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/
KC Smile
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your KC smile, wow
I look into the clouds (ay)
Then remember the smiles (hey)
Still a friend to the crowd, never censor the shroud
No more whimpers to stay with, that's your vow
Picture you rollin', never layin' down
Woke up today and found pictures displayin' brown
Brothers, down thuggers full of ruckus in this amazing town
I know that they be proud of the way we style and rep the space, G's proud
Although you lay in peace now, Diamond, Doc, Toulou, Mike, Marc, Dwight, Damon and Sam
I see your KC smile
I swear I see your smile with everything I do na, na-na (yeah)
You disappear on me, but when I picture you, I just
Smile, smile, smile, smile
KC smile, smile, smile, KC, you smile for me (ay)
It ain't no question that all of us love you (yes)
Would be a blessin' if we all could just hug you (yes)
Certain places in town I gotta be the strongest to view
Can't pass spots in the city without thinkin' about moments with you (uh, uh)
New in the blessed is true in your death
Crew in connect and we all know that you're doin' the best
Who in the set miss you in the flesh
All of us reminiscin' hope not a thing ever ruined your rest
Even though the case reads foul
I'm 'bout to state these loud
Info, Russ, Brian, Troy, my brother Maurice
And last but not least my niece, Pretty, I see your KC smile, baby
It's like y'all never left
Forever good spirited, no death, yes
I swear I see your smile with everything I do na, na-na (yeah)
You disappear on me, but when I picture you, I just
Smile, smile, smile, smile
KC smile, smile, smile, KC, you smile for me
Gone, but never forgotten
Soul forever be watchin'
'Til we meet again on the same path whenever we crossin'
Homie, when I get there, it better be poppin'
Love you
I swear I see your smile with everything I do na, na-na (yeah)
You disappear on me, but when I picture you, I just
Smile, smile, smile, smile
KC smile, smile, smile, KC, you smile for me
Strange Music
"KC Smile" is a heartfelt tribute by Tech N9ne to his late friends and loved ones from Kansas City (KC), who are no longer with him physically but continue to live on in his memories and through their distinctive smiles.
In the first verse, Tech N9ne reminisces about his mother and her infectious smile, which he can still vividly recall. Looking up at the clouds, he is reminded of the joy and laughter she brought to his life. Despite her passing, he carries her spirit with him and feels her presence when he sees familiar sights around the city. He also mentions other friends who have passed away, emphasizing their unique smiles that add to the vibrant atmosphere of Kansas City.
The second verse reveals the deep love and admiration Tech N9ne and his community have for those they have lost. He acknowledges that they are dearly missed and hopes they are at peace. He mentions specific individuals from his circle who have passed away, including Diamond, Doc, Toulou, Mike, Marc, Dwight, Damon, Sam, Info, Russ, Brian, Troy, Maurice, and his niece, Pretty. Despite their absence, Tech N9ne and his friends continue to honor their memory and reminisce about the good times they shared.
In the chorus, Tech N9ne expresses how seeing the smiles of his departed loved ones brings him solace and happiness. Although they are no longer physically present, their smiles are imprinted in his mind and provide him comfort and inspiration.
The third verse serves as a final message to the departed. Tech N9ne acknowledges that they may be gone, but they will never be forgotten. He believes their souls are still watching over him and looks forward to the day when he will be reunited with them. He expresses his love for his friends and the anticipation of a joyous reunion when they will meet again.
Overall, "KC Smile" is a poignant and heartfelt tribute where Tech N9ne reflects on the impact his loved ones from Kansas City have had on his life. Despite their absence, he holds their memories dear, cherishing their infectious smiles and finding inspiration in their legacies. The song is a testament to the unbreakable bond of friendship and the lasting imprint loved ones can leave, even after they are gone.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama, I can still see it now
I can vividly remember your smile, Mama
Your KC smile, wow
Your smile from Kansas City was truly incredible
I look into the clouds (ay)
I gaze up at the sky
Then remember the smiles (hey)
And it brings back memories of joyful moments
Still a friend to the crowd, never censor the shroud
You always stayed true to yourself, never hiding your true self from others
No more whimpers to stay with, that's your vow
You promised to stay strong and not let any hardships break you
Picture you rollin', never layin' down
I imagine you thriving and never giving up
Laughin' at all the funny things you were sayin' now
I remember how you used to make us laugh with your humorous remarks
Woke up today and found pictures displayin' brown
I woke up today and found old photographs reminding me of you
Brothers, down thuggers full of ruckus in this amazing town
We were a group of rowdy individuals causing trouble in this incredible city
I know that they be proud of the way we style and rep the space, G's proud
I know they would be proud of how we represent and take pride in our hometown
Although you lay in peace now, Diamond, Doc, Toulou, Mike, Marc, Dwight, Damon and Sam
Even though you have passed away, Diamond, Doc, Toulou, Mike, Marc, Dwight, Damon, and Sam
I see your KC smile
I still see your smile from Kansas City
I swear I see your smile with everything I do na, na-na (yeah)
I truly believe I see your smile in everything I do
You disappear on me, but when I picture you, I just
You may be gone, but when I imagine you, I
Smile, smile, smile, smile
I can't help but smile
KC smile, smile, smile, KC, you smile for me (ay)
Your smile from Kansas City brings me so much joy
It ain't no question that all of us love you (yes)
There's no doubt that we all love you
Would be a blessin' if we all could just hug you (yes)
It would be a blessing if we could all embrace you
Certain places in town I gotta be the strongest to view
There are certain locations in our city where I have to be strong to visit
Can't pass spots in the city without thinkin' about moments with you (uh, uh)
I can't go by certain places in the city without reminiscing about the times we shared
New in the blessed is true in your death
Even though you're gone, your spirit remains blessed
Crew in connect and we all know that you're doin' the best
Our crew is united and we all know that you're in a better place
Who in the set miss you in the flesh
Everyone in our group misses you being physically present
All of us reminiscin' hope not a thing ever ruined your rest
We all reminisce and hope that no negative thing disrupts your peace
Even though the case reads foul
Even though the circumstances surrounding your departure are unfair
I'm 'bout to state these loud
I'm about to confidently express my thoughts
Info, Russ, Brian, Troy, my brother Maurice
Info, Russ, Brian, Troy, and my brother Maurice
And last but not least my niece, Pretty, I see your KC smile, baby
And last but not least, my niece Pretty, I can still see your beautiful smile from Kansas City
It's like y'all never left
It feels like none of you have really left
Forever good spirited, no death, yes
Your spirits will always be joyful, defying death
Gone, but never forgotten
You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten
Soul forever be watchin'
Your soul will always be watching over us
'Til we meet again on the same path whenever we crossin'
Until we meet again on our journeys through life
Homie, when I get there, it better be poppin'
Friend, when I finally join you, it better be lively and exciting
Love you
I love you
Strange Music
This song is produced by Strange Music
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Aaron D. Yates, Frederikus van Workum, Hendric Buenck, Nicholas Luscombe, Samuel Watson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind