Aaron Dontez Yates (born November 8, 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri), better… Read Full Bio ↴Aaron Dontez Yates (born November 8, 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri), better known by his stage name Tech N9ne or Tecca Nina is an American rapper, co-owner of Strange Music Records and actor. His career has spanned over 24 years, during which he has released eleven albums. According to the He's a Mental Giant Songfacts, his stage name originated from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun, given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast rhyming style. (Tech is short for technique and 9 is the number of completion. That's why he says the technique's complete so often.)

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/

Never Stray
Tech N9ne Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

Oh yeah Nave Monjo
I got on this path like
I'm gonna one day soon be the best at rap like
But did I lose lots of people in my life didn't act right
But now when I rock every show I see the venue be packed like
Nueve

I been down that road and

I been thinkin' lately
Through it all and made it through the pain yeah
I been rockin' for a minute think I'm crazy
But they'll never catch me outta line

Strange at birth
Born to make a difference when I came to Earth
But Mama neva warn me bout the pain, the hurt in the heart
In the brain when the game flames ya church
Why do they make road blocks when the flows hot
They said my music will never fit in the pro slot
Probably why it sell it to cities when I globe trot
No more wall the records and the Platinum and gold box
The game can't kill a nigga ego
When they wanted from a hundred to zero
I know the man's plot bury take a below
But you can't block Curry at the free throw
Look how Strange came in the game like Deebo
In the beginning we did a show in a gazebo
Now we got hits and takin' pics with the people
But they won't play me if I don't mix with the Migos
If you tell me my music didn't fit they program
Said that the music I make wasn't fit for the broham
But now do they wanna hear Nina bussin over this slow jam
And now is the motto of Strange we takin' no shit from no man
Nueve

I been down that road and
I been thinkin' lately
Through it all and made it through the pain yeah
I been rockin' for a minute think I'm crazy
But they'll never catch me outta line

'Cause I'm on a straightaway
I'll never stray away (no)
'Cause I'm on a straightaway
I'll never stray away (no)

Yeah I've been down that road, at the crib checkin' out every sound that sold
'Till I found that soul of a clown that flows then it got her to slither and spin around that pole
So many haters were tryna drown Tech's rose
And stoppin' him from blossomin' nigga now that grows
No blockin' him, lockin' them wit a frown that froze
When he bossin' then he lost em when the underground let go
They wanted to hold down Tech's blow
But people ain't keepin' they chiefin' a pound thats Dro
Even seepin' around Death Row
Increasin' my releasin' to many towns that's dough
But some people wanna delay the bag
Even though you kill everything when you display the gas spray the mag
Nina blast like in laser tag to who paid the cash thinkin' I'ma stray the path
Ay did they doubt me often?
But now when they talk about Tech will they all take caution?
For the price of fame annd what you gain is it worth what is costin'?
Am I gonna be the real deal still till I'm laid in the coffin?
Nueve

I been down that road and
I been thinkin' lately
Through it all and made it through the pain yeah
I been rockin' for a minute think I'm crazy
But they'll never catch me outta line

'Cause I'm on a straightaway
I'll never stray away (no)
'Cause I'm on a straightaway
I'll never stray away (no)

I'm on that straightaway (yeah)
I'll never stray away
I'm on that straightaway (yeah)
I'll never stray away
I'm on that straightaway (yeah)
I'll never stray away

I'm on that straightaway (yeah)
I'll never stray away

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, Tech N9ne expresses his determination and resilience in pursuing his dreams in the rap industry. He acknowledges that he has faced challenges and lost people who didn't support him, but he remains focused on becoming the best at rap. Despite the struggles, he sees the progress he has made as evident by the packed venues during his shows, indicating that his hard work is paying off.

He describes himself as being "strange at birth," meaning he has always felt different and destined to make a difference in the world. However, he also notes that his mother never warned him about the pain and hurt that would come with fame and success in the music industry. Tech N9ne reflects on the obstacles that have been placed in his path, including skepticism from others and attempts to limit his success. He compares his growth and success to basketball player Stephen Curry, suggesting that it is difficult to stop someone who is talented and determined.

Tech N9ne addresses the critics who initially claimed his music didn't fit in with their programs and wasn't suited for mainstream audiences. However, the success he has achieved has proven them wrong. He expresses pride in his label, Strange Music, which refuses to take any disrespect or compromise their artistic vision. He emphasizes that he will not be swayed or influenced by others and will continue to stay true to himself and his music.

In the final part of the lyrics, Tech N9ne reflects on his journey and the obstacles he has overcome. He acknowledges the haters who have tried to bring him down and prevent his success. However, he remains determined, constantly evolving, and releasing his music to new towns and audiences. He questions whether the fame and recognition he gains are worth the sacrifices and challenges he faces. Despite the doubt he has faced, he asserts that he will never stray from his path and will continue to chase his dreams.

Overall, these lyrics illustrate Tech N9ne's unwavering dedication to his craft, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his refusal to be influenced by those who do not believe in him. He acknowledges the difficulties he has encountered but remains focused on his journey and the success he has achieved.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
Written by: Michael Summers, Nave Monjo, Aaron Yates

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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