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 Pledge )
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Five, six, seven, six
Seven, six, seven, six
Seven-six seven-six sev-six sev-six sev-six sev-six
Sev-six-sev-six-sev-six [repeats inaudibly fast 'til explosion]
Together we are, a powerful force
As one, mind body and soul
Because of the beliefs, we hold
And with this love, combined with our strength
We ward off, pain and stress
Technician I am, wholeheartedly
In life, and, in death [echoes]
In Tech N9ne's song "The Pledge," the lyrics focus on unity and strength in the face of adversity. The counting in the beginning of the song increases in intensity, conveying the sense of building momentum and energy that is to come. The lyrics then speak about the power of coming together as one mind, body, and soul to repel any negativity that may try to enter. The word "evil" is used here, giving the impression that this group or community is protecting itself from larger dangers than just simple negativity. The beliefs they hold are important and they will not be swayed from them. The imagery of strength and love joining to "ward off pain and stress" creates a powerful message that this group is stronger together than they are as individuals. The repetition of "Technician I am" is a reminder that the singer is not alone in this fight, but is one of many who are dedicated to this cause.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Pledge" speak to the importance of unity and strength when facing challenges. It encourages listeners to come together with like-minded individuals to protect themselves and what they believe in from external threats. The words "mind, body, and soul" especially emphasize that this is not just a physical fight, but one that encompasses all aspects of life.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two, three, four
Starting in order, following a systematic approach.
Five, six, seven, six
Taking a detour, deviating from order and routine.
Seven, six, seven, six
Still deviating, not following convention.
Seven-six seven-six sev-six sev-six sev-six sev-six
Repetition and variation, pushing boundaries beyond the norm.
Sev-six-sev-six-sev-six [repeats inaudibly fast 'til explosion]
Intense expression of creativity and individuality, breaking away from conformity.
Together we are, a powerful force
We are stronger collectively than individually.
As one, mind body and soul
In complete alignment of purpose, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Let no evil enter, nor attempt to reduce us
We will not allow negativity or anything that tries to diminish or hurt us.
Because of the beliefs, we hold
Our shared principles are the foundation of our strength and unity.
And with this love, combined with our strength
Our compassion, combined with our power, creates an unbeatable force.
We ward off, pain and stress
We overcome hardship and adversity effortlessly.
Technician I am, wholeheartedly
I am a skilled and dedicated artist, putting my heart and soul into my craft.
In life, and, in death [echoes]
My commitment to my art and fellow artists is unwavering and timeless.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., MISSING LINK MUSIC
Written by: DWAYNE CARTER, WILL HODGE, BERNARD FREEMAN, NASIR JONES, MOSHE LEVI BEN-DAVID, TREVOR SMITH, AARON DONTEZ YATES, ANDRE BENJAMIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind