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/
I Get It Now
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm sick of this shit
Blind bitches wish
N9ne's wickedness away
Motherfuckin' killer B
There's about to become a distillery
The majority don't really feel a G
Music, they said killed the fee
Me, Krizz, and Makzilla free
So I'm gonna have to keep it real with me
Fuck them straight with agility
They callin' me crazy
Don't wanna play me
So I make the music that will target their babies
And open 'em up to wicked shit
They wanna know how hip is this
This never been no hipster shit
So the fakers see me and dis the 'fit
I ain't cool like the late great Biggie Smalls, the illest
So I went the route of a killer clown comin' to pillage a village
Steady tryin' to get 'em all to feel it
But I learned you can't please everybody
When my mother was livin' they used to say "your son is scary Maudie"
I don't give a flyin', dyin'
Spy inside of al-Qaeda, they lyin'
When tryin' to diss Tech N9ne
And when they all shall buy us
I don't fit the part for main stream cause I'm rougher
Only time they wanna look like me is Halloween motherfucker
I realize I'm not inviting
You ain't with it
Sit it down
I'm a vicious
Wicked clown
And I'm livid when the critics give us frowns
Trippin' with this nigga's sound
Yup, I get it now
Get it, me and you, we are not the same
We unequal and the people is to blame, get it?
I get it now
I guess I got the wrong pants on
And I don't really make no dance songs, get it?
I get it now
Y'all can't tell I'm fuckin' myself up more and more on purpose?
I love scarin' the hell out of y'all, haha
Stick the masses, whack it off in the casket
Sound like they wrist broken like put the fuckin' lotion in the basket
How is he livin' lavish when he rap really fast and he mask it?
They don't get it when I gas it
They laugh at it, mad it ain't ratchet
They wanna wear clothes just like A$AP Rocky, like Yeezy and Drake
That's what they identify with, not with a nigga with the clown paint on his face
I get it that I'm wicked
When I spit it they be comin' to get 'em a ticket
Talk a lot of shit at the gate and they got to zip it
When I'm bustin', they open up to somethin' different and dig it
I get it, I never looked like the average black dude
Track shoes, gold teeth, and covered in tattoos
Yak, booze, reeking and chiefing the sack through
Speakin' about reaching them hardened hat screws
Jack move
Yes I've become a big boss
But I'll never be cool as Rick Ross
That's okay, N9ne's been rhyming
And now he's shining
Perfect timing
You ain't with it
Sit it down
I'm a vicious
Wicked clown
And I'm livid when the critics give us frowns
Trippin' with this nigga's sound
Yup, I get it now
Get it, me and you, we are not the same
We unequal and the people is to blame, get it?
I get it now
I guess I got the wrong pants on
And I don't really make no dance songs, get it?
I get it now
So what I've come to realize is I will never fit in
So it's my duty to make sure that I stand the fuck out
Meht etinu lliw eh esuac' ,meht sthgif reven eh yhw s'taht ,meht ekil gnihton s'eH
If this thing does not kill you
Grind back to back tracks
Find racks on racks
N9ne's stacking that all day
In "Now It's On," Tech N9ne expresses his frustration with the industry's lack of appreciation for his music. He begins by acknowledging that the industry does not value him and claims to be tired of dealing with it. Tech N9ne then uses derogatory language to describe those who criticize his music as "blind bitches." He also expresses his sense of isolation from the mainstream industry, painting himself as a "motherfucking killer B" who is out to "pillage a village."
Tech N9ne sees himself as an outsider in the music industry, and he revels in his role as a "wicked clown." He believes that his music has the power to influence young people and open them up to new ideas. He scoffs at those who disapprove of his style and claims that he does not care if he does not fit the part for the mainstream. Tech N9ne also references his mother and the way that people viewed him when she was still alive. He ends the song by talking about his determination to keep producing music, even if it means going against the grain.
Line by Line Meaning
Industry does not, feel you
The music industry doesn't appreciate or recognize Tech N9ne's talent and style.
I'm sick of this shit
Tech N9ne is tired of being ignored and disrespected by the industry.
Blind bitches wish N9ne's wickedness away
Some people are unable or unwilling to appreciate Tech N9ne's unique and dark style of music.
Motherfuckin' killer B
Tech N9ne is a badass, and he's about to release some killer music.
There's about to become a distillery
Tech N9ne is producing and releasing a lot of music, like a factory or distillery.
The majority don't really feel a G
Most people don't appreciate or identify with Tech N9ne's style and persona.
With the paint and a dark soliloquy
Tech N9ne's dark and theatrical music is enhanced by his face paint and spoken word sections in his songs.
Music, they said killed the fee
Some people believe that streaming and downloading music has killed the music industry's revenue.
Me, Krizz, and Makzilla free
Tech N9ne and his collaborators Krizz Kaliko and Makzilla are independent and free from major label control.
So I'm gonna have to keep it real with me
Tech N9ne will stay true to his artistic vision and style, regardless of industry pressures.
Fuck them straight with agility
Tech N9ne doesn't care about impressing or pleasing the industry, and instead will keep making the music he wants.
They callin' me crazy
Some people think Tech N9ne's music and persona are crazy or scary.
Don't wanna play me
Some people are afraid or unwilling to listen to Tech N9ne's music.
So I make the music that will target their babies
Tech N9ne creates music that will attract a younger, more open-minded audience and introduce them to his unique style.
And open 'em up to wicked shit
Tech N9ne's music may expose his listeners to darker or more controversial topics.
They wanna know how hip is this
Some people are curious or interested in Tech N9ne's music style and what makes it unique.
This never been no hipster shit
Tech N9ne's style is not trendy or mainstream, and is not trying to follow current trends or fads.
So the fakers see me and dis the 'fit
People who are not genuine or authentic may judge or criticize Tech N9ne's style or image.
I ain't cool like the late great Biggie Smalls, the illest
Tech N9ne recognizes that he does not have the same level of fame or cool image as legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G.
So I went the route of a killer clown comin' to pillage a village
Tech N9ne embraced his unique style and image, putting on face paint like a clown who comes to disrupt or dominate a village.
Steady tryin' to get 'em all to feel it
Tech N9ne wants to connect with and inspire his listeners with his music.
But I learned you can't please everybody
Tech N9ne is aware that not everyone will appreciate or enjoy his music.
When my mother was livin' they used to say "your son is scary Maudie"
Even Tech N9ne's own mother was scared or unsettled by his music and image.
I don't give a flyin', dyin'
Tech N9ne doesn't care what others think or say about him.
Spy inside of al-Qaeda, they lyin'
Tech N9ne is comparing his critics to terrorists, who he believes are also lying or spreading false information about him.
When tryin' to diss Tech N9ne
Tech N9ne believes that some people criticize or try to bring him down.
And when they all shall buy us
Tech N9ne believes that eventually, people will appreciate and respect him and his music.
I don't fit the part for main stream cause I'm rougher
Tech N9ne's style and persona are not polished or mainstream, and may not appeal to everyone.
Only time they wanna look like me is Halloween motherfucker
People may only mimic or imitate Tech N9ne's style for Halloween, as a costume or joke.
So what I've come to realize is I will never fit in
Tech N9ne has accepted that he will never be fully accepted or integrated into the industry or mainstream.
So it's my duty to make sure that I stand the fuck out
Tech N9ne recognizes that he must embrace his unique style and image to succeed and connect with his audience.
Meht etinu lliw eh esuac', meht sthgif reven eh yhw s'taht ,meht ekil gnihton s'eH
This is a backwards message that spells out 'He's nothing like them, that's why even I tune in the them.' It reinforces Tech N9ne's unique and distinct style.
Stick the masses, whack it off in the casket
Tech N9ne is dismissing and rejecting the mainstream audience and is content to appeal to a smaller, more loyal fan base.
Sound like they wrist broken like put the fuckin' lotion in the basket
Tech N9ne is mocking his critics and their lack of understanding or appreciation for his music.
How is he livin' lavish when he rap really fast and he mask it?
Some people may question Tech N9ne's success or wealth, since he raps quickly and wears face paint on stage.
They don't get it when I gas it
People don't fully understand or appreciate Tech N9ne's music or lyrical style.
They laugh at it, mad it ain't ratchet
Some people may laugh at or dismiss Tech N9ne's style because it is not 'ratchet' or stereotypically gangster or tough enough.
They wanna wear clothes just like A$AP Rocky, like Yeezy and Drake
People may follow trendy or popular artists like A$AP Rocky, Kanye West, and Drake, but not someone like Tech N9ne.
That's what they identify with, not with a nigga with the clown paint on his face
People may not identify with or relate to Tech N9ne's clown paint, and instead prefer more mainstream or trendy fashion.
I get it that I'm wicked
Tech N9ne understands that some people may see him as dark or evil.
When I spit it they be comin' to get 'em a ticket
Tech N9ne's music and performance are powerful and enjoyable, and attract a dedicated following.
Talk a lot of shit at the gate and they got to zip it
Even those who criticize Tech N9ne and his music must recognize his talent and fame.
When I'm bustin', they open up to somethin' different and dig it
When Tech N9ne performs and creates music, he can surprise and impress skeptics or newcomers.
I never looked like the average black dude
Tech N9ne's style and appearance are not typical or stereotypical for an African-American artist.
Track shoes, gold teeth, and covered in tattoos
Tech N9ne has unique fashion and style, including athletic shoes, gold teeth, and tattoos.
Yak, booze, reeking and chiefing the sack through
Tech N9ne enjoys alcohol and marijuana, and doesn't conform to any particular social norms or expectations.
Speakin' about reaching them hardened hat screws
Tech N9ne's music is influential and powerful, and can speak to and impact people.
Jack move
Tech N9ne is making a bold or risky move.
Yes I've become a big boss
Tech N9ne has grown and expanded his influence and business as an artist.
But I'll never be cool as Rick Ross
Tech N9ne recognizes that he may never be as cool or popular as fellow rapper Rick Ross.
That's okay, N9ne's been rhyming
Tech N9ne is proud and content with his long and successful career as a rapper.
And now he's shining
Tech N9ne is currently enjoying success and recognition for his music and artistry.
You ain't with it
Those who don't understand or appreciate Tech N9ne's music or style are not welcome.
Sit it down
Tech N9ne wants those who don't like his music to leave and stop trying to critique or bring him down.
I'm a vicious
Tech N9ne is intense, powerful, and unrelenting in his music and performance.
Wicked clown
Tech N9ne's persona and image is that of a dark and twisted clown character.
And I'm livid when the critics give us frowns
Tech N9ne is frustrated and angry when those who don't understand or appreciate his music criticize or disparage him.
Trippin' with this nigga's sound
Some people may struggle or have trouble understanding or appreciating Tech N9ne's unique style and sound.
Yup, I get it now
Tech N9ne understands and accepts that not everyone will appreciate or understand his music.
Get it, me and you, we are not the same
Tech N9ne recognizes that he is different from many of his peers, and that may sometimes cause conflict or misunderstandings.
We unequal and the people is to blame, get it?
People are responsible for judging and creating divisions between different artists and styles based on superficial differences.
I guess I got the wrong pants on
Tech N9ne may not fit in with other artists or dress the same as others in the industry.
And I don't really make no dance songs, get it?
Tech N9ne's music is not intended to be danceable or fit into typical pop or hip-hop radio formats.
So what I've come to realize is I will never fit in
Tech N9ne has come to accept that he will never fully fit in or be accepted by the mainstream music industry.
So it's my duty to make sure that I stand the fuck out
Tech N9ne recognizes that he must embrace his unique style and image to succeed and connect with his audience.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Aaron Yates, Samuel Watson, Michael Summers, Steven Lambert
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
A Aron
This song is absolutely beautiful.
I think the subject matter of this album will be a complete about face from that of Special Effects (which was a masterpiece). Tech has finally realized his time to become a household name is all but gone.
Coming to terms with the fact that he will never reach the level of fame that Kanye or Drake has he will now focus the remainder of his career on pushing the boundaries of the art form.
I think this phase of Tech's career will be his greatest. He has built an empire that will allow him to produce at the highest level, he has a group of his own handpicked artists around him to learn from and influence, he is no longer preoccupied with breaking through to the mainstream, and he has more experience than anyone in the game today.
Let's hope he keeps making music and the fire stays burning inside.
Pablo Andrés
Tech is worthy of being a hiphop legend
Shifty Casts
He's in my personal top 5.
UnderDawg Music
Tech IS a legend.
Tyler Raisl
He's in my top 3 of all time
Sub-Zero Productions
"worthy"...
Manic Brilliance
There's just something that feels so pure about Tech N9ne, I've been rocking with you for 6 years now Tech and you'll never know how much your music has touched my soul and got me through some problems I never thought I'd have to face. I don't care what anyone says you're the GOAT in my eyes and always will be. I don't come from much but my grandma was able to get up enough money a few years ago and got me a strange music chain, it's all I got for my birthday a few years ago but it was my favorite gift I've ever received. I wore that bitch religiously everywhere I went, not because it was jewelry but because of what you and all of strange music mean't to me, I cried so fucking hard when I broke the shit tho... You always be the best emcee to me Tech.
Tyler Raisl
Me too man....feel the same way! Been a shitty day and these tracks couldnt have dropped at a more perfect time. I find myself jammin tech alot when Im having a rough day cause its real shit. Love all the strange music artists. Good shit man!
Lisa Flanagan Actress
hell yeah bro
techtonics Beats
Ever since I heard anghellic back in like 2004, I was a fan for life
The Forgotten One
Manic Brilliance It's that dark feeling he let's off in his music and I love that.