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 IV
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blew Atlanta up like Eric Rudolph
Starving in pursuit of moot law
Flossing, get your coo raw
My crew'll shoot at you like "hoorah"
I be on tour and shit, you get on stage and you get boo'd off
You throwing jabs at me but we ain't in no boxing gym
I stab 'em and have them inside of a hospital hooked up to oxygen
I'm Woody Harrelson, this industry is Zombieland
You wanna fuck with us, you must've had no common sense
I'll kill you then your guts get eaten up by Brotha Lynch
It's Strange Music so the competition nonexistent
All them other record labels fallen off like rotten limbs
I'm making some money, it's making my stomach cringe
I'll never forget it a couple of summers ago I was cooking and scrubbing pans
Drink 'till I get ruckus-spinned
Puffing something with a lovely scent behind the cutless tint
Floating in the Strange stream, who jumpin' in?
My brain is full of thoughts that are darker than Samhain
That span across the Great Lakes and vast Midwest Plains
Spreading coast to coast like a virus you can't contain
Now a global pandemic, panic courtesy of (STRANGE!)
The biggest independent label popped a champagne
We don't need no head now, homie you can keep the change
Coming through your speakers, receive us into your blood vein
We the truth like Nostradamus' prophecy quatrains
Snake Bat, Praise that, part of rap since way back
Since the days of 8 tracks and 808's and adats
Analog cassette decks, steady grinding, what's next?
Starving artist 'til Trav and Tech cut me that advanced check
Strange outcast step child, call me Damien
Five Finger Death Punch straight to the cranium
Flow so sick, could be enriched with uranium
Extraterrestrial, lyrics labeled alien
Appetite destruction, never been no punk shit
My voices give me choices, just despite that I choose dumb shit
Choppers all around me, I mean lyrical and literal
Spit it through this microphone and pull up at your Mami's home
Jump out on the dumb shit, speaking through this drum clip
Tearin' flesh, rippin' hips, watch me kill shit
Cypher without the villain, that's appealin' but it's silly though
An army without it's general, an octopi no tentacles
I'm trying to be subliminal, nothing I do is minimal
Heavy hitter, heavy words
Push a nigga, pushin' verbs
Squish my button, you push my nerves
Ten toes in the turf
Not the last or the first
Gut a nigga, stump the Earth
Grippin' metal, I ain't special
On the level, smack your temple with the barrel
Not complying, I'm a rebel
And I'm fresh up out the ghetto, puppet master I'm Geppetto
Take a minute, you'll get it
Nigga Scoob did it. (Yeah)
KALI BABY!
'Ight man Ima do this!
I'm kinda nervous
The purpose of having a cypher is so you can sit here wide-eyed
Listen look at me in this position
Now I coulda just left you sitting there
But Nina told me to pick 'em apart you're a victim of art
K-R-I to the double crooked, look at him he pudgy like they
Took an ugly stick and frickin' shook at him, (OKAY)
And I don't stay gucci down to the linens
I'll let you trick off, she jerking my dick off and grinnin'
You can see him, but he just a figment
You wanna be better, get your pigment gone
Try to beat him with deliverin', I get belligerent
And that's the end of the song
And I get a little bit ahead of myself
Feel like I'm on L, and I feel like I'm better than everyone else
I guess I be rappin' ahead of my wealth
I'm the coldest thing since the ice cube
Only thing missing from this beat back in the day was Ice Cube (OKAY)
Yeah I said I'm the best in it, Nigga what?
Only niggas that could contest it is rested, dig em up!
(Okay! Hahaha whatever nigga)
The lyrics of "Strangeulation IV" by Tech N9ne Collabos feat. Rittz Prozak Big Scoob Krizz Kaliko is about their superiority in the rap game. The song starts with the lyrics “I'm too hot to cool off / Blew Atlanta up like Eric Rudolph” which showcase their confidence and power in the rap game. They talk about their crew's ability to shoot at their enemies and their dominance over the competition. The chorus talks about how they are situated outside of the normal range of mainstream and commercial music, and they are quite happy with their status. They do not worry about common concerns like airplay or chart positions. Instead, they focus on creating pure, raw music that represents their lives.
