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/
Red Byers
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's the way that I was raised
But we living in different ways nowadays
But no matter what you was taught
Every man must hold his own
Pac told me, "reach the block homies"
When the thot's know me then you get guacamole
Haza's will not scold me, 'cause I am not Toby
I am a king
I made my mark on this planet, I am cha-ching
That's my Asian name, I get dough for rhyming supreme
I was poor, now I am a thing
I was low as slime in latrines
That's amazing man, I put the 'woop' on it
A few moments then you gon' get a new song with 'soo-woo' on it
The youth want it in groups to use the loop on this
A bad man, that's what I am, an odd one
Never ask me what your broad done
I'ma say to the brethren Wa Gwan
Solid as Halie Selassie
So it's nobody to stop me
Plus I got Maudie to watch me
Free from the thottie's debauchery
Stay away from fed's wires
Come fake with us
And you gonna get lead fired
Cause we known to say something, do something (What?)
Red Byers
And if I ever started to fall
I lift with both feet on the ground
Making me ten feet tall
Looking like, "Wassup now?"
Say something, do something
"Wassup now?"
Say something, do something
Ah me?
Say something, do something
Little ol' me?
Say something, do something
If I said it I meant it
This how I live
I'll die for it
That's how I am
You consider suburban black on white cop who never been to the hood, to the hood
'Cause the perception they get from all the killings on the TV ain't never good, in the hood
So it's nervous when they give service
No courage can lead to murders
The squirters make them assertive
And I heard it can't be refurbished
When the word is "We deserve it"
'Cause someone alerted, we flirted with purges
Leaving us dead and deserted
Permanently dirted inserted
In a pine box I'm not dine shot
Tryna make my time stop
Nine got them slimes that mind bop
And it never do dime drop
Born on Nine' block to crime dot
Then the rhymes locked where they find bop
I can still walk on Highland, walk on Wayne
Claiming what I aught to claim
Soft and sensitive simple suckers, they take the walk of shame
Heads wire, like that they bled, ours
The dead flyers
Because we say something, do something
Red Byers
And if I ever started to fall
I lift with both feet on the ground
Making me ten feet tall
Looking like, "Wassup now?"
Say something, do something
"Wassup now?"
Say something, do something
Ah me?
Say something, do something
Little ol' me?
Say something, do something
All I got is my name
'Long as my name's is good, I'm good
Feel evil, really though
Sinister shit for illy blokes
Who milly tote for silly folks
Busting till they chilly most
Kill these broke enemies finna be until he croke
Leaving 'em wrapped in a drilly coat
Crossing him with a chin like a billy goat
We talk this way cause we been through so much
Impossible to have no guts
Anybody faking we say hold up
We got our street and city showed up
That's from all the fighting and bumping
We found the light in the sunken hole
Down is plight and disfunction
Plowed us right into something
Hours frighting and then funking
But the cowards prying and punching
And the pal is trying to trump him
Now we flying and bumping
Flying higher than med tryers
We bred sires and they bed lie-ers
They get nothing and we got everything, Fred Meyer
I salute the triple OG, Red Byers
"Red Byers" by Tech N9ne is a powerful and introspective song that delves into themes of self-empowerment, perseverance, and the complexities of living in a society with different values and experiences. The lyrics reflect Tech N9ne's upbringing and the values instilled in him, highlighting the importance of taking action and holding one's own.
The song pays homage to the influential rapper Tupac Shakur, who advised Tech N9ne to "reach the block homies" and emphasizes the need to stay aware of law enforcement even in a position of wealth. Tech N9ne asserts his identity as a king, having made his mark in the music industry and subsequently elevating his status. He reflects on his past struggles and poverty, contrasting it with his current success.
The lyrics also touch on the divide between different communities and the struggles that come with it. Tech N9ne highlights the misperceptions people have of suburban cops who have never experienced life in the hood. He addresses the fear and apprehension in these situations, which can often lead to tragic consequences. He condemns violence and loss but also asserts the need to stand up for oneself and demand respect.
Line by Line Meaning
Say somethin' do somethin'
Take action and speak up
That's the way that I was raised
It is the way I was brought up
But we living in different ways nowadays
Times have changed, and people have different lifestyles
But no matter what you was taught
Regardless of the teachings one received
Every man must hold his own
Every individual should take responsibility for their actions and decisions
Pac told me, 'reach the block homies'
Tupac advised me to connect with the people from my neighborhood
When the thot's know me then you get guacamole
Gaining popularity and recognition leads to success and wealth
Still gotta watch police even if you got dough these
Maintain caution around law enforcement, regardless of wealth or status
Haza's will not scold me, 'cause I am not Toby
Authorities won't reprimand or control me because I won't submit to their authority
I am a king
I am confident and powerful
I made my mark on this planet, I am cha-ching
I have left a significant impact and achieved financial success
That's my Asian name, I get dough for rhyming supreme
My stage name is associated with success, and I earn money through my exceptional rap skills
I was poor, now I am a thing
I used to be financially struggling, but now I am a recognized figure
I was low as slime in latrines
I was at a very low point in life
That's amazing man, I put the 'woop' on it
I bring excitement and hype to the situation
A few moments then you gon' get a new song with 'soo-woo' on it
After a short wait, you'll hear a new song with gang-related references
The youth want it in groups to use the loop on this
Young people want to listen to my music together and enjoy the catchy beats
A bad man, that's what I am, an odd one
I am a tough individual, a unique character
Never ask me what your broad done
Don't inquire about your girlfriend's actions or behavior
I'ma say to the brethren Wa Gwan
I will greet my friends and ask how they're doing
Solid as Halie Selassie
I am strong and steady like the revered Jamaican leader
So it's nobody to stop me
Nobody can prevent me from achieving my goals
Plus I got Maudie to watch me
I have someone named Maudie who supports and keeps an eye on me
Free from the thottie's debauchery
I am unaffected by promiscuous and immoral behavior
Stay away from fed's wires
Avoid getting involved in wiretaps conducted by law enforcement
Come fake with us
If you pretend to be part of our group
And you gonna get lead fired
You will face consequences, possibly getting shot
Cause we known to say something, do something (What?)
We have a reputation for taking action and speaking up
And if I ever started to fall
In case I face failure or decline
I lift with both feet on the ground
I stay grounded and resilient during tough times
Making me ten feet tall
Empowering me and making me feel confident
Looking like, 'Wassup now?'
Displaying a challenging and confident attitude
Say something, do something
Take action and speak up
Ah me?
Is that really me?
Little ol' me?
Even though I may seem insignificant
If I said it I meant it
I always speak with intent and sincerity
This how I live
This is my lifestyle
I'll die for it
I am willing to sacrifice my life for it
You consider suburban black on white cop who never been to the hood, to the hood
You portray a white police officer from a suburban area who is unfamiliar with the realities of the inner city
'Cause the perception they get from all the killings on the TV ain't never good, in the hood
Because the only exposure they have to the neighborhood is through negative news stories and incidents of violence
So it's nervous when they give service
They feel anxious when providing their services
No courage can lead to murders
Lack of bravery can result in deadly incidents
The squirters make them assertive
Gunshots make them more proactive and aggressive
And I heard it can't be refurbished
And I've heard that the damage caused can't be undone
When the word is 'We deserve it'
When the sentiment is that we should have received better treatment
'Cause someone alerted, we flirted with purges
Because someone raised awareness, we considered engaging in acts of violence
Leaving us dead and deserted
Resulting in destruction and abandonment
Permanently dirted inserted
Permanently stained and affected
In a pine box I'm not dine shot
I won't end up dead and buried
Tryna make my time stop
Trying to overcome obstacles and avoid a premature death
Nine got them slimes that mind bop
My crew holds weapons that intimidate enemies
And it never do dime drop
We never betray one another
Born on Nine' block to crime dot
Born and raised in the neighborhood known for criminal activities
Then the rhymes locked where they find bop
Then I mastered my rap skills in that environment
I can still walk on Highland, walk on Wayne
I can still navigate and move freely in the streets
Claiming what I aught to claim
Asserting my right to claim ownership or recognition
Soft and sensitive simple suckers, they take the walk of shame
Incompetent and easily influenced individuals suffer from embarrassment
Heads wire, like that they bled, ours
People become alert, realizing they are inferior to us
The dead flyers
Those who failed to reach their potential or died
Because we say something, do something
We take action and speak up
All I got is my name
The only thing I truly possess is my reputation and identity
'Long as my name's is good, I'm good
As long as my reputation remains strong, I am content
Feel evil, really though
Experience intense malevolence, truly
Sinister shit for illy blokes
Engage in wicked activities for dangerous individuals
Who milly tote for silly folks
Who carry firearms for foolish people
Busting till they chilly most
Firing shots until the adversaries lie motionless
Kill these broke enemies finna be until he croke
Eliminate these poor enemies until they are dead
Leaving 'em wrapped in a drilly coat
Leaving them covered in bullet wounds
Crossing him with a chin like a billy goat
Confronting him boldly and aggressively
We talk this way cause we been through so much
We speak with this demeanor because of the challenging experiences we have faced
Impossible to have no guts
It is impossible to lack courage
Anybody faking we say hold up
We caution anyone pretending to be someone they're not
We got our street and city showed up
We have successfully represented our neighborhood and city
That's from all the fighting and bumping
That's the result of the conflicts and rivalries we have encountered
We found the light in the sunken hole
We discovered hope in the midst of despair
Down is plight and disfunction
Failure and dysfunction bring adversity
Plowed us right into something
Pushed us directly toward a positive outcome
Hours frighting and then funking
Spending countless hours in conflict and turmoil
But the cowards prying and punching
However, the weak individuals continue to pry and attack
And the pal is trying to trump him
And the friend is attempting to outdo or overshadow him
Now we flying and bumping
Now we are soaring and succeeding
Flying higher than med tryers
Surpassing those who doubted our abilities
We bred sires and they bed lie-ers
We birthed leaders while they spread falsehoods
They get nothing and we got everything, Fred Meyer
They receive nothing while we achieve great success, like the retail chain Fred Meyer
I salute the triple OG, Red Byers
I pay tribute and show respect to the original gangster, Red Byers
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
Written by: Michael Summers, Stewart Ashby, Samuel William Christopher Watson, Aaron Yates
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind