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/
The Needle
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Who do I catch?"
Outside of technicians' tunneled Tech vision
At a point in time when dope is the new whack
So it's safe to say we're in Bonnie says Cheadle
On the outskirts of our army, we scare people
But it's not for evil, up with hawks and eagles
But I'm lost and feeble wondering if this restarts the needle
In front of seventy thousand at RockFest
By the way he won the crowd does he got next
To infect the mainstream or sell a lot less
God bless my core fans still around
We're here 'cause you held us down
Love the way that you love my sounds
But I'm still try'na break new ground
Feels like I could blow out a fire with one breath
Look at the sky in the sun set
Sing a new song to change the mood
And move mountains with my hands
But just don't understand
Why this needle just won't move
Yes doing this for, yes doing this for, yes doing this for profit
And my pocket's one dimension
I wanna reach so many hearts and souls is my intention
Since 2001 is when I started my ascension
But in 2015 I went up just to get honorable mention
Makes me wanna end it, I get so offended
When they speak of genre breaking but no N9ne is ended
Or friended I'm winded, my music's intrinsic
But it's kinda looking like the needle ain't moving even when I did a killer with Kendrick
Jimmy Kimmel was splendid, formally an attendant
But when we were done it's like not one of them were mended
Maybe it's my image and large amount of grimness
My pen spits on them scripts
Thinking I'm on a sin trip and then skit
Rock on the range we had 'em flocking for Strange
But it was a shocker when no rockers remained
When it came to the game where they claimed
Fame could get you big as the Beatles
Yeah we got it this far but I really wanna push that needle
I could blow out a fire with one breath
Look at the sky in the sun set
Sing you a song to change the mood
And move mountains with my hands
But just don't understand
Why this needle just won't move
Pardon me Lucas
I was blessed to do a song with Marshall Mathers
I was thinking when the emcees hear this they hearts'll shatter
'Cause the art's so radder than babblers with partial chatter
But the garble swagger actors win it all, but this?
Not a chart no latter, dark so daggered
Why do nigga artists do this with me?
Man it make me feel so good when they all really do skip the fee
Slipknot, System Of A Down, Deftones, Doors got a few hits with T
But the one thing that makes me wanna say screw this and flee
Man I did it all this when music is free
I could blow out a fire with one breath
Look at the sky in the sun set
Sing you a song to change the mood
And move mountains with my hands
But just don't understand
Why this needle just won't move
Now they gonna say "poor N9ne, please you're fine
'Cause you made it to the Forbes List 'bout at least four times"
But since I wrote my first rhyme it's been war time
To get the masses to see this talent deserves more shine
So this year I sat at my very first Grammys
Me and my partner Travis watching my peers go hammy
I thought about all the awards these folks should hand me
Man I swear I'd disappear if it wasn't for fans and family
The lyrics of Tech N9ne's song "The Needle" reflect the artist's feelings of frustration and the desire for recognition and success in the music industry. The needle symbolizes progress and forward movement, and Tech N9ne wonders why it seems to be stuck or not moving despite his efforts.
In the first verse, Tech N9ne mentions being in a cypher with famous friends in 2011, contemplating who he should catch or collaborate with next. He acknowledges that the music industry has shifted, with drugs becoming popular, but he wants to rise above the trend. He mentions being on the outskirts of his own army, scaring people unintentionally. He questions whether his efforts will restart the needle, indicating a sense of uncertainty and doubt.
The chorus expresses a sense of power and potential, as Tech N9ne feels like he could blow out a fire with one breath and move mountains with his hands. However, he is puzzled as to why the needle, representing progress and success, isn't responding to his efforts.
In the second verse, Tech N9ne acknowledges that he is in the music industry for profit, but his intention is to reach hearts and souls. He reflects on his journey since 2001, mentioning a moment of recognition in 2015 but feeling like it was only a mention and not substantial progress. He mentions collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and a performance on Jimmy Kimmel, but it didn't lead to lasting connections or breakthroughs. He wonders if his image or the dark undertones of his music are hindering his progress.
The bridge of the song addresses Tech N9ne's collaboration with Eminem (Marshall Mathers), expressing his pride and knowing that it will impress other emcees. However, he questions why other artists in his genre don't support or collaborate with him. He reflects on his accomplishments with Slipknot, System Of A Down, Deftones, and The Doors, but still feels frustrated by the lack of progress. He mentions the music industry shifting to a point where music is freely accessible, which adds to his frustration.
In the final verse, Tech N9ne acknowledges that some may see his success on Forbes List and dismiss his struggles. However, he reflects on the ongoing battle to be recognized and appreciated for his talent. He mentions attending the Grammy Awards for the first time and witnessing his peers' success, contemplating the awards he believes he deserves. He concludes by expressing gratitude for his fans and family, acknowledging that they have kept him going despite the challenges.
Overall, "The Needle" serves as an introspective exploration of Tech N9ne's frustration and aspirations within the music industry, highlighting his desire to break new ground and achieve the recognition he feels he deserves.
Line by Line Meaning
I once said in a cypher of famous friends back in 2011
I expressed my thoughts in a gathering of well-known artists in 2011
"Who do I catch?"
Who should I target or surpass?
Outside of technicians' tunneled Tech vision
Beyond the narrow perspective of Tech's dedicated fans
At a point in time when dope is the new whack
During a period where what is considered good changes drastically
So it's safe to say we're in Bonnie says Cheadle
It's accurate to state that we are in an unpredictable situation
On the outskirts of our army, we scare people
Our unconventional approach intimidates others
But it's not for evil, up with hawks and eagles
Yet, our intentions are not malicious as we rise with ambition
But I'm lost and feeble wondering if this restarts the needle
However, I feel confused and weak, questioning if this song will redefine my career
Look around, do you spot Tech
Observe the surroundings, can you see Tech N9ne?
In front of seventy thousand at RockFest
Performing in front of a massive audience at RockFest
By the way he won the crowd does he got next
Based on his success with the audience, is he next in line for success?
To infect the mainstream or sell a lot less
To make an impact on the popular music scene or risk selling fewer records
God bless my core fans still around
I appreciate and thank my loyal fans who continue to support me
We're here 'cause you held us down
Our presence and success are due to your unwavering support
Love the way that you love my sounds
I deeply appreciate the way you adore my music
But I'm still try'na break new ground
However, I'm still striving to innovate and explore uncharted territory
Feels like I could blow out a fire with one breath
I have a sense of immense power and influence
Look at the sky in the sun set
Observe the mesmerizing beauty of the setting sun
Sing a new song to change the mood
Create a fresh composition to alter the atmosphere
And move mountains with my hands
Achieve seemingly impossible feats through my abilities
But just don't understand
Yet, I fail to comprehend
Why this needle just won't move
Why my career progress seems stagnant
Yes doing this for, yes doing this for, yes doing this for profit
Yes, I pursue this career for financial gain
And my pocket's one dimension
However, my financial success remains limited
I wanna reach so many hearts and souls is my intention
My desire is to deeply touch and connect with numerous people
Since 2001 is when I started my ascension
I began my rise to prominence in 2001
But in 2015 I went up just to get honorable mention
However, in 2015, my recognition was only an honorable mention, not significant
Makes me wanna end it, I get so offended
This situation makes me contemplate quitting, and I feel hurt
When they speak of genre breaking but no N9ne is ended
Despite being recognized as a genre-breaking artist, Tech N9ne's career remains ongoing
Or friended I'm winded, my music's intrinsic
Feeling excluded and exhausted, my music exhibits my true self
But it's kinda looking like the needle ain't moving even when I did a killer with Kendrick
Unfortunately, it seems my career is stagnant even after collaborating with Kendrick Lamar on a successful track
Jimmy Kimmel was splendid, formally an attendant
The experience on Jimmy Kimmel Live was fantastic, as I was a guest
But when we were done it's like not one of them were mended
However, once the show ended, none of the relationships improved or were repaired
Maybe it's my image and large amount of grimness
Perhaps my appearance and dark themes contribute to this lack of progress
My pen spits on them scripts
My writing style is aggressive and powerful
Thinking I'm on a sin trip and then skit
Assuming I am solely focused on sin and controversy, and dismissing my true intentions
Rock on the range we had 'em flocking for Strange
During the Rock on the Range festival, many embraced our Strange Music label and eagerly attended our performances
But it was a shocker when no rockers remained
However, it was surprising that after the event, no rock music enthusiasts continued supporting us
When it came to the game where they claimed
Regarding the music industry where they asserted
Fame could get you big as the Beatles
They believed fame could make you as popular as the Beatles
Yeah we got it this far but I really wanna push that needle
Although we have achieved success thus far, I have a strong desire to break new boundaries
Pardon me Lucas
Apologies, Lucas
I was blessed to do a song with Marshall Mathers
I was fortunate to collaborate with Eminem on a song
I was thinking when the emcees hear this they hearts'll shatter
I anticipated that fellow rappers would be deeply affected when they heard our collaboration
'Cause the art's so radder than babblers with partial chatter
Because our artistry is superior to those who engage in superficial conversations
But the garble swagger actors win it all, but this?
However, the pretentious actors with flashy swagger receive all the recognition, while our work goes unnoticed
Not a chart no latter, dark so daggered
Unable to climb the charts, feeling overshadowed by darkness and negativity
Why do nigga artists do this with me?
Why do other artists of the same race treat me this way?
Man it make me feel so good when they all really do skip the fee
It brings me joy when other artists waive their fees in collaboration with me
Slipknot, System Of A Down, Deftones, Doors got a few hits with T
Bands like Slipknot, System Of A Down, Deftones, and The Doors have had successful collaborations with me
But the one thing that makes me wanna say screw this and flee
However, the one thing that makes me want to give up and escape is
Man I did it all this when music is free
I achieved all this success in an era where music is freely accessible
Now they gonna say "poor N9ne, please you're fine
Now they will express sympathy and say "poor N9ne, you're doing well
'Cause you made it to the Forbes List 'bout at least four times"
Since you have been listed on the Forbes List at least four times"
But since I wrote my first rhyme it's been war time
However, since I wrote my first rhyme, my journey has been filled with battles
To get the masses to see this talent deserves more shine
To convince the general public that my talent deserves greater recognition
So this year I sat at my very first Grammys
Therefore, this year, I attended my first-ever Grammy Awards
Me and my partner Travis watching my peers go hammy
I, along with my partner Travis, observed my fellow artists going all out
I thought about all the awards these folks should hand me
I contemplated the awards that these individuals should have presented to me
Man I swear I'd disappear if it wasn't for fans and family
Honestly, if it weren't for my loyal fans and supportive family, I would vanish from this industry
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Aaron Yates, Samuel Watson, Michael Summers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind