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/
This Is Me / Goodbye
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hahahaha, in the world of BET
I'm just too better than rock and roll huh
In the world of MTV
My name is too gangsta huh, hahaha
Man, Stragne Music we got this baby
This year we got this one baby
Red hair, red everything
(Verse 1: Tech N9ne)
Never been a harder rhymer in my region or globally that's holdin' me I'm totaly hard and bossed up
Why you think the majority of the rap musical authority sword me, I balled and crossed 'em
Cause they don't wanna let the crazy kid in then
Spit his hiems speakin' a grim religion
Of rhyme, forbiddin my hisems are hidden
My mind, to written then spittin' the kid in
The N9ne, is playin' you, slayin' you, sprayin' you, permanently delayin' you, swayin' through
It's the gay in you thats hatin' who somethin' that hella beyond that does
(I love Kanye, his shit is bombay, but I'm rough)
And you can see it in my retina
That I won't be lettin' ya
Threatinas better respect Tech the messenger
Too dope on this to be
History listen it's a mystery
Why they spittin' and dissin' me
(Hook: Tech N9ne & Big Krizz Kalico)
This is me (this is me)
I'm a king, I'm a klown, I'm a G (I'm a G)
I believe what I want
Got you singin' my song
But your seein' me wrong
So what's a matter with me?
This is the belief (the belief)
The religion has arisin' from the deep (from the deep)
Darkest prison if you listen you will see (you will see)
If colision your decision you will reap what you sow so forget what you know this is me
(Verse 2: Tech N9ne)
This is Tech bra
For years I've been the next to collect a plethra of checks lets get extra
Is what I set ta
Travis let's go select the baddest rappers infect the planet leave 'em in exta
See I'm a vet the powers don't really wanna let the best
Come and wreck the sets and test your sector
Instead of rawness like Inspecta Deckta
Eldest rather set they specs on Mason Betha
Slept on my records
If you knew my music's Hannibal Lecta
What the hell you callin' for Masta Flex for?
Don't pester me I won't sweet you be on a quest to
Investagate your techma respect the
Shockra tease in hop to these
Hot degress me and Mr. O apostrophe
Never listen to these pop-a-C's cause they suck!
(I love 50 Cent he gritty went he vent but I'm rough)
And you can see it in my demeanor
The Tecca Nina will blast arenas
The grass is greener
Made it ma to the top of the world
Kiss me, miss me (This Is Me)
Can't you see?
(Hook)
[Verse 3: Tech N9ne]
The industry treat me like a ride on the short bus
That's why I'm tellin' they youngstas when you retort cuss
And make your fort fuss
Cause you went out on Sam Goody on F.Y.E. with they money and you support us
Strangers, Shadies, Psychopaths and Juggalos
Losers, Shooters, College women and Gutter hoes
Rock it from precious dough
Drops it just lets it flow
Cop it don't knock it you block it stop at the record sto'
This is Aaron Yates thizlely and Rain
This is for little Donnie, this is for all Lequoia's pain
This is, for the sickness of Marty Sue
This is for all the love of Sarah, Susie, Ira-Mae and Aizzyda Lou
This is for Ike and Ricky
Rufus Rhonda, Barbara, and Marla really
This is for B'zle and I know that rest of my family is with me
This is my friends, this is the end, this is the G
This is life, this is wrong, this right, this is me!
(Hook) - 2X
In the intro of "This Is Me / Goodbye" by Tech N9ne, he expresses his belief that he is superior to rock and roll in the world of BET and too gangster for MTV. He goes on to describe himself as a hard rhymer who is wholly bossed up and who has been scorned by the rap musical authorities because of his grim, hidden rhymes. His lyrics are so challenging that they threaten to delay and slay anyone in his path. Tech N9ne then reveals that he has a love for Kanye's music but prefers to keep things rough around the edges.
In the hook of the song, Tech N9ne speaks of how he has had to fight for his belief and that he is king, clown, and G all in one. He makes it known that people often misinterpret him, but it doesn't change who he is. Tech N9ne believes his religion has arisen from the deep, and if people collide with his decision, they will reap what they sow.
In the second verse, Tech N9ne speaks about being the next to collect a wealth of checks and that he is looking to infect the planet with the baddest rappers. He echoes his belief that he is the best and the powers don't want to concede to him. To emphasize his lyrical power, he compares himself to Hannibal Lecter. In Tech N9ne's eyes, the industry sees him as a ride on a short bus, which is why he tells young people to make their voices heard. In closing, Tech N9ne dedicates the song to the people who have supported him and to his family.
Line by Line Meaning
Hahahaha, in the world of BET
Laughing at how BET is inadequate to contain Tech N9ne's immense talent
I'm just too better than rock and roll huh
Tech N9ne considers himself superior to rock and roll
In the world of MTV
MTV doesn't appreciate Tech N9ne's gangsta style
My name is too gangsta huh, hahaha
Tech N9ne's gangsta persona is often rejected by mainstream media
Man, Stragne Music we got this baby
Strange Music, Tech N9ne's record label, is successful
This year we got this one baby
Tech N9ne is confident in Strange Music's success this year
Red hair, red everything
Tech N9ne's signature red hair and clothing style
It's Tech N9ne baby like it or not
Tech N9ne is unapologetically himself and won't change for anyone
Never been a harder rhymer in my region or globally that's holdin' me I'm totaly hard and bossed up
Tech N9ne is the best rapper in his region and globally
Why you think the majority of the rap musical authority sword me, I balled and crossed 'em
Many people in the rap industry don't respect Tech N9ne's artistry and style
Cause they don't wanna let the crazy kid in then
Some in the rap industry are hesitant to accept Tech N9ne's unique style
Spit his hiems speakin' a grim religion
Tech N9ne uses his rhymes to express a dark and intense message
Of rhyme, forbiddin my hisems are hidden
Tech N9ne's rhymes contain hidden and forbidden messages
My mind, to written then spittin' the kid in
Tech N9ne pours his thoughts and experiences into his writing and music
The N9ne, is playin' you, slayin' you, sprayin' you, permanently delayin' you, swayin' through
Tech N9ne's style is powerful and impacting
It's the gay in you thats hatin' who somethin' that hella beyond that does
People who hate on Tech N9ne are displaying their own insecurities
(I love Kanye, his shit is bombay, but I'm rough)
Tech N9ne respects Kanye West but believes his own style is rougher and tougher
And you can see it in my retina
Tech N9ne's determination and drive are evident in his eyes
That I won't be lettin' ya
Tech N9ne won't allow anyone to bring him down
Threatinas better respect Tech the messenger
Tech N9ne demands that those who challenge him show him respect
Too dope on this to be
Tech N9ne is too talented for anyone to ignore
History listen it's a mystery
Tech N9ne's talent and success is unprecedented and unexplainable
Why they spittin' and dissin' me
Tech N9ne is confused as to why some in the industry dislike him and his music
This is me (this is me)
Tech N9ne is proud to be himself and won't change for anyone
I'm a king, I'm a klown, I'm a G (I'm a G)
Tech N9ne has different sides to his personality and can be both silly and gangsta
I believe what I want
Tech N9ne is independent and makes his own decisions
Got you singin' my song
Tech N9ne's music is popular and catchy
But your seein' me wrong
People misunderstand and misjudge Tech N9ne's character and style
So what's a matter with me?
Tech N9ne doesn't understand why people criticize and judge him
This is the belief (the belief)
Tech N9ne holds strong beliefs and values
The religion has arisin' from the deep (from the deep)
Tech N9ne's beliefs and values are deeply ingrained and significant to him
Darkest prison if you listen you will see (you will see)
Tech N9ne's music reveals his darkest thoughts and experiences
If colision your decision you will reap what you sow so forget what you know this is me
Tech N9ne warns that people will face consequences for colliding with him or challenging his beliefs
For years I've been the next to collect a plethra of checks lets get extra
Tech N9ne has been successful in the rap industry and wants to continue to make money
Travis let's go select the baddest rappers infect the planet leave 'em in exta
Tech N9ne and Travis are looking for the best rappers to collaborate with and dominate the industry
See I'm a vet the powers don't really wanna let the best
Tech N9ne is experienced and talented but some don't want to recognize or accept that
Instead of rawness like Inspecta Deckta
Tech N9ne sees himself as rawer and tougher than Inspectah Deck
Eldest rather set they specs on Mason Betha
The industry focuses on less talented artists like Mase instead of recognizing Tech N9ne's skills
Slept on my records
Tech N9ne's music has been underrated and overlooked by some
If you knew my music's Hannibal Lecta
Tech N9ne's music is intense and dark like Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs
What the hell you callin' for Masta Flex for?
Tech N9ne doesn't want to waste time or deal with fake people like Masta Flex
Don't pester me I won't sweet you be on a quest to
Tech N9ne won't be bothered or swayed by anyone else's opinions or pressure
Investagate your techma respect the
Tech N9ne demands that people take the time to understand his unique style and give him respect
Shockra tease in hop to these
Tech N9ne's music is energetic and powerful
Hot degress me and Mr. O apostrophe
Tech N9ne and Mr. O are a powerful duo
(I love 50 Cent he gritty went he vent but I'm rough)
Tech N9ne respects 50 Cent but believes his own style is rougher and tougher
And you can see it in my demeanor
Tech N9ne's confidence and strength are evident in his behavior and mannerisms
The Tecca Nina will blast arenas
Tech N9ne's music is powerful and impactful and can fill arenas
The grass is greener
Tech N9ne has achieved impressive success and it's paying off
Made it ma to the top of the world
Tech N9ne has reached the pinnacle of success in his career
Kiss me, miss me (This Is Me)
Tech N9ne is proud of who he is and won't conform to anyone else's standards
Can't you see?
Tech N9ne believes that others should see and recognize his talent and success
The industry treat me like a ride on the short bus
The rap industry has underestimated and disrespected Tech N9ne
That's why I'm tellin' they youngstas when you retort cuss
Tech N9ne warns young artists to stand up for themselves and fight back against disrespect
And make your fort fuss
Tech N9ne encourages artists to fight for their rights and make a fuss if necessary
Cause you went out on Sam Goody on F.Y.E. with they money and you support us
Tech N9ne appreciates fans who purchase and support his music
Strangers, Shadies, Psychopaths and Juggalos
Tech N9ne's fan base is diverse and includes people from all walks of life
Losers, Shooters, College women and Gutter hoes
Tech N9ne's fans come from all backgrounds and lifestyles
Rock it from precious dough
Tech N9ne's music is valuable and worth investing in
Drops it just lets it flow
Tech N9ne's music is natural and authentic
Cop it don't knock it you block it stop at the record sto'
Tech N9ne encourages fans to support his music by purchasing it at a record store
This is Aaron Yates thizlely and Rain
Tech N9ne's birth name is Aaron Yates and he has a unique middle name (Thizlely) and a daughter named Reign
This is for little Donnie, this is for all Lequoia's pain
Tech N9ne dedicates his music to his friends and loved ones, including Little Donnie and Lequoia
This is, for the sickness of Marty Sue
Tech N9ne's music often reflects his own struggles and pain, including his ex-wife's mental illness
This is for all the love of Sarah, Susie, Ira-Mae and Aizzyda Lou
Tech N9ne is grateful for the love and support of his family and friends
This is for Ike and Ricky
Tech N9ne remembers and honors his friends Ike P and Ricky G, who passed away
Rufus Rhonda, Barbara, and Marla really
Tech N9ne includes more friends and family members in his dedication
This is for B'zle and I know that rest of my family is with me
Tech N9ne's friend B'zle is often mentioned in his music, and he knows that he has the support of his entire family
This is my friends, this is the end, this is the G
Tech N9ne's music is for his friends and fans and he is proud to be himself
This is life, this is wrong, this right, this is me!
Tech N9ne is unique and won't compromise his values or artistry for anyone else
Contributed by Caleb T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.