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/
Take Your Halo
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or you live long enough to become the villain
When you way up high in your prayed up sky
Displayed trust they cut, then your days must die
First you're flyin' up, up away, then you dyin' another day
Not aligned with kindness, the denyin' of what you say
I've been dope for a long time, collaboration's a long line
'Cause they really want N9ne love is the shown sign
But the blown minds over time
they comin' at you with the wrong kind
of energy like an enemy condone crime
Wanna finish me but infinity, my song shine (yeah)
That ain't the way it's supposed to be
How they wishin' the six feet below for me
When I'm givin' them respect and dough for B
Make you never wanna connect with people socially
Gotta lay low 'cause outta nowhere, no fair
people turn on you like Fredo, hit you with the draco
They'll erase your day bro,
The evil wanna come and try to take your halo
There you go, from biggin' you up then take you way low
See the God in you, then take your halo
Everybody say yes until they say no
Gotta watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em
There you go, from biggin' you up, then take you way low
See the God in you, then take your halo
Everybody say yes until they say no
Gotta watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em
I'm mad, still I'm mad
How a great can be taken by a slimebag
Now the N9ne ask what the mind has
When it can make you murder somebody dope as dimebag
If I seen ya, I'ma bring ya whatever you want from Tecca N9na
Build the king up, cut your wings bruh
Then fall down, look how we lost Selena
Damn shame, how can you believe how the fan changed?
From hot and sunny with champagne
To cold and gloomy and samhain with the vamp fangs
I don't know how it turned into a situation to the highest degree
By the people claimin' that they love us
Steppin' to me then you'll see what the riot could be
There you go, from biggin' you up then take you way low
See the God in you, then take your halo
Everybody say yes until they say no
Gotta watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em
There you go, from biggin' you up, then take you way low
See the God in you, then take your halo
Everybody say yes until they say no
Gotta watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em
They want you to be the bad guy so bad
So glad when an ex-artist talkin' greazy on us
They are only givin' the shit mo' gas (yeah)
Dirt on strange? (What?) I want you to blurt on mane (yeah)
Come on and bring the word on lame (come on)
Cappin' is why you deserve wrong things (curved on fame)
Say bro, you need some Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō
If you're no longer on the label, that you hate so
Don't be silent, you got it, bring that shit to the table
I said
There you go, from biggin' you up then take you way low
See the God in you, then take your halo
Everybody say yes until they say no
Gotta watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em
There you go, from biggin' you up, then take you way low
See the God in you, then take your halo
Everybody say yes until they say no
Gotta watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em
And I will not stop, givin' real opp shots
What you feel got squashed in the truth, and your spill got blocked
Because all I see, them sayin', "It's all about me"
Hell yeah, 'cause your tall guap fee came from us, without it, y'all got free
And you fucked up fans threaten us, so what's the plan?
Talkin' tough stuff man, you don't really wanna buss or clutch hands
You don't pull up, you just yell sick
Nigga that ain't my sales pitch
Fuckin' infidels, I take 'em into hell and fuck jail, bitch
The lyrics of Tech N9ne's song "Take Your Halo" detail the fall from grace that can occur when a person becomes successful in an industry that puts more value on image and power than on genuine goodness. The opening lines "You either die a hero or you live long enough to become the villain" set the stage for this theme. The song speaks to the idea that when one becomes successful, people start treating them differently; they may turn on them, betray them, and try to take advantage of their success. Tech N9ne uses his experience in the music industry as an example, describing how people ring his phone line and want to work with him, but may not have his best interests at heart.
The lyrics also suggest that when someone becomes successful, they need to be careful about who they let into their life and who they trust. People who were once supportive and encouraging can quickly turn on you, and it's important to be aware of this and remain vigilant. The repetition of "gotta watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em, watch 'em" emphasizes this idea.
The song also touches on the idea that success can change people, and not always for the better. When someone becomes successful, they may start to believe their own hype or become more concerned with their image and power than with being a good person. The line "Not aligned with kindness, the denyin' of what you say" speaks to this, as does the idea that people may "big up" an artist one moment and "take [them] way low" the next.
Overall, "Take Your Halo" serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of success and the importance of staying true to oneself and one's values in the face of changing circumstances and shifting alliances.
Line by Line Meaning
When you way up high in your prayed up sky
When you are at your highest point, feeling invincible, having prayed to God for strength and guidance.
Displayed trust they cut, then your days must die
Once you have displayed your trust in someone, and they betray that trust, your good days come to an end.
First you're flyin' up, up away, then you dyin' another day
From rising high and feeling great, you suddenly descend to rock bottom and experience pain.
Not aligned with kindness, the denyin' of what you say
The lack of kindness and compassion from those around you can lead to them disregarding your words and opinions.
I've been dope for a long time, collaboration's a long line
Having been successful for an extended period, many people will want to collaborate with you, creating a long list of potential collaborators.
People ringin' the phone line
People constantly calling and trying to get in touch with you.
'Cause they really want N9ne love is the shown sign
People wanting to connect with Tech N9ne and showing their love for his music.
But the blown minds over time
People's reactions to his music over the years never cease to amaze him.
they comin' at you with the wrong kind
People coming at him with the wrong motives and intentions.
of energy like an enemy condone crime
Their energies are of ill intentions, and it feels as though they are condoning criminal activity.
Wanna finish me but infinity, my song shine (yeah)
People may want to bring him down, but his music and legacy will continue to endure.
That ain't the way it's supposed to be
Things aren't supposed to be so negative and hostile.
How they wishin' the six feet below for me
People hoping for his downfall and possibly even death.
When I'm givin' them respect and dough for B
Despite his efforts to show respect and provide financial support, people still turn against him.
Make you never wanna connect with people socially
The backlash and negative attention make him question his willingness to connect with people socially.
Gotta lay low 'cause outta nowhere, no fair people turn on you like Fredo, hit you with the draco
He has to be cautious and lay low, as people can turn on him suddenly and without reason, even resorting to violence.
They'll erase your day bro,
People will try to ruin his career and image, possibly even causing irreparable damage.
The evil wanna come and try to take your halo
Those with malicious intentions will want to tarnish his reputation and good standing, trying to destroy the image of him as an angelic figure.
I'm mad, still I'm mad
The anger and frustration towards those trying to bring him down are still present.
How a great can be taken by a slimebag
Being taken down by someone of lesser caliber is hard to accept.
Now the N9ne ask what the mind has
He questions what is going on in the minds of those trying to bring him down.
When it can make you murder somebody dope as dimebag
The greed and desire for success can make someone turn to violence and commit heinous acts.
From hot and sunny with champagne
Shifts from having everything exposed in the light, to dark times filled with alcohol and drug addiction.
To cold and gloomy and samhain with the vamp fangs
Transitioning to a dark, cold, and uneasy period of his life where he feels surrounded by negative energy like vampires.
I don't know how it turned into a situation to the highest degree
He doesn't understand how his success turned into a situation where he is being attacked at the highest level.
By the people claimin' that they love us
Those attacking and trying to bring him down are often the ones claiming to love him.
Steppin' to me then you'll see what the riot could be
If those who have an issue with him confront him, they will see how passionate his fans and supporters are, and the resulting chaos.
They want you to be the bad guy so bad
People have a strong desire to make him the villain, despite his efforts to show kindness.
So glad when an ex-artist talkin' greazy on us
People are eager to jump on ex-collaborators who speak negatively about him.
They are only givin' the shit mo' gas (yeah)
The negative talk and attention only fuel the lies and hate.
Cappin' is why you deserve wrong things (curved on fame)
Spreading lies and negativity is why those involved do not deserve success and fame.
Say bro, you need some Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō
A Buddhist mantra indicating that he needs guidance and calmness in dealing with the negativity.
If you're no longer on the label, that you hate so
If you are no longer a part of the label he manages and have negative feelings towards them,
Don't be silent, you got it, bring that shit to the table
He encourages ex-label artists to speak out about their negative experiences, to help solve and address any issues.
And I will not stop, givin' real opp shots
He vows to keep making music, putting out real content, and showcasing his true talent.
What you feel got squashed in the truth, and your spill got blocked
The negative lies and rumors prevented the truth about what happened from being heard.
Because all I see, them sayin', "It's all about me"
The underlying issue is that those who turned against him are only selfishly concerned with themselves.
Hell yeah, 'cause your tall guap fee came from us, without it, y'all got free
These individuals only had success and money due to his help, without him, they would have no success.
And you fucked up fans threaten us, so what's the plan?
Fans who have been swayed by the lies and negativity are now becoming a threat to his well-being and success.
Talkin' tough stuff man, you don't really wanna buss or clutch hands
Those talking tough and making threats don't actually want to get physical or confrontational.
You don't pull up, you just yell sick
Those making threats only talk and yell without ever following through with action.
Nigga that ain't my sales pitch
He doesn't resort to negative threats and actions as a means of selling his music.
Fuckin' infidels, I take 'em into hell and fuck jail, bitch
He doesn't believe in violence as a means of solving problems and considers those acting negatively towards him to be infidels and irrelevant, and he will not resort to violence to get his way.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: Aaron D. Yates, Ervin Pope
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
wait until 2024
One of my favorite songs ever
The audable sound (and association..) of "slime bag" (.. in the literal sense) displeases me and yet it's still one of my favorite songs.
It's really hard for me to relate to anything, not just music
You put out some work I can relate to; vibe and lyric wise
Appreciate you
Edit:
I saw the uploads hours ago and had to wait to listen to them
This is when I saw this song again, hit the spot (same goes for "I been thru a lot" and "Close your eyes")
Nick R
Been Listening to Tech for 15 years. He never disappoints.
djoke kostic
Fact
Kevin Magee
That is true 👍
GHRETHTHRHH ERGESRGERG
bro same
Erik Edward
13 for me and I feel the same
Hi I’m Bryson
Been listening for almost 20 years, ever album you drop still gets me excited.
Thank you, without your music life wouldn’t be the same.
phoenix brown
Fr ❤️
Saul Demize
Tech is the most unique and creative force in the whole rap game. Dude is a machine who just keeps grinding out bangers.
Ryan Reagan
Got introduce to text when I was 8 or 9. I'm now 22 an this guy still catches my attention every new song! Lots of love Tech N9ne! Glad to see you go back to the older style Tech
Virgil Barrett
Check out Twista and do or die and Speedknot mobstaz