Krizz Kaliko's verse is a highlight of the song where he talks about his position in the rap game. He talks about his style and how he compares himself to Nostradamus who predicted the future. He also references his association with Tech N9ne Collabos and how they do not require the support of the mainstream media. Prozak talks about his penchant for creating dark and heavy music. He also mentions he is ready for any rap battles and can handle any lyrics thrown at him. Big Scoob's verse has a very aggressive tone where he talks about how he is a rebel and a leader. He mentions his connection to the streets and his willingness to use guns to protect himself. Finally, Tech N9ne Collabos talks about how they do things differently than others. They talk about their artistic freedom to create music without any boundaries.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm too hot to cool off
I am extremely popular and successful.
Blew Atlanta up like Eric Rudolph
I created a major impact in Atlanta like Eric Rudolph's bombings.
Starving in pursuit of moot law
I am struggling to achieve success despite my efforts.
Flossing, get your coo raw
Showing off wealth in a luxurious manner can attract attention.
My crew'll shoot at you like "hoorah"
My crew is aggressive and willing to attack.
I be on tour and shit, you get on stage and you get boo'd off
I am successful in my music career while others struggle.
You throwing jabs at me but we ain't in no boxing gym
People criticize me without understanding the context or situation.
I stab 'em and have them inside of a hospital hooked up to oxygen
I am willing to harm those who disrespect me.
So who the hottest, conversation my name get brought up in
I am recognized as a top artist in discussions about the best in the industry.
I'm Woody Harrelson, this industry is Zombieland
I compare the music industry to Zombieland and myself to Woody Harrelson's character.
You wanna fuck with us, you must've had no common sense
Anyone who wants to challenge us is foolish.
I'll kill you then your guts get eaten up by Brotha Lynch
I will cause harm to those who challenge me and they will suffer for it.
It's Strange Music so the competition nonexistent
Our record label is dominant and there is no competition.
All them other record labels fallen off like rotten limbs
Other record labels have failed in comparison to ours.
I'm making some money, it's making my stomach cringe
While I am successful, the pressure and stress of it is overwhelming.
I'll never forget it a couple of summers ago I was cooking and scrubbing pans
I remember the struggles I faced before my success in the industry.
Drink 'till I get ruckus-spinned
I will continue to consume alcohol until I am heavily intoxicated.
Puffing something with a lovely scent behind the cutless tint
I am smoking marijuana in a car with tinted windows.
Floating in the Strange stream, who jumpin' in?
Our record label is successful and powerful. Who will attempt to join us?
My brain is full of thoughts that are darker than Samhain
My thoughts are darker than the Celtic holiday Samhain.
That span across the Great Lakes and vast Midwest Plains
My thoughts and ideas span across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions.
Spreading coast to coast like a virus you can't contain
My influence and power spreads across the entire country.
Now a global pandemic, panic courtesy of (STRANGE!)
Our record label has now become a global sensation, causing frenzy and excitement.
The biggest independent label popped a champagne
Our record label celebrated our success with a bottle of champagne.
We don't need no head now, homie you can keep the change
Our record label is so successful we no longer need any help or recognition.
Coming through your speakers, receive us into your blood vein
Our music is addictive and becomes a part of you.
We the truth like Nostradamus' prophecy quatrains
Our music speaks the truth and is reminiscent of Nostradamus' prophecies.
Snake Bat, Praise that, part of rap since way back
My nickname Snake Bat has been part of the rap game for a long time.
Since the days of 8 tracks and 808's and adats
Since the early days of rap music production.
Analog cassette decks, steady grinding, what's next?
Rap artists have been using analog cassette decks to create music for a long time.
Starving artist 'til Trav and Tech cut me that advanced check
I was a struggling artist until I received a big check from Travis and Tech.
Strange outcast step child, call me Damien
I am a unique and different artist, similar to Damien from The Omen.
Five Finger Death Punch straight to the cranium
My rap hits hard and straight to the head, like a punch from Five Finger Death Punch.
Flow so sick, could be enriched with uranium
My flow is sick and could potentially be compared to the radioactive element uranium.
Extraterrestrial, lyrics labeled alien
My lyrics and style are so unique they are considered alien to the industry.
Appetite destruction, never been no punk shit
My music is intense and aggressive, never watered down or weak.
My voices give me choices, just despite that I choose dumb shit
I have the freedom to do what I want with my music but sometimes choose to make poor choices.
Choppers all around me, I mean lyrical and literal
There is danger surrounding me, both in the lyrics and literal weapons.
Spit it through this microphone and pull up at your Mami's home
I am capable of making powerful music and following it with immediate action.
Jump out on the dumb shit, speaking through this drum clip
I am willing to use violence to prove my point and make my music heard.
Tearin' flesh, rippin' hips, watch me kill shit
I am capable of causing serious harm and destruction, both lyrically and physically.
Cypher without the villain, that's appealin' but it's silly though
A rap music event without a villainous or aggressive artist is enjoyable but not as great.
An army without it's general, an octopi no tentacles
An army or group without its leader or components is incomplete and ineffective.
I'm trying to be subliminal, nothing I do is minimal
I am attempting to be subtle and secretive in my music but nothing I create is minimal or insignificant.
Heavy hitter, heavy words
My music hits hard and has significant impact.
Push a nigga, pushin' verbs
My music pushes and motivates listeners through powerful lyrics.
Squish my button, you push my nerves
If provoked, I become very irritated and aggressive.
Ten toes in the turf, not the last or the first
I am grounded and committed to my craft and will always be a significant force.
Gut a nigga, stump the Earth
I am capable of causing significant harm and destruction.
Grippin' metal, I ain't special
I am not the only one capable of violence and destruction.
On the level, smack your temple with the barrel
I am capable of violent and aggressive behavior at any time.
Not complying, I'm a rebel
I resist the norms and challenge authority, making me a rebel.
And I'm fresh up out the ghetto, puppet master I'm Geppetto
Despite growing up in a rough neighborhood, I am now in control of my own career and life.
Take a minute, you'll get it, Nigga Scoob did it. (Yeah)
Take a moment to appreciate my success, which was due to my own hard work and talent.
KALI BABY!
My name is Kali Baby and I am here to make an impact.
'Ight man Ima do this!
I am ready to get to work and make great music.
I'm kinda nervous
I am feeling anxious about my performance.
The purpose of having a cypher is so you can sit here wide-eyed
The purpose of a rap cypher is to showcase talent and impress the audience.
Listen look at me in this position
Take a close look at me as I showcase my skills.
Now I coulda just left you sitting there
I could have chosen not to participate but instead I am here to impress.
But Nina told me to pick 'em apart you're a victim of art
My mentor Nina advised me to critique and dissect other artists' performances.
K-R-I to the double crooked, look at him he pudgy like they
I am an artist with a unique name and appearance.
Took an ugly stick and frickin' shook at him (OKAY)
I have an unusual appearance or features.
And I don't stay gucci down to the linens
I do not wear expensive or designer clothing.
I'll let you trick off, she jerking my dick off and grinnin'
I am capable of attracting women and enjoy sexual relations.
You can see him, but he just a figment
You may notice me but I am not always tangible or present.
You wanna be better, get your pigment gone
If you want to be a better artist, you need to work hard and improve yourself.
Try to beat him with deliverin', I get belligerent
If someone attempts to compete with me, I become aggressive and hostile.
And that's the end of the song
The song has now come to an end.
And I get a little bit ahead of myself
I become overconfident or arrogant at times.
Feel like I'm on L, and I feel like I'm better than everyone else
I feel like I am on a high or euphoric state and superior to others.
I guess I be rappin' ahead of my wealth
My music or image may be more advanced or impressive than my wealth or success.
I'm the coldest thing since the ice cube
I am the best and most impressive artist in the game.
Only thing missing from this beat back in the day was Ice Cube (OKAY)
This beat was incredible and only missing the presence of legendary Ice Cube.
Yeah I said I'm the best in it, Nigga what?
I am confident that I am the best artist in the game.
Only niggas that could contest it is rested, dig em up!
The only competition I have is deceased artists.
(Okay! Hahaha whatever nigga)
I am unchallenged and confident in my talent.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind