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/
Low
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the billboard charts, many major tours overseas, when I fly like this?
I've been thinkin' about the people that need me
They needy and all of the pain that I might miss
Sooner or later it seeks me, reach me
Then bleed me deep in the rain inside my pit
I'm goin' down now, because my mom frowns
In a research psychiatric center without her son around
I should be hyped cause my life is so rock 'n roll!
But I feel like The Grinch mixed with Ebenezer Scrooge
Let the fever ooze, up out of me, clouded me, never eager to, let up
When I'm in an interview, they probably thinkin' they gonna hinder dude
'Cause he be lookin' like he might offend the rule
Never intricate to remember blues
Because is always right here, with the Hennessy and light beer
Let it enter me and fight fear, yeah
I know I quit, but I started back, the homie caught a gat
And my bodyguard Nicholas just had a heart attack
I'm sinkin' again, I'm drinkin' again
Drownin' and wildin', you're breathin' again
It's easy to sin when you're bleedin' within
Needin' the grin, cheese and recede in the spend
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I feel in the morning
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I sound when you're callin'
(Lower than low, lower than low)
I'm high, but feel like I'm fallin'
I'm sorry, but I'm feelin' lower than low!
My smile is forced, my style is warped
Morale is corpse, now that my really good pal is torched
I'm just gone with the wind, I'm home with the gin, to the dome when I spin
I'm a zone cause the phone must be roamin' again
Another tone, I'm alone now, don't want me to spin
Time with I'm just mind this, might find Miss Nine missed
I find my mind in this line dish, dine quick, not even a second for mindless
In the middle of a time when the music's flyin' I've depleted my kindness!
Low like the grasses, low like poor folks on grass shit
I'm so below the casket, ragged pulse of the maggots
Why do I feel this illness?
I'm lookin' for somethin' to come and kill this a little bit
I got my head in the hills cause the real shit is
Momma is sufferin', takin' pills with the stillness
And I feel it, I can't shake it, in any case my space is the basement
I can't erase my embrace of encasement
I'm chasin' hatred, my taste's not complacin'
So as I go to the flo', the industry finally opened the do'
But now I'm in the motherfucker, all I feel is.. Low
I'm sinkin' again, I'm drinkin' again
Drownin' and wildin', you're breathin' again
It's easy to sin when you're bleedin' within
Needin' the grin, cheese and recede in the spend
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I feel in the morning
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I sound when you're callin'
(Lower than low, lower than low)
I'm high, but feel like I'm fallin'
I'm sorry, but I'm feelin' lower than low!
The lyrics of Tech N9ne's song "Low" express a deep sense of depression and despair. The artist seems to reflect on his life and accomplishments, feeling down despite his success, as he mentions his high status on the Billboard charts and his successful tours, yet he still feels low. He explains his feelings of guilt and pressure to help those in need, especially his mother who is in a psychiatric center, and how this consumes him. He also describes his struggle with addiction, the loss of a friend, and his emotional state, feeling like a mix of The Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge, and wondering why he is feeling so low.
The chorus repeats the phrase "lower than low" multiple times, highlighting the depth of his emotions. He feels like he's drowning and struggling to keep himself afloat. He mentions how easy it is to fall back into bad habits such as drinking, and how he feels like he's falling even when he's high. He apologizes for feeling low, acknowledging that he doesn't want to let people down, but he can't help how he feels.
The lyrics of this song speak to the struggles of mental health and addiction, and Tech N9ne's vulnerability sheds light on the fact that even successful people can struggle with these issues. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of addressing mental health and addiction, and seeking help when needed.
Line by Line Meaning
How could I be so down at a time like this, when I'm high like this?
I feel low despite my success and high status.
On the billboard charts, many major tours overseas, when I fly like this?
I have achieved a lot in my career and I'm famous.
I've been thinkin' about the people that need me
I am worried about my responsibilities towards my loved ones.
They needy and all of the pain that I might miss
I am afraid that I might not be able to help the people who depend on me.
Sooner or later it seeks me, reach me
The problems and struggles eventually catch up with me.
Then bleed me deep in the rain inside my pit
The pain and sadness I feel are intense and profound.
I'm goin' down now, because my mom frowns
I feel guilty and ashamed for not being able to make my mom happy.
In a research psychiatric center without her son around
My mom is in a psychiatric center and I can't be there for her.
And I'm deep off in this hole, when I'm out here rockin' shows (They say)
Despite performing well, I feel trapped and stuck in my problems.
I should be hyped cause my life is so rock 'n roll!
As a famous artist, my life seems exciting and glamorous, but I feel low and depressed.
But I feel like The Grinch mixed with Ebenezer Scrooge
I feel bitter and unhappy despite my success.
Let the fever ooze, up out of me, clouded me, never eager to, let up
I can't shake off the sadness and depression that have taken over me.
When I'm in an interview, they probably thinkin' they gonna hinder dude
I feel like people don't understand what I'm going through and they judge me for it.
'Cause he be lookin' like he might offend the rule
I feel like people perceive me wrongly or negatively.
Never intricate to remember blues
I can't forget my struggles and problems.
Because is always right here, with the Hennessy and light beer
I try to escape my problems by drinking alcohol.
Let it enter me and fight fear, yeah
I hope that alcohol will help me overcome my fears and anxiety.
I know I quit, but I started back, the homie caught a gat
I tried to quit drinking, but I relapsed because of a friend who had a gun.
And my bodyguard Nicholas just had a heart attack
My friend and bodyguard suffered a heart attack and it adds to my problems.
My smile is forced, my style is warped
I pretend to be happy and joyful, but deep down I am unhappy and stressed.
Morale is corpse, now that my really good pal is torched
My close friend passed away, and it has affected my emotional state.
I'm just gone with the wind, I'm home with the gin, to the dome when I spin
I drink alcohol excessively and escape into my thoughts and emotions.
I'm a zone cause the phone must be roamin' again
I feel isolated and lonely, and the phone calls from others are unwelcome interruptions.
Another tone, I'm alone now, don't want me to spin
I don't want anyone or anything to distract me from my inner struggles.
Time with I'm just mind this, might find Miss Nine missed
I have no concept of time, and my mental state might cause me to miss important things or people.
I find my mind in this line dish, dine quick, not even a second for mindless
I find solace in writing lyrics, but I can't stop thinking about my problems and sadness.
In the middle of a time when the music's flyin' I've depleted my kindness!
Despite performing and creating music, I have no emotional strength or kindness left to give.
Low like the grasses, low like poor folks on grass shit
My emotional state is low and comparable to those who are struggling financially and emotionally.
I'm so below the casket, ragged pulse of the maggots
I feel like I'm already dead and in the grave with the unclean and decaying.
Why do I feel this illness?
I question and can't understand why I feel so low and depressed.
I'm lookin' for somethin' to come and kill this a little bit
I am searching for anything that can alleviate my emotional pain and suffering.
I got my head in the hills cause the real shit is
I am not facing my problems and escaping into my mind and imagination.
Momma is sufferin', takin' pills with the stillness
My mom is suffering and taking medication to cope with her emotional problems.
And I feel it, I can't shake it, in any case my space is the basement
I can't escape my emotional pain and sadness, and my surroundings reflect my emotional state.
I can't erase my embrace of encasement
I can't overcome my problems and sadness, and it feels like I'm trapped.
I'm chasin' hatred, my taste's not complacin'
I am angry and unhappy with my life and circumstances, and nothing seems to satisfy me.
So as I go to the flo', the industry finally opened the do'
Despite my problems, I am still able to perform and collaborate in the music industry.
But now I'm in the motherfucker, all I feel is.. Low
Despite my success, I still feel low and depressed, and I can't escape my emotional struggles.
I'm sinkin' again, I'm drinkin' again
I am sinking deeper into my emotional struggles and drinking more to cope.
Drownin' and wildin', you're breathin' again
I am barely able to keep myself alive as I struggle with my emotions and drink excessively.
It's easy to sin when you're bleedin' within
When one is experiencing emotional pain, it's easy to engage in unhealthy and destructive habits.
Needin' the grin, cheese and recede in the spend
I feel like I need to escape into pleasure, indulging in alcohol and excessive spending to cope with my emotional struggles.
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I feel in the morning
My emotional state is so low that I feel it as soon as I wake up in the morning.
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I sound when you're callin'
Even when people try to call and lift my spirits, I still sound and feel depressed and low.
(Lower than low, lower than low)
I'm high, but feel like I'm fallin'
Even though I may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, I still feel low and unhappy.
I'm sorry, but I'm feelin' lower than low!
Despite my success, I still feel sorry and helpless about my emotional struggles and low state of mind.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: Aaron Yates
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hinerya
Intro]
Denver, Colorado
Please welcome for the last time of the strictly Strange tour 2008
The number one independent rapper in the world
TECH N9NE!
[Verse 1: Tech N9ne]
How could I be so down at a time like this, when I'm high like this?
On the billboard charts, many major tours overseas, when I fly like this?
I've been thinkin' about the people that need me
They needy in all of the pain that I might miss
Sooner or later it seeks me, reach me
Then bleed me deep in the rain inside my pit
I'm goin' down now, because my mom frowns
In a research psychiatric center without her son around
And I'm deep off in this hole, when I'm out here rockin' shows (They say)
I should be hyped 'cause my life is so rock 'n roll!
But I feel like The Grinch mixed with Ebenezer Scrooge
Let the fever ooze, up out of me, clouded me, never eager to
Let up when I'm in an interview, they prolly be thinkin' they gonna hinder dude
'Cause he be lookin' like he might offend the rule
Never intricate to remember blues
Because is always right here, with the Hennessy and light beer
Let it enter me and fight fear, yeah
I know I quit, but I started back, the homie caught a gat
And my bodyguard Nicholas just had a heart attack
[Hook: Krizz Kaliko]
I'm sinkin' again, I'm drinkin' again
Drownin' in water, you're breathin' again
It's easy to sin when you're bleedin' within
Needing to grin, cheese and recede in the spend
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I feel in the morning
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I sound when you're callin'
(Lower than low, lower than low)
I'm high, but feel like I'm fallin'
I'm sorry, but I'm feelin' lower than low!
[Verse 2: Tech N9ne]
My smile is forced, my style is warped
Morale is corpse, now that my really good pal is torched
I'm just gone with the wind, I'm home with the gin, to the dome when I spin
I'ma zone 'cause the phone must be roamin’ again
Another tone, I'm alone now I don't want me to spend time with
I’m just mind this, might find Miss N9ne missed
I find my mind in this lime ditch, dine quick, not even a second for mindless
In the middle of a time when the music's flyin' I've depleted my kindness!
Low like the grasses, low like poor folks on Gratiot
I'm so below the casket, ragged pulse of the maggots
Why do I feel this illness?
I'm lookin' for somethin' to come and kill this a little bit
I got my head in the hills 'cause the real shit is momma is sufferin', takin' pills with the stillness
And I feel it, I can't shake it, in any case my space is the basement
I can't erase my abrasive encasement
I'm chasin' hatred, my taste not complacent
So as I go to the flo', the industry finally opened the do'
But now I'm in the motherfucker, all I feel is.. low
[Hook: Krizz Kaliko]
I'm sinkin' again, I'm drinkin' again
Drownin' in water, you're breathin' again
It's easy to sin when you're bleedin' within
Needing to grin, cheese and recede in the spend
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I feel in the morning
(Lower than low, lower than low)
That's how I sound when you're callin'
(Lower than low, lower than low)
I'm high, but feel like I'm fallin'
I'm sorry, but I'm feelin' lower than low!
GreenMatrix 30seven810172324
My smile is forced, my style is warped
Morale is corpse, now that my really good pal is torched
I'm just gone with the wind, I'm home with the gin, to the dome when I spin
I'm a zone cause the phone must be roamin’ again
Another tone, I'm alone now, don't want me to spin
Time with I’m just mind this, might find Miss Nine missed
I find my mind in this line dish, dine quick, not even a second for mindless
In the middle of a time when the music's flyin' I've depleted my kindness!
Low like the grasses, low like poor folks on grass shit
I'm so below the casket, ragged pulse of the maggots
Why do I feel this illness?
I'm lookin' for somethin' to come and kill this a little bit
I got my head in the hills cause the real shit is
Momma is sufferin', takin' pills with the stillness
And I feel it, I can't shake it, in any case my space is the basement
I can't erase my embrace of encasement
I'm chasin' hatred, my taste's not complacin'
So as I go to the flo', the industry finally opened the do'
But now I'm in the motherfucker, all I feel is.. Low
Deysi Rojo
When my depression is beating me down, his music gets me through.
Rudra Strife
same fam.
DtpFab
Same here, it's fucking tough somtimes... a lot of times.
SmokeStack 420
Deysi Rojo Tech, Krizz Kaliko & Jelly Roll are exceptionally good at writing tracks that helps people through tough times! I give the three of them the credit for me not having taken my life! Jelly Roll especially
Alberto Rivera
This my go to record when I'm in myself
Martin Candelaria
Alcohol +T9+ MYlife= savage asf
Krayy 1323
Over a decade now and still vibe to this like it was just released still fascinates me how talented Krizz truely is his ability to sing rap and chop so well at each one not many artists can be so skilled at more than one way of making music that is truely such an unique talented artist
Emil
The lyrics, the instrumentals, the vibe and that Kali hook. This is such a masterpiece...
zsasz
Yea
Greg c
masterpiece...yes