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/
WHAT'S NEXT
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Craig: Haha, Mr. Smith, it's beautiful night in Kansas City
Craig: I must say Tech, you gotta check this out
Craig: Haha, it's another one
Tech: Shut up nigga you ain't Tony G
Craig: Hahahaha, check it out, uh
Its a hard knock jaw drop life for me
Now I'm winning its nice to see
Because if you ever tried to make it out of here, you would know its all bull
And I'mma show them how to steer with it
Had a clear vision head light deer sittin'
Thought it would be easy because Craig's got a clear image
Gotta shift out of gear LeBron James
They know that I'm a king but I remain in the cavalier
I was a rolling stone and now I'm sky-scrapping
I'm hella dope they high from songs im making
Like a Jamaican and I can BUCK BUCK
What was y'all thinking I'm hot for no reason
Summer summer time James lemonade
I'm in season and springing into the rain
You don't wanna get wet in it
I stepped in it
And got respect
And now I ask Tech what's next
[Chorus]
I got my duffel bag, my swag and my A.M.X
I got my girlie all done up for some S.E.X
I got my heat under the seat in case them fools they flex
I'm taking trips over seas, tell me what is next
Ay yo whats next up on the menu
What show? A different venue
When you thought that it was over no sir its to be continued
Too many people know you
Too many bitches on you
So you ditching on the exact same thing you want to go to
From the outside looking in
They don't be understanding
Because from every fan that loves you thats an inch away from family
My name is Obergeek but you refer to me as Grammy
It's just pre-mental planning maybe you will understand me
Started as a local, haha
Now I'm on the vocals lala
The time it took to do this shit was kinda loco
I know
Put me on the beat then I flow
I'm fuckin' with green because I go
Seems like I speed through obstacles like my life's on nitro
I see the light posts I'm speeding through the night glow
My miles per hour says I should be insured for Geico
I took a stop at Ollie Gate
As as soon as I stepped up in the place
He asked me what is on my plate
I said I got
[Chorus]
I'm tryin' to make it so the whole world can hear that
Real raw and severe rap
Television showing how humongous my career's at
Me popping bottles when the enemies watching poppin' beer caps
They feel severe slaps from here clear to Iraq
I'll near trap but this here's cracked
And I get them chicks with their boobies lifted and rears fat
What me and Travis doing every year after year stacked
Then we off in the Bahamas where the peers at cheers cat
And we don't fear packs cause we standing near straps
Come to me with that queer crap you'll get your vaneers cracked
Yeah I might be a weird brat
But I get them tears from your dear
That'll have her speared in the lair when her brazier snaps
Watch who you sneer at
Because if we see a rat he's smeared flat
He's about to feel snakes and hear bats
So whats next is a mere splat
On her face because the P was shear wack, haha
I'm living like a rockstar (Living like a rockstar)
I'm going to places everywhere you are (Where you are)
I do it just like what you wish that you could truly be (Truly be)
I'm fresh, I'm on a magazine (I'm fresh, I'm on a magazine)
I'm living out my wildest dreams (I'm living out my wildest dreams)
I do it just like what you wish that you could truly be (Truly be)
[Chorus]
In "What's Next," Tech N9ne collaborates with Craig Smith to talk about their success story. The song begins with a phone conversation between the two, and Craig proceeds to share what's new in Kansas City. Then Tech takes over the mic and speaks on his journey from being an upcoming artist to a successful rapper. He reflects on his past hardships and how he overcame them. Making it out of Kansas City was never easy, he explains, and he's now come out on top, and he's determined to show others how to succeed too. Tech compares himself to LeBron James, expressing the king status he holds in the rap world while staying humble like a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also mentions his previous wanderlust nature and current success, saying he's gone from a roaming stone to a towering skyscraper in his accomplishments. Additionally, Tech impresses his listeners with clever wordplay and rhyme schemes, making "What's Next" not only reflective but also musically impressive.
The second verse is Craig Smith's contribution to the song, where he raps under the alias Obergeek. He too details his rise in the music industry, from being a local talent to a Grammy award-winning artist. Craig also talks about the negative sides of fame, including losing his privacy and constantly being pursued by both acquaintances and romantic interests. Despite that, he's content with his success and thankful for his name's recognition. Obergeek's flow is slightly different from Tech's delivery, but he adds a dynamic element to the song. The overall message of "What's Next" can be formulated as a celebration of success and an encouragement to others to pursue their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Its a hard knock jaw drop life for me
Life is challenging and full of surprises.
Last year I was in front of mic's for free
I used to perform for free but now I'm winning.
Now I'm winning its nice to see
It's satisfying to see the fruits of my labor.
Because if you ever tried to make it out of here, you would know its all bull
If you tried to make it out of this difficult situation, you would realize that it's a challenging and unfair game.
And I'mma show them how to steer with it
I will demonstrate how to overcome the obstacles and succeed.
Had a clear vision head light deer sittin'
I had a clear idea and made it happen.
Thought it would be easy because Craig's got a clear image
At first, I thought it would be easy because Craig had a clear image of what needed to be done.
Gotta shift out of gear LeBron James
I need to change the way I'm doing things, just like when LeBron James changes gears on the court.
They know that I'm a king but I remain in the cavalier
People know I'm great, but I don't let it get to my head and I stay humble.
I was a rolling stone and now I'm sky-scrapping
I used to be lost and unstable, but now I'm rising up high.
I'm hella dope they high from songs im making
My music is so good that it's practically intoxicating others.
Like a Jamaican and I can BUCK BUCK
I'm energetic and lively, just like a Jamaican, and I can take care of my enemies if needed.
What was y'all thinking I'm hot for no reason
Don't underestimate me, I'm successful for a reason.
Summer summer time James lemonade
Enjoying the summer sun and sipping on some refreshing lemonade.
I'm in season and springing into the rain
I'm currently successful and ready to tackle any new challenge that comes my way.
You don't wanna get wet in it
You don't want to get involved in this because it's tough and you might not come out dry.
I stepped in it
I took the risk and got involved in the challenging situation.
And got respect
I earned the respect of others because of my achievements.
And now I ask Tech what's next
After my current success, I wonder what my next big challenge will be.
I got my duffel bag, my swag and my A.M.X
I'm fully prepared and equipped for whatever challenge comes my way.
I got my girlie all done up for some S.E.X
I have a partner who is ready for intimate affection.
I got my heat under the seat in case them fools they flex
I'm carrying a firearm in case someone tries to confront me.
I'm taking trips over seas, tell me what is next
I'm currently traveling internationally and wondering what my next adventure will be.
Ay yo whats next up on the menu
What's the next item on the agenda?
What show? A different venue
What type of performance is next? At a different location?
When you thought that it was over no sir its to be continued
Just when you thought it was the end, there is more to come.
Too many people know you
I have gained a lot of fame and attention.
Too many bitches on you
I have a lot of female attention.
So you ditching on the exact same thing you want to go to
I'm avoiding what I really want because it's getting too much attention and it's overwhelming.
From the outside looking in
This is what it looks like to an outsider.
They don't be understanding
Others don't truly understand the situation.
Because from every fan that loves you thats an inch away from family
Fans feel like they know you personally, just like family.
My name is Obergeek but you refer to me as Grammy
My nickname is Obergeek, but others refer to me as if I have already won a Grammy award.
It's just pre-mental planning maybe you will understand me
It's just me thinking and planning ahead, maybe you will understand one day.
Started as a local, haha
I started small and locally, nothing special.
Now I'm on the vocals lala
Now I'm singing and performing, making something of myself.
The time it took to do this shit was kinda loco
The amount of time and effort it took to achieve this was kind of crazy.
I know
I understand the hard work and dedication that went into this.
Put me on the beat then I flow
When you give me a beat, I can effortlessly flow with it and create music.
I'm fuckin' with green because I go
I'm supporting marijuana usage because it helps me create better music.
Seems like I speed through obstacles like my life's on nitro
I'm easily overcoming challenges in my life like I have a boost of energy.
I see the light posts I'm speeding through the night glow
I'm driving fast and getting things done quickly, even during the night.
My miles per hour says I should be insured for Geico
I'm driving faster than the average person and should be insured by Geico.
I took a stop at Ollie Gate
I took a break and stopped at Ollie Gate, a reference to a specific location.
As as soon as I stepped up in the place
As soon as I entered the building.
He asked me what is on my plate
The person at Ollie Gate asked me what I'm up to and what's next.
I said I got
I replied with what I'm currently working on or have planned for the future.
I'm tryin' to make it so the whole world can hear that
I'm striving to create music that everyone in the world can hear and appreciate.
Real raw and severe rap
My music is real, honest, and intense.
Television showing how humongous my career's at
My success and career is being displayed on television and is massive in scale.
Me popping bottles when the enemies watching poppin' beer caps
I'm celebrating my success and enjoying myself, especially when my enemies are watching.
They feel severe slaps from here clear to Iraq
My message and impact is felt far and wide, even reaching all the way to Iraq.
I'll near trap but this here's cracked
I'll almost fall into a trap, but overcome it and continue on my successful path.
And I get them chicks with their boobies lifted and rears fat
I attract beautiful women with lifted breasts and curvy figures.
What me and Travis doing every year after year stacked
My collaborator Travis and I continue to be successful and stack up our wealth year after year.
Then we off in the Bahamas where the peers at cheers cat
We are celebrating and enjoying ourselves in the Bahamas, surrounded by our peers who are cheering us on.
And we don't fear packs cause we standing near straps
We are not afraid of any danger because we are carrying weapons.
Come to me with that queer crap you'll get your vaneers cracked
Don't bring any nonsense my way or you will suffer consequences, including dental damage.
Yeah I might be a weird brat
I admit that I may be an odd or unusual person.
But I get them tears from your dear
My music can be emotional and bring tears to people's eyes.
That'll have her speared in the lair when her brazier snaps
My music can be so powerful that it can trap someone in a deep emotional state.
Watch who you sneer at
Be careful who you give negative looks to or insult, because you might face consequences.
Because if we see a rat he's smeared flat
If we see a snitch or traitor, they will be dealt with severely.
He's about to feel snakes and hear bats
They will experience fear and danger from our actions.
So whats next is a mere splat
My next actions or projects will be a minor achievement compared to what I've already accomplished.
On her face because the P was shear wack, haha
I will ejaculate on someone's face because their performance was terrible.
I'm living like a rockstar (Living like a rockstar)
I'm living a luxurious and celebrity-esque lifestyle.
I'm going to places everywhere you are (Where you are)
I'm traveling to many different places.
I do it just like what you wish that you could truly be (Truly be)
I'm doing what others wish they could do or be like.
I'm fresh, I'm on a magazine (I'm fresh, I'm on a magazine)
I look and feel fresh and can be seen on magazine covers.
I'm living out my wildest dreams (I'm living out my wildest dreams)
I'm currently living the realization of my greatest dreams and desires.
I do it just like what you wish that you could truly be (Truly be)
I'm achieving and experiencing what others wish they could achieve or experience.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BOB THIELE, GEORGE DOUGLAS, GEORGE DAVID WEISS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind