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/
Strangeulation I
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hmm, Tech N9ne
Smashes, the masses, but the industry's hatin' asses
Strange days, when your favorite rapper's popping
But is he on top of something you can't gauge
And you see me, K. Lamar, and Macklemore sharin' the same stage
I'm the nigga all these artists look up to
Yes, the Tech has been the hardest to bust through
But I keep my fans fiendin' like clucks do
You don't like how we live it, well
I dominate, your conglomerate, what a beating I can accommodate
It'll be a non-debate, coming up against Aaron the Great
So many got arms, legs and necks tatted
Strange cause Music show conceptually I'm the best at it
Let's have it, for all of these Tech addicts
Any disrespect to family will get your chest gatted
Aimin' at 'em and its agony
Burner blew his brain and back and these
Cannons came in, caved in cavity, caliber, connect, cap it
Yo, there it go
Red is in my head, it grow
Headed fo'
Let em, dead it, yeah the medic, said it so
Let it grow
Shred it and get no credit
So pathetic though
Dreading that it steppin' in heaven's crevice, wettin' edible
Give her the shivers when I deliver this
Hit her then quit her cause she's on Twitter shit
And when she compare me to Eminem I said
I'm different, she said how, I said I'm black and I can say nigger bitch!
To him I may just be another bro with a flow
Will probably never tour cause it'll be thousands of Juggalos at a show
And I heard fatalities happen on each side
So there's never no let it go
So I get it, I keep what I'm makin' incredible
All of them scared of a nigga tho
Strangeulation, this occupation so scandlesss
We stopped the hatin', no chances
When I rock the nation so Danzig
I'm killing all these niggas
Operation Code Kansas
Strange gang playin' triggered assassins
Got a bunch of untamed, aim, trained spitters are blastin'
My insane brain sayin' give up the rappin'
And go back to the gang bang thang, nigga what's ha'ennin', soo-woo
In "Strangeulation I," Tech N9ne comments on the state of the music industry and how difficult it can be to stand out as an artist. He mentions the "strange days" where popular rappers may be topping charts but not necessarily producing anything meaningful. Tech N9ne believes he is the one many artists look up to because he has been able to maintain a dedicated fan base. He flexes his lyrical skill with lines like "conceptually I'm the best at it," and warns anyone who disrespects him or his fans will get their "chest gatted." He talks about the struggles of being a black rapper and compares himself to Eminem, saying that he's different because he can say "nigger," and that sets him apart. The chorus, "strangeulation," sounds almost like a battle cry, with Tech N9ne celebrating his position as a successful artist.
Overall, "Strangeulation I" is a commentary on the rap industry, with Tech N9ne positioning himself as a highly skilled rapper who has earned his success. He warns anyone who disrespects him or his fans that they will face consequences, and he celebrates his position at the top of the game.
Line by Line Meaning
Smashes, the masses, but the industry's hatin' asses
Despite Tech N9ne having a large fan base, the industry is still critical of his success.
Strange days, when your favorite rapper's popping
It's a strange feeling when your favorite rapper finally reaches mainstream success.
But is he on top of something you can't gauge
It's difficult to tell if a popular rapper is truly talented or just riding a wave of hype.
Especially when he's topping the charts
Chart success can be deceiving when it comes to measuring a rapper's skill.
And you see me, K. Lamar, and Macklemore sharin' the same stage
Despite being different artists, Tech N9ne, Kendrick Lamar, and Macklemore share a stage because they all have unique styles and skill sets.
I'm the nigga all these artists look up to
Tech N9ne is respected and admired by many other artists.
Yes, the Tech has been the hardest to bust through
Tech N9ne has had a difficult time breaking through in the music industry.
But I keep my fans fiendin' like clucks do
Tech N9ne's music is addictive to his fans.
You don't like how we live it, well
If someone doesn't enjoy Tech N9ne's lifestyle or music, he doesn't care.
I dominate, your conglomerate, what a beating I can accommodate
Tech N9ne can take on anyone who tries to bring him down.
It'll be a non-debate, coming up against Aaron the Great
Tech N9ne is confident he can win any argument or battle against his critics.
So many got arms, legs and necks tatted
Many people are fans of Tech N9ne and get tattoos related to his music.
Strange cause Music show conceptually I'm the best at it
Tech N9ne believes he is the best at music, despite his unconventional style.
Let's have it, for all of these Tech addicts
Tech N9ne's fans are incredibly passionate and devoted to him.
Any disrespect to family will get your chest gatted
Tech N9ne will not tolerate anyone disrespecting his family or loved ones.
Aimin' at 'em and its agony
Tech N9ne takes pleasure in attacking his enemies.
Burner blew his brain and back and these
Tech N9ne uses a gun, referred to as a burner, to kill his enemies.
Cannons came in, caved in cavity, caliber, connect, cap it
More guns were used to cause destruction and destruction is celebrated by Tech N9ne.
Red is in my head, it grow
Tech N9ne is becoming increasingly angry and violent.
Headed fo'
Tech N9ne is headed towards violence and destruction.
Let em, dead it, yeah the medic, said it so
Tech N9ne's violent tendencies may lead to him needing medical attention, but he is willing to take that risk.
Let it grow
Tech N9ne wants his anger and violence to keep growing.
Shred it and get no credit
Tech N9ne feels unappreciated for his talent and success.
So pathetic though
Tech N9ne is disappointed by the lack of recognition he receives for his work in the music industry.
Dreading that it steppin' in heaven's crevice, wettin' edible
Tech N9ne is worried that his violent tendencies will lead to his demise, but he finds pleasure in causing destruction.
Give her the shivers when I deliver this
Tech N9ne's music has a powerful impact on his fans, leaving them with a strong emotional reaction.
Hit her then quit her cause she's on Twitter shit
Tech N9ne is dismissive of people who only engage with him on social media.
And when she compare me to Eminem I said
Tech N9ne is frequently compared to Eminem and he doesn't appreciate being compared to another artist.
I'm different, she said how, I said I'm black and I can say nigger bitch!
Tech N9ne asserts that he is different than Eminem because he is black and can use the n-word.
To him I may just be another bro with a flow
To someone like Eminem, Tech N9ne may just be another rapper with a unique style.
Will probably never tour cause it'll be thousands of Juggalos at a show
Tech N9ne may avoid touring because many of his fans are Juggalos, who are often associated with violence and destruction.
And I heard fatalities happen on each side
There is a risk of violence at a Tech N9ne concert due to the aggressive nature of some of his fans.
So there's never no let it go
Tech N9ne is always on guard and ready to defend himself and his fans against any potential danger.
So I get it, I keep what I'm makin' incredible
Tech N9ne is aware that his music may bring negative attention, but he is determined to continue making great music.
All of them scared of a nigga tho
Tech N9ne is intimidating to other artists and industry professionals.
Strangeulation, this occupation so scandlesss
The music industry can be corrupt and shady, leading to strange and unethical practices in the business.
We stopped the hatin', no chances
Tech N9ne has overcome criticism and negativity from the industry and continues to succeed despite the odds.
When I rock the nation so Danzig
Tech N9ne is a powerful force in the music industry, comparable to the intensity of Danzig's music.
I'm killing all these niggas
Tech N9ne is metaphorically killing his competition in the rap game.
Operation Code Kansas
Tech N9ne's success is a result of his hard work and perseverance, despite coming from a small city in Kansas.
Strange gang playin' triggered assassins
Tech N9ne and his team of artists are a unique and unconventional group, but they are all highly skilled in their craft.
Got a bunch of untamed, aim, trained spitters are blastin'
Tech N9ne's team of artists are highly talented and capable of delivering powerful performances.
My insane brain sayin' give up the rappin'
Tech N9ne's mental health is suffering due to the stress of the music industry and the violent nature of his music.
And go back to the gang bang thang, nigga what's ha'ennin', soo-woo
Tech N9ne's violent tendencies and desire for destruction may lead him back to a life of gang activity.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yatsuma Kitohashi
Since nobody’s done it after all these years…
0:04 - Texh N9ne
1:57 - Godemis
2:42 - Stevie Stone
3:27 - Murs
4:12 - Wrekonize
4:58 - Bernz
5:43 - Kutt Calhoun
6:34 - Ubiquitous
7:18 - Prozak
8:03 - Krizz Kaliko
Yatsuma Kitohashi
Since nobody’s done it after all these years…
0:04 - Texh N9ne
1:57 - Godemis
2:42 - Stevie Stone
3:27 - Murs
4:12 - Wrekonize
4:58 - Bernz
5:43 - Kutt Calhoun
6:34 - Ubiquitous
7:18 - Prozak
8:03 - Krizz Kaliko
JayIsOkay
🤝 Thanks man
Doyle Pritchard
thank you ^$^ for life
Anthony Mort
Word thank you sometimes I just want to listen to one or two verses but I don't feel like looking for them so I listen to the whole song this will make it so much easier thank you so much
Marquis Price
its in the song
Vincent Price
Besides Kaliko, Stevie Stone and Provak are any of those other bums even on the label anymore?
Elijah cx
Tech kills his verse, honestly.
david covarrubias
Elijah cx krizz kaliko killed his way more
Colton Gates
Literally everyone killed their verse
Jason Lunk
worked GH from Jill da gd 👌💪 ffs Freddy and I'll get back to you in the morning now I'm not sure if you want to go to the moon and back in a bit to see if Shmoop and I'll be in touch with you to come to the morning now I'm in a few hours Shmoop