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/
We Are Free
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Plummet we don't want it son its the dumbest
We done and wanna get from it
Havin' visions of eden, while this evil is breathin' inside a demon
Deceivin' with light I'm even this season
Companies kill my culture, suckas sit on they sofa
See the soul of a soldier, I'mma go to Zack De la Rocha
And awaken rebel sound that'll break that fake label down
If they oppose it, give 'em hell is the key
Well is the free, we ain't practicin' celibacy
A relic you think we anghellic, tell it to me
We'll mail and sell it to fellowships and telekinesis
When occur the people movin' develop diseases
Sick on your symphony some get hella facetious
When searin' your shows I'm somberin' the shell it decreases
Light for the lord of love a lot leveled is leaf lit
Free (styles), free (life), free (reign)
We (wild), we (fight) for these (brains)
Be (gone), she likes the eased (pain)
He's (mild), he gripes cause she's (Strange)
Take off your shackles people come along
Fuck a fraggle nigga become a Khan
We keep it coated then when summer gone
Cowardly critters not with the strong better run along
We are free, we are
We are free, we are
We are, we are free
We are, we are free
No time for killin' time, because it's killin' time
I'm an American hustler sedated in my prime
Pray for the 99, ride with the 88
Spinal 1 percent it's just a numbers game
Fame for us psychos, Jackson's to Michael
Missiles for silos, no stones for the high road
Army of 5-Os, for half foes I hydro
Drones over my home, no phone tap to spy on
And though they say there's nothin' to fear but fear itself
I keep a bottle of spirits near my bookshelf
Because a runaway slave will never sleep well
I self medicate the frame in my brain cell
Married to the matrix, that bitch got two faces
She gave me all I got and took away all my acquaintance
Travellin' the planet walkin' on so many stages
Made me realize dimensions gettin' jumped through one a daily
He's an alien, Eddie Arkadian
In love with money and fame there ain't no savin' him
But I'm the fuckin' last dragon spittin' radiance
Walkin' a planet I created in my cranium
We are free, we are
We are free, we are
We are, we are free
We are, we are free
I rewrote this verse mad times
One for every single instance somebody denied me my damn shine
One for the brick layers, one for the winning team with injured players
One for the "He's gon' be the shit" sayers, keep me on my toes
My fanbase rattlin', the speakers on my bows and my sneakers on the stones
You give me props and I'mma keep 'em in my soul
Cause I'm MVP'n on these cretins down below
All this world's gone catnip, rattlesnake bat shit
Critics eat a fat dick, vinegar and cracked lips
Citizens get it in, gimme ten seconds in Atlas
And I'mma show you even on this bitch front to backwards
Breakin' down codes, bro True Detective
Ridin' to some Wrek shit, could change up your perspective
Don't just take my word for it, check up on the guest list
Jesus and the Devil rollin' dice up in the flesh pit
Free speech, free souls, free press
So we preach to seek goals and leave stress
Beneath streets, we reach hold and breach depths
To the mothafuckers we bringin' ruckus with each breath
As if the sales stop, been stay
See Ten K was just the entry, my pen slays
My next album's gonna be bent shades of dense graves
Death to the shackles around my ankles, I been free
We are free, we are
We are free, we are
We are, we are free
We are, we are free
The lyrics of Tech N9ne's "We Are The World" featuring Eminem is an introspective commentary on the societal struggles of the modern world. The first verse speaks of the imbalance of the society, the way corporates exploit the culture and kill the independent spirit of artists. Tech N9ne talks of his desire to break away from the constraints of society and awaken a revolution of radical thinkers who fight back against the oppressive mechanisms of governments, corporations, and even self-inflicted wounds.
The second verse delves into the more personal aspects of the struggles of an individual, specifically the two faces of society, the government and the private life. Tech N9ne acknowledges that the society he exists in is one that witnesses intense racial tensions and wars, whereas the private life of people is full of discord and relationships plagued with mistrust. He aims to keep alcohol by his side to keep himself calming and is always aware of the dangers he may face since he considers himself to be a runaway slave. This is a metaphor for his desire to escape the imprisoning grasp of society.
The final verse reflects on the struggle against the music industry and mainstream audiences. Tech N9ne intends to break down the rigid structures that have not only restricted the freedom of the artists but also the audiences to whom they're performing for. As an artist, Tech N9ne realizes that he needs to constantly reinvent his music to keep running the race; otherwise, he may fall behind. He speaks of how his rhymes are contagious and that they bring revolutionary energy to the public. Finally, he expresses a desire to be free, rid of the shackles that restrict him and attain eminence in the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
They way that we drummin' make you think what's one hunit
The rhythm and intensity of our music make you question your own strength and capabilities
Plummet we don't want it son its the dumbest
We refuse to accept failure or defeat because it is foolish
We done and wanna get from it
We are finished and want to move on from this situation
Havin' visions of eden, while this evil is breathin' inside a demon
We dream of a perfect and harmonious world while facing the darkness within ourselves
Deceivin' with light I'm even this season
Using false positivity and illusions to deceive others during this time
Companies kill my culture, suckas sit on they sofa
Corporate entities are destroying and commercializing our culture, while passive individuals do nothing about it
See the soul of a soldier, I'mma go to Zack De la Rocha
Recognize the courage and determination necessary to fight for what I believe in, just like Zack De la Rocha from Rage Against the Machine
And awaken rebel sound that'll break that fake label down
I will create a revolutionary music that exposes and challenges the fake and controlled music industry
Gotta vacate this able now, everyday fate from a halo crown
I need to leave this comfort zone and embrace the unpredictable nature of life, which is influenced by celestial forces
If they oppose it, give 'em hell is the key
If anyone opposes our message, we will confront them fiercely
Well is the free, we ain't practicin' celibacy
Freedom is our priority, we will not restrain ourselves or limit our actions
A relic you think we anghellic, tell it to me
You may consider us outdated or angelic, but share your perspective with me
We'll mail and sell it to fellowships and telekinesis
We will spread and sell our message to communities and individuals connected through a shared mindset
When occur the people movin' develop diseases
When people rise and demand change, society becomes infected with unrest and rebellion
Sick on your symphony some get hella facetious
We are tired of your orchestrated and insincere performances, causing some to mock and ridicule your actions
When searin' your shows I'm somberin' the shell it decreases
As I witness your shows and performances, I become solemn and disappointed as the illusion diminishes
Light for the lord of love a lot leveled is leaf lit
I provide enlightenment for the deity of love, shedding light and understanding on a sacred and significant topic
Free (styles), free (life), free (reign)
We advocate for freedom of expression, freedom in life, and freedom from oppressive rule
We (wild), we (fight) for these (brains)
We embrace our wild and rebellious nature, fighting for the liberation of our thoughts and ideas
Be (gone), she likes the eased (pain)
Disappear and leave, she enjoys the relief from suffering
He's (mild), he gripes cause she's (Strange)
He is passive and complains because she is unusual and unconventional
Take off your shackles people come along
Remove the restraints holding you back and join us on this journey
Fuck a fraggle nigga become a Khan
Reject mediocrity and strive to be a leader and conqueror
We keep it coated then when summer gone
We remain protected and prepared, even when times are difficult
Cowardly critters not with the strong better run along
Weak individuals who lack strength should leave and make way for the brave
No time for killin' time, because it's killin' time
We cannot waste time idly, as it is counterproductive and detrimental
I'm an American hustler sedated in my prime
I am a determined and ambitious individual from America, temporarily subdued and waiting for the right moment to shine
Pray for the 99, ride with the 88
We support and sympathize with the majority struggling in society, while also standing with the powerful and influential
Spinal 1 percent it's just a numbers game
The elite and privileged 1 percent control society solely based on numbers
Fame for us psychos, Jackson's to Michael
We, the unconventional and crazy ones, crave fame and recognition, just like Michael Jackson
Missiles for silos, no stones for the high road
We possess powerful weapons and tools for destruction, with no intention of taking the peaceful and righteous path
Army of 5-Os, for half foes I hydro
We have a large and influential group of supporters, who are also law enforcement officers, and I can easily defeat weaker enemies
Drones over my home, no phone tap to spy on
The government surveillance systems constantly monitor my activities, but they cannot eavesdrop on my private conversations
And though they say there's nothin' to fear but fear itself
Although people claim that fear is the only thing to be afraid of
I keep a bottle of spirits near my bookshelf
I have alcohol as comfort and solace when I am surrounded by books and knowledge
Because a runaway slave will never sleep well
A person who escapes from oppression and captivity will always live with fear and restlessness
I self medicate the frame in my brain cell
I use substances or methods to soothe and heal my troubled mind
Married to the matrix, that bitch got two faces
I am deeply intertwined with the complex and deceptive world we live in, which has multiple sides
She gave me all I got and took away all my acquaintance
The system has provided me with everything I possess, but it has also disconnected me from meaningful relationships
Travellin' the planet walkin' on so many stages
I am constantly touring and performing in various places around the world
Made me realize dimensions gettin' jumped through one a daily
Through my experiences, I have come to understand that we are constantly navigating and transitioning between different realities or dimensions
He's an alien, Eddie Arkadian
I am an outsider or unusual being, similar to Eddie Arkadian from the movie 'The Last Dragon'
In love with money and fame there ain't no savin' him
I am infatuated with wealth and recognition, and nothing can change that
But I'm the fuckin' last dragon spittin' radiance
However, I am the ultimate and unique individual who emits brilliance and illumination through my art
Walkin' a planet I created in my cranium
I am in control of my own world, which exists solely in my imagination
I rewrote this verse mad times
I edited and revised this section of lyrics multiple times with great intensity and effort
One for every single instance somebody denied me my damn shine
One revision for every occasion when someone prevented me from achieving the recognition I deserved
One for the brick layers, one for the winning team with injured players
One for the hardworking individuals who build from the ground up, and one for the victorious team despite having injured members
One for the 'He's gon' be the shit' sayers, keep me on my toes
One for the people who underestimate my potential, as their words motivate and challenge me
My fanbase rattlin', the speakers on my bows and my sneakers on the stones
My supporters create a powerful and impactful energy, vibrating the singers and resonating through the ground
You give me props and I'mma keep 'em in my soul
When you acknowledge and praise my abilities, I will hold onto those compliments and cherish them deeply
Cause I'm MVP'n on these cretins down below
Because I am the most valuable player, surpassing and dominating those who are beneath me
All this world's gone catnip, rattlesnake bat shit
The world has become chaotic and insane, filled with madness and danger
Critics eat a fat dick, vinegar and cracked lips
Critics can insult and criticize me as much as they want, but their words are bitter and meaningless
Citizens get it in, gimme ten seconds in Atlas
Ordinary people understand and appreciate my work, and if given a moment of power and authority, I can make a significant impact
And I'mma show you even on this bitch front to backwards
I will demonstrate my talent and prove my worth, even in the most challenging and unfavorable situations
Breakin' down codes, bro True Detective
Analyzing and deciphering complex messages, similar to the detectives on the TV show 'True Detective'
Ridin' to some Wrek shit, could change up your perspective
Listening to my music, which contains powerful and thought-provoking lyrics, has the potential to alter your perspective on life
Don't just take my word for it, check up on the guest list
Don't solely rely on my statements, verify the facts and evidence by reviewing the list of people involved
Jesus and the Devil rollin' dice up in the flesh pit
Symbolizing the constant battle between good and evil, with Jesus and the Devil engaging in a game of chance
Free speech, free souls, free press
Advocating for the right to express oneself, liberation of the human spirit, and unrestricted media
So we preach to seek goals and leave stress
We encourage and promote the pursuit of personal achievements while letting go of unnecessary anxieties
Beneath streets, we reach hold and breach depths
In the underground or hidden places, we find strength and determination to overcome obstacles
To the mothafuckers we bringin' ruckus with each breath
To those who oppose us, we will bring chaos and disturbance with every word and action
As if the sales stop, been stay
Even if the commercial success declines, we have remained true to ourselves
See Ten K was just the entry, my pen slays
Achieving 10,000 fans was just the beginning, my writing and creativity are the true sources of my power
My next album's gonna be bent shades of dense graves
My upcoming album will explore dark and heavy themes, referencing burial sites and secrets
Death to the shackles around my ankles, I been free
I am ready to break free from the constraints and limitations that have held me back
We are free, we are
We are liberated and unrestricted
We are free, we are
We are liberated and unrestricted
We are, we are free
We embody freedom and independence
We are, we are free
We embody freedom and independence
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind