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/
Message To The Black Man
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This song is very close and dear to my heart, man
To be able to say something like this
It takes a hella motherfucker to say it
This song is deticated to all my people
Its called "Message To The Black Man"
Check it out
My people you supposed to be
My poeple ain't cha
But my people ain't something that I see
'cause they not never you at my shows
We've been all over the globe
Ya we been makin the doe
But cha all spending it
My people you supposed to be
My poeple ain't cha
But my people ain't something that I see
'cause they not never you up on my records
If you at my shows
Y'all don't no I'm about to become boss and
Take control
[1st verse: Tech N9ne]
It started on the slave shift
If field niggas would eventually take the day shift
Would house niggas inside loyalty may shift
And identify us now we still need a race lift
Fuck a face lift I ain't changing my identity
For energy for any that's obsenity
Now in 2000 and 7 we sippin ain't no remidy
Jealousy indian murder like you in kinamy
Guess we ain't nigga we go hard in the paint nigga
Still when you see me out you ain't the one who faint nigga
Its the other fans from the other lands
They listen to me more then my sister and brother man
I could see if I was a wack mother fucker
Bitching about the way my people act mother fucker
But I do spit my people don't be so fuck'n reclusive
Get off of your lazy ass like you know something about music
[chorus]
My people you supposed to be
My poeple ain't cha
But my people ain't something that I see
'cause they not never you at my shows
We've been all over the globe
Ya we been makin the doe
But cha all spending it
My people you supposed to be
My poeple ain't cha
But my people ain't something that I see
'cause they not never you up on my records
If you at my shows
Y'all don't no I'm about to become boss and
Take control
[2nd verse: Tech N9ne]
You cry about the way I paint my face
It ain't your taste well homie let my state my case
I'm not a devil or damn jester roomers can fester
Never uplift a demond with an image of my ancester
African act like you see me when you be traffican
Laughter when you frown up at me your hatrid is baffelin
You watch american idol my people might paint the tribalin
Symbolizes not evil but that were still survival
You niggas be so tuff the moment we roll up
Your upper lip rollled up you hatin me so wut
Everyone knows us my city is sold up
My shows crushed but cha don't show up
They say its more the money bitches whores
Its funny this is war my people at his door
And I'm knocking mean wile we rocking
Globally and its sad man
Look like attandents
Got my people lookin real bad man
[chorus]
My people you supposed to be
My poeple ain't cha
But my people ain't something that I see
'cause they not never you at my shows
We've been all over the globe
Ya we been makin the doe
But cha all spending it
My people you supposed to be
My poeple ain't cha
But my people ain't something that I see
'cause they not never you up on my records
If you at my shows
Y'all don't no I'm about to become boss and
Take control
[3rd verse: Tech N9ne]
I wouldn't be bitchin if I didn't want you around me
The way you write me up as a demon astounds me
Brother linch, 40 water, federation, dmx
Buster rhymes, quincy, and x clan found me
Brother jay homie he whipped me till this day homie
Who you know is blacker then that
With a staffer and lack
My people up in the tragidy and they rap
I'm immaculate maybe they grab it
If I was blastin a mack
Attack and my people
'cause I'm black and I'm leathel
With this rap but I'm trapped
But I'm crack
Why you be so close minded
When I'm rhyme it
Wishing you could find it
Everybody but you mother fuckers get behind it
And I'm doper then king nigga
Message to weed nigga
Rockin sold out shows is where I'm gonna nigga
And that's all I sell out its something you should see nigga
Betcha would come see nigga
If I told you it was free nigga
[chorus]
My people you supposed to be
My poeple ain't cha
But my people ain't something that I see
'cause they not never you at my shows
We've been all over the globe
Ya we been makin the doe
But cha all spending it
My people you supposed to be
My poeple ain't cha
But my people ain't something that I see
'cause they not never you up on my records
If you at my shows
Y'all don't no I'm about to become boss and
Take control
[outro]
Act like you know I'm your very own, motherfuckers
Ardcore shit, stop buying all that bootleg bullshit, too
Support your mutherfucking artist
And big scoob said, when he finds out who's fuckin'
Bootlegin the summer edition, Rogue Dog shit
He's at that motherfucking ass
And I'm right behind his motherfucking ass, you dig me?
Tech N9ne, Nigga!
In "Message to the Black Man," Tech N9ne urges his fellow Black people to come out and support his music. He feels torn due to the lack of attendance at his shows by his Black fans, who he considers to be his people. Tech N9ne bemoans the lack of support he receives from Black people at his concerts compared to the enthusiastic showings by people from other races. Tech N9ne finds it sad that despite always proclaiming Black pride, Black people fail to show up at his shows to support his art. His lyrics touch on issues of identity, heritage, and belonging, showcasing the complex feelings of rappers like him, who are members of a culture that is popularly known but in many ways misunderstood.
The song's content is seen as a message to the Black community, urging them to come out and support rap music, which is a form of music that is often associated with Black culture. Tech N9ne wants his community to recognize that supporting him and other Black rappers doesn't conflict with being true to Black heritage. The song can also be seen as a message to the wider rap community that Black people should remain proud of their culture and heritage, including their style of music. Finally, Tech N9ne's lyrics suggest that even with the obstacles that Black communities face, they should rally behind Black art, which reflects their identity and histories.
Line by Line Meaning
This song is very close and dear to my heart, man
This song holds great personal significance for me
To be able to say something like this
It takes a tremendous amount of courage to express these thoughts
It takes a hella motherfucker to say it
Only someone bold and fearless would speak up like this
This song is dedicated to all my people
I want to address and connect with my community through this song
My people you supposed to be
You are meant to be my people
My people ain't cha
But you're not acting like my people
But my people ain't something that I see
Because I don't see the characteristics of my people in your actions
'Cause they not never you at my shows
Because I don't see you attending my shows
We've been all over the globe
We have traveled extensively
Ya we been makin the doe
And we have been earning money
But cha all spending it
But you're all just wasting it
But cha don't show up
But you don't show up
If you at my shows
If you attend my shows
Y'all don't no I'm about to become boss and
You don't even know that I'm about to take control and become successful
It started on the slave shift
This issue traces back to the era of slavery
If field niggas would eventually take the day shift
If the field workers eventually gained more opportunities
Would house niggas inside loyalty may shift
The loyalty of those who worked in the houses may change
And identify us now we still need a race lift
And now we still need to uplift and empower our race
Fuck a face lift I ain't changing my identity
I refuse to alter my identity for the sake of acceptance
For energy for any that's obscenity
Because conforming to societal expectations is obscene
Now in 2000 and 7 we sippin ain't no remedy
In the year 2007, we are still facing problems without any solutions
Jealousy indian murder like you in kinamy
Jealousy and violence within our own community are killing us
Guess we ain't nigga we go hard in the paint nigga
I guess we aren't united as a community, we're going hard and being ruthless
Still when you see me out you ain't the one who faint nigga
But when you see me in person, you're not the one who shows admiration
Its the other fans from the other lands
It's fans from other places who appreciate my music
They listen to me more than my sister and brother man
They show more support and listen to my music more than our own community
I could see if I was a wack mother fucker
I would understand if my music was terrible
Bitching about the way my people act mother fucker
Complaining about the behavior of our own community
But I do spit my people don't be so fucking reclusive
But I do raise awareness through my lyrics, my people should be more engaged
Get off of your lazy ass like you know something about music
Stop being lazy and act like you have knowledge and appreciation for music
You cry about the way I paint my face
You complain about my appearance and the way I express myself
It ain't your taste well homie let my state my case
If you don't like it, let me explain and defend my choices
I'm not a devil or damn jester roomers can fester
I am not evil or a clown, don't let rumors create false perceptions
Never uplift a demon with an image of my ancestor
I would never associate myself with demonic imagery that disrespects my ancestors
African act like you see me when you be trafficking
African Americans, acknowledge my presence instead of ignoring me
Laughter when you frown up at me your hatred is baffling
You laugh and show dislike towards me, your hatred is confusing
You watch American Idol my people might paint the tribal
You watch a mainstream TV show, but you criticize our cultural practices
Symbolizes not evil but that were still survival
These symbols represent our strength and resilience, not evil
You niggas be so tough the moment we roll up
You act tough until we confront you in person
Your upper lip rolled up, you hating me so what
You curl your lip and despise me, but I don't care
Everyone knows us, my city is sold up
Everyone is aware of our talent and success, my city supports me
They say its more the money, bitches, whores
They claim our success is solely about money, women, and promiscuity
Its funny this is war, my people at his door
It's ironic how we are in a constant battle, and our own people are against us
And I'm knocking mean while we rocking globally
I'm making waves and gaining popularity around the world
And it's sad man, look like attendants
But it's disheartening when my own people don't support me
Got my people looking real bad man
My own community is making us look bad
I wouldn't be bitchin if I didn't want you around me
I wouldn't be complaining if I didn't want your support
The way you write me up as a demon astounds me
The way you portray me as an evil person surprises and disappoints me
Brother Lynch, 40 Water, Federation, DMX
Artists like Brother Lynch, E-40, Federation, and DMX
Busta Rhymes, Quincy, and X Clan found me
Busta Rhymes, Quincy Jones, and X Clan discovered my talent
Brother Jay homie, he whipped me till this day homie
Brother Jay, my mentor, has guided and influenced me throughout my career
Who you know is blacker than that with a staff and a lac
Who do you know that embodies blackness more than me, with a team and a fancy car
My people up in the tragedy and they rap
My people are stuck in unfortunate circumstances, and they express it through rap
I'm immaculate, maybe they'll grab it
I'm exceptional, and hopefully, they'll understand and appreciate it
If I was blasting a Mack, attack and my people
If I was using violence, attacking and harming my own community
'Cause I'm black and I'm lethal with this rap but I'm trapped
Because I'm black and my music has power, but I feel constrained
But I'm cracked, why you be so close-minded when I'm rhyming
But I'm troubled, why are you so closed-minded when I'm rapping
Wishing you could find it, everybody but you motherfuckers get behind it
I wish you would understand and support it, everyone except you gets behind it
And I'm doper than king nigga, Message to weed nigga
I'm better than anyone in the game, a message to the critics
Rockin' sold out shows is where I'm gonna nigga
Performing sold-out shows is where I belong
And that's all I sell, out it's something you should see nigga
And that's all I offer, something you should witness
Betcha would come see nigga, if I told you it was free nigga
I bet you would attend if I said it was free
Act like you know I'm your very own, motherfuckers
Recognize that I am a part of your community, motherfuckers
Hardcore shit, stop buying all that bootleg bullshit, too
Stop supporting bootlegged music and invest in real artists
Support your motherfucking artist
Support and uplift the artists from your community
When he finds out who's fuckin' bootlegging the summer edition, Rogue Dog shit
When my team discovers who is bootlegging the summer edition, there will be consequences
He's at that motherfucking ass
He's coming for that person
And I'm right behind his motherfucking ass, you dig me?
And I'm right there supporting him, do you understand?
Tech N9ne, Nigga!
This is Tech N9ne signing off!
Lyrics © DAVID SANDERS II PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind