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/
Soldier at War
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heartless Insane Ghetto Hoodlum Livin' And Never Dyin'
That's what I'm talkin' about
Rogue dawgs, when I call my Rogue dawgs
Rogue Dawg, niggaz
Fa the nine-eight
We'll have to crash 'em like this nigga, yeah
My nigga my nigga we soldiers at war
Killin' off our enemies 'til it ain't no more
Laws we break yo' shit we'll take
Murder fo them bustas and hatas it ain't no escape
Rogue Dawg fo life!
It's the beginning of the endin' fo yo ass
You broke ass niggaz hit the strip we need mo cash
This midwest side hittin' like a M-1 time to get some
Payback fo you bustas that laid back
My gats ain't met yo next so fuck yo vest we dumpin'
Killin' all that punk shit that you heart be pumpin'
See somethin' I take it cuttin' through the red tape
Yo legs break tryin' to catch up who who led the race
It's 5-7 Highas heaven causin' insanity
Whatcha handin' me we'll have you bitch ass postin' the vanity ??s
Gotta recoop fuckin' with these troops
Soon as we see you Load up and we shoot on site
We turnin' out the lights my appetite for destruction
Got me in the mood for bustin' dumpin' accross the Missou
And get to huntin' for Kevin East the oo-oo
And nigga you knew the Rogue Dawgs rule!
Your so called truths get battered and bruised
Stackin' you fools so deadly it don't matter the tools
I'm afta my dues prove if you snooze you looze
Prepare for war when you fuckin' wit my crew
Rogue for life!
[Chorus]
265 lbs. all nigga
And I'm good wit these dawgs nigga
Got steel plated balls nigga
Representin' 57th street
Me and my Dawgs bringin' the heat
Born and raised to be a villain on these Kansas City streets
Best retreat when you hear my dogs barkin
Snarlin' got that blood boilin'
Midwest side carved in hangin' out the chevy now we blastin' and laughin'
Made to hit me smashin' on them bastards
Don't be talkin' when they ask you shit got drastic on that bastard
Left him fo the cats that sent them straight to hell
Just like hosts of veil another soldier's tale
Nigga the life of a coward was taken when we bailed
Look I swore to die for bloodline more heartless than my father brought (nigga)
Load the cartridges with hollow point hard ones
When Rogue dawgs call it's an all out war move
56 marks it 'cause 56 swore to
Heartless insaine ghetto hoodlum livin and never dyin'
Midwest side until my last breath on highland
Why should I lie? I live an die for my side
Ride the city 'til they roll with diddy one last time
Let this N9ne yell out fuckem
Fuck 'em if he's gon walk he's nothin'
Fuck where he's from he'll even run when I'm comin'
Rogue dawg fo life no fear of death no mo
I swore to live a life a soldier at war
Rogue dawg fo life!
[Chorus]
Are you afraid of the unknown brains get blown
Expose chrome to your dome 'til you stiff as stone
With the phone neva suck it I'm goin'
In the pockets and blowin muthafuckas to smitherines
You knowin' that it ain't no niggaz stickin' me like K-do
Be warned I'm able to explode like a volcano
On y'all we told y'all we Rogue Dawgs
We know y'all this one is Hong Kong
Fo' you bustas and hatas we (gotta make that paper)
Can't break us then take us I'll peel you like a potato
Nigga wait a minute got me bustin' like a lieutenant
My intent is to eliminate you cynics
Rogue Fo' Life!!
These young niggaz always yellin' about ridin'
But these bustas ain't no muthafuckin' ridas
I pumpst a cock up in they bitch and then I'm slidin'
These wannabe hustlas can't compare to midwest sidas
I'm rollin' deep wit my troopas fixin'ta expose the chrome
Detrimental to domes though ozone
Thousands of bodies bein' found around me
Bottles of bud and double-U-double E-D
N9ne milla rhyme killa
Fuck wit me I'll take that bust of myron D
And throw 'em to mah Dawgs in the red sea
Now lets see if he can swim back to shore
Chunks missin' yellin' I don't wanna mess wit tech no more
I know you don't Tech N9ne I never say it again nigga
I know you won't never will these niggaz lit on my friend
And mista scare crow bitch nigga you ain't got to lie
You just a scared ho Nigga this is highland 'til we die
We got the triple life coast to roll wit Rogue Dawg shit
Bitches and niggaz all on the balls when it hit
I neva could understand how a nigga could come so whack
What? Oh I ain't talkin about me I'm talkin' about them other cats
Troopa!
[Chorus]
My nigga my nigga we soldiers at war
Killin' off our enemies 'til it ain't no more!
The song "Soldier at War" by Tech N9ne is an aggressive track that follows the life of a gangster and the gang war he's fighting. Amidst the chaotic and violent environment, the artist declares that he is a soldier, and he will fight to the end.
The chorus hammers the idea that the gangsters are soldiers at war, and they are after their enemies until there is no one left. Tech N9ne talks about their superior firepower and how they are going to use it to make their presence felt.
In the lyrics, Tech N9ne mentions several times that he is a part of the Rogue Dawg gang, which is his crew. They are primed for battle, and they won't hesitate if they sense danger. Tech N9ne is proud that he's living the gangster lifestyle, and he doesn't mind dying for it. The song has a sense of pride but also a sense of the inevitable danger that comes from leading a violent, criminal life.
Line by Line Meaning
H.I.G.H.L.A.N.D. Highland nigga
I represent the Highland neighborhood, and I'm proud of it.
Heartless Insane Ghetto Hoodlum Livin' And Never Dyin'
I live a harsh and dangerous life in the ghetto, and I refuse to let it destroy me.
That's what I'm talkin' about
That's exactly what I'm emphasizing and advocating for.
Rogue dawgs, when I call my Rogue dawgs
I'm referring to my loyal and fearless crew, who are always ready to join me in any situation.
Rogue Dawg, niggaz
We are proud and fierce individuals who can't be tamed.
Fa the nine-eight
In the year 1998, we had to handle business.
We'll have to crash 'em like this nigga, yeah
We will aggressively confront our enemies and overpower them without hesitation.
My nigga my nigga we soldiers at war
My brothers, we are warriors engaged in a battle for survival.
Killin' off our enemies 'til it ain't no more
We will eliminate our rivals until they no longer pose a threat.
Laws we break yo' shit we'll take
We don't hesitate to break the law and take what we want.
Murder fo them bustas and hatas it ain't no escape
Those who oppose us or have ill intentions will meet their demise with no chance of escape.
Rogue Dawg fo life!
We are loyal to the Rogue Dawg crew for life.
It's the beginning of the endin' fo yo ass
Your downfall has started and is inevitable.
You broke ass niggaz hit the strip we need mo cash
Those of you who are financially struggling should engage in illegal activities to earn more money.
This midwest side hittin' like a M-1 time to get some
Our side of the Midwest is strong and influential, and it's time for us to take action.
Payback fo you bustas that laid back
We will seek revenge on those who have been complacent and apathetic towards us.
My gats ain't met yo next so fuck yo vest we dumpin'
Our firearms can penetrate any body armor you may have, so we won't hesitate to shoot at you.
Killin' all that punk shit that you heart be pumpin'
We will eliminate all the cowardly and disrespectful acts that make your heart race.
See somethin' I take it cuttin' through the red tape
If I want something, I will seize it without being hindered by rules or regulations.
Yo legs break tryin' to catch up who who led the race
You will fall behind and suffer injuries as you try to keep up with us, the leaders of this race.
It's 5-7 Highas heaven causin' insanity
We, the members of 57th Street, create chaos and madness that resembles the highest level of paradise.
Whatcha handin' me we'll have you bitch ass postin' the vanity ??s
Whatever you possess or offer will only make you look foolish and insignificant.
Gotta recoop fuckin' with these troops
You should be cautious and recover from your mistakes when dealing with our formidable group.
Soon as we see you Load up and we shoot on site
Once we spot you, we immediately prepare our weapons and open fire without hesitation.
We turnin' out the lights my appetite for destruction
We will eliminate any opposition and bring an end to anyone who threatens us, satisfying my desire for chaos.
Got me in the mood for bustin' dumpin' accross the Missou
I am motivated and ready to shoot and cause destruction across the Mississippi River.
And get to huntin' for Kevin East the oo-oo
We are determined to search for and confront an individual named Kevin East who has crossed us.
And nigga you knew the Rogue Dawgs rule!
You were aware of the authority and dominance of the Rogue Dawgs crew.
Your so called truths get battered and bruised
The supposed truths you hold dear will be debunked and discredited.
Stackin' you fools so deadly it don't matter the tools
We overpower and defeat our adversaries with ease, using any means necessary.
I'm afta my dues prove if you snooze you looze
I am determined to claim what is rightfully mine and show that those who are lazy or unaware will miss out.
Prepare for war when you fuckin' wit my crew
If you dare to challenge or provoke my crew, be prepared for a full-blown conflict.
Rogue for life!
We are committed to the Rogue Dawg crew until the day we die.
265 lbs. all nigga
I am a strong and formidable individual weighing 265 pounds.
And I'm good wit these dawgs nigga
I am skilled and experienced in working with my loyal companions.
Got steel plated balls nigga
I am not afraid and have immense courage, symbolized by my metaphorical steel balls.
Representin' 57th street
I proudly represent and embody the spirit of 57th Street.
Me and my Dawgs bringin' the heat
My loyal companions and I are bringing intense energy and force.
Born and raised to be a villain on these Kansas City streets
I have grown up in Kansas City with the intention of becoming a feared and respected figure in the criminal underworld.
Best retreat when you hear my dogs barkin
It's wise to run away when you hear the aggressive warnings from my loyal companions.
Snarlin' got that blood boilin'
The snarling and aggressive behavior from my dogs intensifies the anger and aggression within me.
Midwest side carved in hangin' out the chevy now we blastin' and laughin'
We proudly represent the Midwest side of the city and are unafraid to show it, causing chaos and finding enjoyment in violence.
Made to hit me smashin' on them bastards
I was destined to aggressively attack and defeat my enemies.
Don't be talkin' when they ask you shit got drastic on that bastard
If the authorities question you, don't say anything, as my actions towards that person were severe and extreme.
Left him fo the cats that sent them straight to hell
I left that person to face the consequences of their actions, which will lead them to a life of suffering in hell.
Just like hosts of veil another soldier's tale
Similar to stories of fallen soldiers, this is another account of a brave warrior who met a tragic end.
Nigga the life of a coward was taken when we bailed
By vanishing or escaping from a dangerous situation, we effectively ended the life of a cowardly individual.
Look I swore to die for bloodline more heartless than my father brought (nigga)
I made an oath to sacrifice my life for the sake of my family's honor, even more vicious and relentless than my father's legacy.
Load the cartridges with hollow point hard ones
We load our bullets with hollow point ammunition designed to cause severe damage and destruction.
When Rogue dawgs call it's an all out war move
When the members of the Rogue Dawgs crew demand action, it becomes a full-fledged war with no limitations.
56 marks it 'cause 56 swore to
56th Street leaves its mark because our crew has sworn to make an impact and be remembered.
Heartless insaine ghetto hoodlum livin and never dyin'
We embrace and endure the harsh realities of living in the crime-ridden ghetto while refusing to be defeated by death.
Midwest side until my last breath on highland
I will represent the Midwest side of the city until the moment of my death in the Highland neighborhood.
Why should I lie? I live an die for my side
There is no reason for me to deceive or hide the fact that I am willing to live and die in service to my neighborhood.
Ride the city 'til they roll with diddy one last time
I will navigate through the city streets until everyone acknowledges and joins our movement, even if it's for a final time.
Let this N9ne yell out fuckem
I, Tech N9ne, will use my platform to express my dismissal and disdain for those who oppose us.
Fuck 'em if he's gon walk he's nothin'
If someone is too afraid to take action, they are insignificant and unworthy of our attention.
Fuck where he's from he'll even run when I'm comin'
It doesn't matter where they are from; even if they try to escape, they will flee in fear when they see me approaching.
Rogue dawg fo life no fear of death no mo
I am a loyal member of the Rogue Dawg crew, and I am no longer afraid of death.
I swore to live a life a soldier at war
I made a promise to dedicate my life to the relentless battle and hardships of a warrior.
Are you afraid of the unknown brains get blown
Are you fearful of what you don't understand? Prepare to have your mind shattered and destroyed.
Expose chrome to your dome 'til you stiff as stone
I will expose the metal of my firearm directly to your head until you become lifeless and immovable like a statue.
With the phone neva suck it I'm goin'
I will never be a submissive or weak individual; I'm always ready to take action.
In the pockets and blowin muthafuckas to smitherines
I have explosives in my possession and will use them to completely obliterate my enemies.
You knowin' that it ain't no niggaz stickin' me like K-do
Don't even think about attempting to rob or deceive me; you won't succeed like others who have tried and failed.
Be warned I'm able to explode like a volcano
Take caution, as I have the capability to erupt with intense and destructive force, just like a volcano.
On y'all we told y'all we Rogue Dawgs
We have repeatedly warned you that we are the Rogue Dawgs crew, and we don't back down.
We know y'all this one is Hong Kong
We are aware of all your actions and intentions, and this encounter will be particularly intense and devastating.
Fo' you bustas and hatas we (gotta make that paper)
We, as a crew, are determined to take advantage of opportunities and make money in order to thwart and defeat our enemies.
Can't break us then take us I'll peel you like a potato
You cannot destroy our resilience or capture us; if you try, I will violently and effortlessly remove you from our path.
Nigga wait a minute got me bustin' like a lieutenant
Wait a moment, I am excited and eager to shoot, just like a determined lieutenant in the military.
My intent is to eliminate you cynics
I am focused on eradicating and completely removing cynical and negative individuals from my surroundings.
Rogue Fo' Life!!
We are committed to the Rogue Dawg crew for life, without question.
These young niggaz always yellin' about ridin'
These young individuals are constantly boasting and bragging about their involvement in criminal activities.
But these bustas ain't no muthafuckin' ridas
However, these individuals are not truly loyal or dedicated participants in the criminal lifestyle.
I pumpst a cock up in they bitch and then I'm slidin'
I have sexual encounters with their significant others and then swiftly exit their lives.
These wannabe hustlas can't compare to midwest sidas
These individuals trying to imitate a hustler's lifestyle don't stand a chance against the authentic hustlers from the Midwest.
I'm rollin' deep wit my troopas fixin'ta expose the chrome
I'm accompanied by my loyal crew, prepared to reveal and utilize our firearms.
Detrimental to domes though ozone
Our actions and weapons cause severe damage to people's heads, surpassing the limits of their protection.
Thousands of bodies bein' found around me
There are countless corpses discovered in close proximity to me, symbolizing the destruction I cause.
Bottles of bud and double-U-double E-D
I indulge in alcohol and the drug ecstasy, enhancing my aggressive and energetic behavior.
N9ne milla rhyme killa
I am Tech N9ne, a skilled performer and lyricist, capable of overpowering others in the realm of rap.
Fuck wit me I'll take that bust of myron D
If you provoke or challenge me, I will forcefully take away your weapon and rob you of your possessions.
And throw 'em to mah Dawgs in the red sea
I will give the stolen weapons to my loyal crew members, who are as eager to engage in violence as sharks in the red sea.
Now lets see if he can swim back to shore
Now, the one from whom I stole the weapon must find a way to survive and return to safety.
Chunks missin' yellin' I don't wanna mess wit tech no more
With parts of their bodies missing, they scream that they want nothing to do with me, Tech N9ne, ever again.
I know you don't Tech N9ne I never say it again nigga
I know you don't speak my name, Tech N9ne, and I won't repeat it for you.
I know you won't never will these niggaz lit on my friend
I know you will never have the courage or ability to defeat my friends or allies in battle.
And mista scare crow bitch nigga you ain't got to lie
And you, Mr. Scarecrow, weak individual, don't need to deceive anyone with your lies.
You just a scared ho Nigga this is highland 'til we die
You are simply a frightened person; however, we will remain loyal and proud to Highlands until our last breath.
We got the triple life coast to roll wit Rogue Dawg shit
We embody a lifestyle that involves crime, drugs, and hip-hop music, all while representing the Rogue Dawg crew.
Bitches and niggaz all on the balls when it hit
When our music and presence make an impact, both men and women gravitate towards us.
I neva could understand how a nigga could come so whack
I will never comprehend how someone can be so terrible and disappointing in their endeavors.
What? Oh I ain't talkin about me I'm talkin' about them other cats
What? Oh, I'm not referring to myself; I'm talking about those other individuals who lack skill and talent.
Troopa!
A shout-out to my fellow troops and soldiers in the battle.
My nigga my nigga we soldiers at war
My brothers, we are warriors engaged in a battle for survival.
Killin' off our enemies 'til it ain't no more!
We will eliminate our rivals until they no longer pose a threat.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind