of his hometown. With nine solo albums and two powerhouse collaboration projects under his belt, the Kansas City MC’s flow is sharper and slicker than it’s ever been.
“This is another roller coaster ride,” explains TECH N9NE about the release. “When it came time for Sickology 101, I knew I wanted to do a collabo album based on the study of being sick. It’s a beginner’s course for people who don’t know how to be sick lyrically or how to choose sick beats. It all starts with beats because they tell me exactly what to do.” Epic beats from YoungFyre, Wyshmaster, Seven and Matic Lee set the stage for TECH N9NE to weave his introspective and sometimes roguish lyrics around.
Sickology 101 brims with stellar appearances from lyrical heavyweights. On the opening title track, TECH N9NE slays alongside Chino XL and Crooked I, pulling listeners into the Hip-Hop classroom for a lesson in murdering a beat. It’s a twisted vision forged on undeniable grooves and quixotic wordplay.
The single, “Nothin,’” is an inspiring, honest anthem that features Messy Marv and Big Scoob. Meanwhile, on “Midwest Choppers 2,” TECH N9NE and Krayzie Bone cruise to the depths of darkness. “Krayzie Bone came through and murdered it,” says TECH N9NE. “I modeled the song after movies. When you do a sequel, there has to be a bigger body count and more people have to die. ‘Midwest Choppers 2’ is Autobahn-style. It makes you want to speed.”
TECH N9NE’s inimitable flow and rhyming take center stage on solo tracks, including the haunting, hypnotic “Red Nose.” He doesn’t pull any punches on the vitriolic, YoungFyre-produced “Blown Away,” either. It’s an open letter to several prominent urban artists who refused to play before him at radio festivals despite his massive concert draw.
With hits like “I’m A Playa,” “Caribou Lou” (which boasts 7.2 million MySpace plays), “Riotmaker,” “Like Yeah” and “Everybody Move,” it’s no wonder TECH N9NE counts a total of over 4.5 million YouTube video plays and an average of 40,000 MySpace visitors each day. His success knows no limits. The July 2008 release, Killer, debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart and Number 12 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. He did it all on his own. There was no major label — just TECH N9NE’s own record company, Strange Music. TECH N9NE’s tracks have appeared in films like Gang Related and Alpha Dog as well as various TV shows, and he recently made his motion picture debut in The Life of Lucky Cucumber alongside members of MTV’s “Jackass” crew.
It hasn’t been an easy road, but TECH N9NE soldiers on and he’ll never stop. “They call me devil worshipper because I’m different. I give you music for my core. They’re the people that put me over the million mark. I raise my middle finger to everybody who judges me because my core audience is there for me. They will always love me, but I’m trying to reach others, too. It’s not over. My music is supposed to be for everybody, but some people just don’t get it. This album is the result; swallow it. It’s middle finger music, all-day and all-night.”
TECH N9NE never stops bringing that music directly to his fans, constantly reinforcing his status as one of the hardest-touring rap acts in the business. In 2008, TECH N9NE performed over 200 shows and he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down in 2009. In April, TECH will head out in support of Sickology 101 and spend two months on the road, performing live for his rabid fans.
Sickology 101 is prepping the world for TECH N9NE’s next masterpiece, K.O.D. “I want people to know that I’m getting better and better and I’m a machine. I do these collabo albums to give the fans more. This is a bridge record to K.O.D. It’s the farewell to the TECH N9NE you’ve known lately. It’s getting darker. A lot of people might not be able to go to the place I’m going, but this place is my specialty.”
“I don’t need people to kiss my hand,” assures TECH N9NE. “I’m not trippin’ on status, and I’m not a narcissist when it comes to rap. It’s my heart and soul pouring onto the paper. I write my life and I can’t hold back. This is what I know.”
Origin: Kansas City, Missouri
Year Formed: 1991
Official Site: http://www.therealtechn9ne.com/
'Fragile' feat. Kendrick Lamar ¡MAYDAY! and Kendall Morgan
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But here I am sweeping, pieces off of the ground
You said you'd never, ever play, to crowds
But I've seen you hoping to play songs to them now
I've spent all night long scared of tomorrow, broke my alarm
Everything's almost lost, pick it up slow, before it's gone
We're fragile
I never thought I'd be so fragile
(You're not alone)
If it didn't break before it's about to
(We've been here before)
I don't ever want to change
I'm fragile
I don't ever
Some of the people appointed to give an opinion
Never do get it
I want you to come on and gobble a jimmy and... die
N9na be giving the remedy and why?
Critics are really the enemy and I
Can't stand the way they slam today's gifted
Effin' incredible, get fanned away with grands to pay
This jam will lay scripted
Deaf and impeccable
Write a rhyme and I put everything in a flow
I'm the N9ne I'm a look very mean
When a foe scribe a line but he has never been at a show
By the times it'll be better, leave it in the sto'
'Cause they wrote nothin' but lies, quotes stuck in my eyes
Amateur writer dissin'
He's a beginner and hopes for your demise, folks some may despise
Never do try to listen
It's real, I'm mad
Clueless when you scribble on your pad
How you gonna criticize with a chisel on your nads sizzling your ad
You don't really get why I'm so pissed? Understand this (Understand this)
I'm an artist, and I'm sensitive about my shit, yes I'm
We're fragile
(Wish I'd have known)
I never thought I'd be so fragile
(You're not alone)
If it didn't break before it's about to
(We've been here before)
I don't ever want to change
I'm fragile
I don't ever
Tell me that I'm famous
Tell me that my name is
Big as Venus Jupiter and then Uranus
Tell me that your anus got your head in it
I can smell the articles and know you're heinous
Tell me that you love me, always thinkin' of me
Unconditional, I'm hoping I'm your favourite
Grab a fishing pole and throw me with the sharks
That's the feelin' I get when you're concentratin'
On this pen, on this pad
Tell me you're willin' to diss on my craft
Tell me the feelin' of pickin' apart this track
Stop
Puttin' my heart and my soul in these lines
Tellin' me platinum and gold all the time
Lookin' to bury, a deep hole for mine
Drop
This is more than you, and this is more than you
And your entire building slanderin' and abusin'
What I call the realest comin' from a student
Told myself to use a poem as an UZI
Empty magazine, I seen a magazine
You seen my trigger finger, then I started shootin'
That was nicotine, I'm 'bout to smoke 'em all
And journalists involved should've known my music
We're fragile
(Wish I'd have known)
I never thought I'd be so fragile
(You're not alone)
If it didn't break before it's about to
(We've been here before)
I don't ever want to change
I'm fragile
I don't ever
The song "Fragile" by Tech N9ne ft Kendrick Lamar, ¡Mayday! & Kendall Morgan is essentially about sensitivity, and how an artist's work is often scrutinized by critics and fans alike. In the first verse, Tech N9ne talks about how someone who claimed they were unbreakable has now fallen apart, and how he's spent the night worrying about the future. The chorus then repeats the word "fragile," suggesting that the artist is susceptible to criticism and isn't as tough as they may have thought.
The second half of the song features Kendrick Lamar and ¡Mayday! both discussing their experiences with criticism. They talk about how some people are appointed to give opinions but never fully understand what they're talking about. Kendrick also speaks about how he wants to be appreciated for his work, but instead, some seem to only want to tear him down. ¡Mayday! adds that the process of creating their music is emotionally taxing, and that they take offense to those who criticize their art without understanding it.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the importance of recognizing an artist's sensitivity, and that even those who portray themselves as unbreakable can still be hurt by criticism.
Line by Line Meaning
You said you'd never ever break, down
You promised that you would always be strong and never fall apart
But here I am sweeping, pieces off of the ground
I am picking up the broken pieces of you after you failed to keep your promise
You said you'd never, ever play, to crowds
You claimed you would never perform in front of large audiences
But I've seen you hoping to play songs to them now
Yet, I have witnessed you yearning to showcase your music to the masses
I've spent all night long scared of tomorrow, broke my alarm
I have been frightened and anxious about what tomorrow brings, resulting in me breaking my alarm clock
Everything's almost lost, pick it up slow, before it's gone
I believe that everything is on the brink of being lost, so I must handle everything with caution and care to prevent any further damage
Some of the people appointed to give an opinion
Certain individuals who have been assigned to review or critique my work
Never do get it
These people never seem to comprehend or understand the true meaning or value of my creations
I want you to come on and gobble a jimmy and... die
I wish for those critics to engage in a sexual act with a condom and choke on it
N9na be giving the remedy and why?
I, Tech N9ne, will provide the solution and reason for this problem
Critics are really the enemy and I
I see those critics as my adversaries and opponents
Can't stand the way they slam today's gifted
I despise how those critics criticize the artists of today, who have been blessed with talent
Effin' incredible, get fanned away with grands to pay
Those who are truly amazing get rewarded with large sums of money
This jam will lay scripted
This song will be perfectly written and performed
Deaf and impeccable
My rap skills are flawless and impressive
Write a rhyme and I put everything in a flow
When I write lyrics, I ensure that they flow smoothly and cohesively
I'm the N9ne I'm a look very mean
I am Tech N9ne, and I may appear intimidating and aggressive
When a foe scribe a line but he has never been at a show
When an enemy attempts to criticize my performance, despite not being present at one
By the times it'll be better, leave it in the sto'
Eventually, my work will improve, so I will let the current criticism fade away
'Cause they wrote nothin' but lies, quotes stuck in my eyes
Their critiques are no more than lies, and their quotes ring in my ears
Amateur writer dissin'
Someone who is not a professional writer is criticizing me
He's a beginner and hopes for your demise,
This novice writer wants me to fail and disappear
folks some may despise
Some people may dislike me
Never do try to listen
They refuse to even attempt to understand my perspective
It's real, I'm mad
My anger and frustration are genuine
Clueless when you scribble on your pad
These critics do not have any understanding of what they are writing, given their amateurish work
How you gonna criticize with a chisel on your nads sizzling your ad
How can they critique me when they lack both skill and credibility, and their writing is subpar?
You don't really get why I'm so pissed? Understand this (Understand this)
These critics do not comprehend the reason for my anger, and I need to explain it more clearly to them
I'm an artist, and I'm sensitive about my shit, yes I'm
My art means a lot to me, and I am sensitive about how it is received and critiqued
Tell me that I'm famous
Please confirm that I am a recognized and popular figure
Tell me that my name is
Tell me that my name holds significant meaning and value
Big as Venus Jupiter and then Uranus
Tell me that I am as significant as the planets Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus in the galaxy
Tell me that your anus got your head in it
Please tell me that you have your head up your ass
I can smell the articles and know you're heinous
I can detect the negativity in your articles, and it shows your contemptible nature
Tell me that you love me, always thinkin' of me
Please confirm that you have a deep love for me and always keep me in your thoughts
Unconditional, I'm hoping I'm your favourite
I hope that you love me unconditionally and view me as your favorite artist
Grab a fishing pole and throw me with the sharks
Throw me into the deep end and let me swim with the best of them
That's the feelin' I get when you're concentratin'
I get a sense of excitement and exhilaration when you are truly focused on me
On this pen, on this pad
When I am writing my lyrics onto paper
Tell me you're willin' to diss on my craft
Are you willing to criticize and pick apart my artistic creations?
Tell me the feelin' of pickin' apart this track
Tell me how it feels to dissect and criticize this particular song
Stop
Cease what you are doing
Puttin' my heart and my soul in these lines
I am pouring my emotions and passion into every lyric I write
Tellin' me platinum and gold all the time
People are constantly telling me that my music will go platinum and gold
Lookin' to bury, a deep hole for mine
Someone is trying to bring me down and bury my career
This is more than you, and this is more than you
This is not just about you, but it is also more significant than you
And your entire building slanderin' and abusin'
Your entire organization is slandering and abusing me
What I call the realest comin' from a student
I am a student of the game and am delivering the most genuine and authentic music
Told myself to use a poem as an UZI
I instructed myself to use my lyrical abilities as a weapon or tool
Empty magazine, I seen a magazine
When my weapon's magazine is depleted, I turn to a music magazine for inspiration and fuel
You seen my trigger finger, then I started shootin'
Once you witness my creative energy, I am unstoppable
That was nicotine, I'm 'bout to smoke 'em all
My previous accomplishment was just a small taste, as now I am going to conquer them all
And journalists involved should've known my music
Those journalists who wrote negatively about me should have listened to my music before forming an opinion
We're fragile
We, as human beings, are sensitive and easily broken
(Wish I'd have known)
I wish I had realized this fragility sooner
I never thought I'd be so fragile
I never anticipated just how easily I could be hurt or broken
(You're not alone)
Others share this fragility and are going through similar experiences
If it didn't break before it's about to
If something has not already been broken, it likely will be soon
(We've been here before)
This is not the first time we have experienced this kind of vulnerability and risk of breaking
I don't ever want to change
I do not want to lose my sensitivity and vulnerability because it is a part of who I am and my artistry
I'm fragile
I am vulnerable and sensitive
I don't ever
I will not change who I am, no matter the criticisms or opinions of others
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENDRICK LAMAR, AARON DONTEZ YATES, BENJAMIN KNOX MILLER, DANIEL ALEJANDRO PEREZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@surajchettri834
[Verse 1: Wrekonize & Bernz]
You said you'd never ever break... down
But here I am sweeping... pieces off of the ground
You said you'd never, ever play... to crowds
But I've seen you hoping to play songs to them now
I've spent all night long scared of tomorrow, I broke my alarm
Everything is almost lost, pick it up slow, before it's gone...
[Hook: Wrekonize & Kendall Morgan]
We’re fragile
(Wish I’d have known)
I never thought I’d be so fragile
(You’re not alone)
If it didn’t break before, it’s about to
(We’ve been here before)
I don’t ever want to change
I’m fragile
I don’t ever want…
I don't ever...
[Verse 2: Tech N9ne]
Some of the people appointed to give an opinion
Never do get it
I want you to come on and gobble a jimmy and... die
N9na be givin the remedy and why?
Critics are really the enemy and I
Can't stand the way they slam today's gifted
Effin' incredible, get fanned away with grands to pay
This jam will lay scripted
Deaf and impeccable
Write a rhyme and I put everything in a flow
I'm the N9ne I'ma look very mean
When a foe scribe a line but he has never been at a show
By the times it'll be better, leave it in the sto
Cause they wrote nothin' but lies, quotes stuck in my eyes
Amateur writer dissin'
He's a beginner and hopes for your demise, folks I'ma despise
Never do try to listen
It's real - I'm mad
Clueless when you scribble on your pad
How you gonna criticize with a chisel on your nads sizzling your ad
You don't really get why I'm so pissed? Understand this:
I'm an artist, and I'm sensitive about my shit, yes I'm
[Hook Wrekonize & Kendall Morgan]
We’re fragile
(Wish I’d have known)
I never thought I’d be so fragile
(You’re not alone)
If it didn’t break before, it’s about to
(We’ve been here before)
I don’t ever want to change
I’m fragile
I don’t ever want…
I don't ever...
[Verse 3: Kendrick Lamar]
Tell me that I'm famous
Tell me that my name is
Big as Venus Jupiter and then Uranus
Tell me that your anus got your head in it
I can smell the articles and know you're heinous
Tell me that you love me, always thinkin' of me
Unconditional, I'm hoping I'm your favourite
Grab a fishing pole and throw me with the sharks
That's the feelin' I get when you're concentratin'
On this pen, on this pad
Tell me you're willin' to diss on my craft
Tell me the feelin' of pickin' apart this track
Stop...
Puttin' my heart and my soul in these lines
Tellin' me platinum and gold all the time
Lookin' to bury, a deep hole for mine
Drop...
This is more than you, and this is more than you
And your entire building slanderin' and abusin'
What I call the realest comin' from a student
Told myself to use a poem as an UZI
Empty magazine, I seen a magazine
You seen my trigger finger, then I started shootin'
That was nicotine, I'm bout to smoke 'em all
And journalists involved should've known my music
[Hook Wrekonize & Kendall Morgan]
We’re fragile
(Wish I’d have known)
I never thought I’d be so fragile
(You’re not alone)
If it didn’t break before, it’s about to
(We’ve been here before)
I don’t ever want to change
I’m fragile
I don’t ever want…
I don't ever...
@StrangeMusicInc
We love all the fan support for this video! Be sure you also check out the DIrector's Cut and let us know which you prefer! Share this video on your Facebook and Twitter, too! #ItGoesUp
Tech N9ne - Fragile (ft. Kendrick Lamar, ¡MAYDAY! & Kendall Morgan) - Director's Cut
@skybombxxx
wreckonize shoulda had his part featured. not cool tech. what hapened to mainstream going tech?????????????
@oldripyone
Sam Hinshaw
it says mayday cuz they p[roduced it
@oldripyone
wreck got is rec
Sam Hinshaw
@gorgeous00206
LOVE LOVE LOVE This! Definitely Directors Cut! Good Shit Tech N9ne!
@angellaespinoza493
i still think kendrick shouldve been replaced by em but hes always busy.. dont get me wrong kendrick did good
@jennyneedsmeds
i listened to this song when i was in the darkest depths of my addiction. now i'm listening to it with 1 year and 8 months in recovery.
this song got me through the worst of life so i can finally start to see the best of it.
@whiterabbittalks4763
betta hope it gets u past A RELAPSE TOO! SERIOUSLY DON'T FORGET THIS AND PLAY IT B4 USING!!
@anastrong3212
Congratulations on your sobriety! It's been my go to song since it came out, high or low I can always find comfort in it.
@robertlaughteriii8124
As tech n9ne would say "good to be in gods God's grace"