Tech N9ne
Encyclopedia
Aaron Dontez Yates better known by his stage name Tech N9ne , is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri
. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music
. Throughout his career, Yates has sold over one million albums and has had his music featured in film, television, and video games. In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the mtvU
Woodie Awards.
His stage name originated from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun
, given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast rhyming style. Yates later applied a deeper meaning to the name, claiming that it stands for the complete technique of rhyme, with 'tech' meaning technique and 'nine' representing the numbers 3,6, and 0 meaning perfecting all the way around.
. He began rapping at a very early age, and would rap the letters of his name in order to remember how to spell it. Interaction with his father was infrequent, and his mother suffered from epilepsy
and lupus
when he was a child, which emotionally affected him and inspired him to "search for God." He would wander around abandoned buildings with his best friend, Brian Dennis, hoping to catch a ghost on film. In 2002, Dennis was shot and killed by his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend, which further inspired Yates' search for a higher power, as well as giving him the drive to vent his frustrations in his music.
in 1993. However, the group disbanded soon after being released from the label. Yates signed with Qwest Records
briefly before moving to JCOR Records. In 1997, Yates joined the group The Regime formed by rapper Yukmouth
. The following year, he was featured on the soundtrack
for the film Gang Related. Yates appeared on the song "The Anthem" by Sway & King Tech
in 1999, which also featured artists RZA
, Eminem
, Xzibit
, Pharoahe Monch
, Jayo Felony
, Chino XL
, KRS-One
, and Kool G. Rap.
In 2001, Yates released the studio album Anghellic
on JCOR Records, just a few months before the label went bankrupt. Later that year, he and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music
. Lacking major label promotion, Tech N9ne struggled in trying to gain exposure to new fans. The next year, he released Absolute Power, under a 50-50 joint venture between Strange Music and M.S.C. Music & Entertainment (which was founded by former Priority Records head Mark Cerami). Absolute Power debuted number 79 on the Billboard 200
. Absolute Power sales increased 3 times after Tech N9ne started the FTI Campaign. During this Campaign Tech N9ne not only told people to Download his music but provided a website to Download his new Album. This campaign was a response to the infamous Metallica-Napster downloading scandal . In 2006, after going almost 4 years without releasing any new music, Yates released the album Everready (The Religion)
. The following year, he released Misery Loves Kompany
. Yates announced that the album was the first in a series of "Tech N9ne Collabos" albums that feature a wide range of guest appearances.
The following year, Yates released the album Killer
, which was a double album consisting of over 32 tracks. That September, he exceeded one million album sales. Yates remarked of the accomplishment that, "It just reminded me of all the work we'd done in the past, up until now [...] I don't think it's sunken in yet. I've been celebrating for the last two days because that's a hell of an accomplishment. I've been planning success all my life. I'm not even a bit surprised, I'm happy about it. That just means I was right." Yates released his second Collabos album, Sickology 101
, in April 2009. Yates later performed at the Rock The Bells 2009 Festival
and the tenth annual Gathering of the Juggalos
. That October, he released K.O.D.
, short for King of Darkness. The album featured a dark overtone, as Yates was dealing with the illness of his mother. An EP
of cut songs and afterthoughts from the album was released in 2010 as The Lost Scripts of K.O.D.
Later that year, Yates released his third Collabos album, The Gates Mixed Plate
. In October, he released his second EP Seepage
. On December 23, he released his first mixtape Bad Season which was later released inretail CD form with a modified track list and without DJ Scream. On June 7, 2011 Yates released his most recent album All 6's And 7's
. The album features a myriad of prominent hip-hop artist including B.o.B
, E-40
, Snoop Dogg
, T-Pain
, Mint Condition
, Hopsin
, Busta Rhymes
, Twista
, Lil Wayne
, Yelawolf
, and Deftones
.
In 2011, Yates told 411mania.com that after All 6's And 7's he plans on releasing his fourth album in the Collabos series titled Welcome to Strangeland, featuring guest appearances from everyone on Strange Music, followed by the long awaited K.A.B.O.S.H. and 816 Boyz albums. Then, in July 2011, Yates said in a blog post that Rick Ross
has agreed to do a song with him for the K.A.B.O.S.H. album and that he is also hoping to have a collaboration with Jay-Z
on that album. In the same blog post, he said that the K.A.B.O.S.H. album will be a rock
album. In another blog post several weeks later, he confirmed that he will begin work on the album after completing Welcome to Strangeland. Following his tour, he announced that he was about to begin work on Welcome to Strangeland and KLUSTERFUK
, confirming producers for both projects. He said he will then begin work on the K.A.B.O.S.H. album. Tech N9ne is featured on Lil Wayne's ninth studio album Tha Carter IV
on the song Interlude. The track features a verse from Tech and Andre 3000
. During a radio interview with Funkmaster Flex
in August 2010, Wayne stated that he and Tech N9ne formed a "brotherhood" when Yates visited him in jail. In a later interview, Tech N9ne claimed that he thinks the song will "awaken a lot of other people that wouldn't usually look [his] way" and "teach all the new fans how to become technicians."
s and speed rap abilities. Soren Baker of VH1
states that Yates' techniques "showcase his wide-ranging, mind-blowing flows." Baker characterizes Yates' earlier work as "apocalyptic music, which discussed abortion and infidelity as much as his rapping prowess." Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier calls his style "bizarre hardcore rap
."
Yates says that he is influenced by Old school hip hop
, and specifically cites Slick Rick
, N.W.A, Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions
, Eric B. & Rakim
, Schoolly D
, Wu Tang, and Just-Ice
. He is also interested in other genres of music, and lists The Doors
, Jim Morrison
, Led Zeppelin
, Elton John
, AC/DC
, Metallica
, Floetry
, Outkast
, Cee Lo Green, Slipknot and Gnarls Barkley
as influences. Yates was originally set to score
the entire film Alpha Dog, but the studio decided to replace some of his music with more commercially known songs. In 2009, his song "Let's Go" was used in an online promotional short film for AXE body spray
. Yates also appears as an actor in the films Vengeance and Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D
. Tech's song "Let's Go" was also used during the 2010 movie "Brotherhood".
,EA Sports MMA
,Def Jam: Fight for NY
, and 25 To Life
, the latter of which Yates is also an unlockable character. In 2009, Yates and label mate Krizz Kaliko
appeared in a promotional video for the Fight Night Round 4
video game.
Dark Angel
, I'm From Rolling Stone
, My Super Sweet 16
, The Hills
, Spike Guys' Choice Awards
, and Warren The Ape
. In 2008, his song "Earthquake" was featured on an episode of MTV's America's Best Dance Crew
in which the crew had to visually convey the title of the song in their performance. On the August 15, 2009 Strikeforce
event, Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg
, MMA
fighter Gilbert Melendez
entered the arena to Tech N9ne's 2006 song "The Beast" for his bout with Mitsuhiro Ishida
. His song "Riot Maker" was used as the official theme song for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
's 2010 Hardcore Justice
pay-per-view. Yates also appeared on the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards
in the BET Cypher with B.O.B
, Machine Gun Kelly
, Kendrick Lamar
, and Big K.R.I.T.
.
with K.A.B.O.S.H.
[WorldWide Choppers]
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music
Strange Music
Strange Music is an American independent record label specializing in hip hop music. It was founded by Tech N9ne and Travis O'Guin in 1999. It is currently distributed through Fontana Distribution.-History:...
. Throughout his career, Yates has sold over one million albums and has had his music featured in film, television, and video games. In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the mtvU
MtvU
mtvU is a division of Viacom's MTV Networks which produces a 24-hour television channel that is available on more than 750 college and university campuses across the United States, as well as several digital cable packages...
Woodie Awards.
His stage name originated from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun
Semi-automatic firearm
A semi-automatic, or self-loading firearm is a weapon which performs all steps necessary to prepare the weapon to fire again after firing—assuming cartridges remain in the weapon's feed device or magazine...
, given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast rhyming style. Yates later applied a deeper meaning to the name, claiming that it stands for the complete technique of rhyme, with 'tech' meaning technique and 'nine' representing the numbers 3,6, and 0 meaning perfecting all the way around.
Early life
Aaron Dontez Yates born on November 8, 1971 in Lee's Summit, MissouriLee's Summit, Missouri
Lee's Summit is a city in the U.S. state of Missouri, and is contained within the counties of Jackson and Cass. As of the 2010 census found the population at 91,364 making it the sixth-largest city in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and the sixth-largest city in Missouri...
. He began rapping at a very early age, and would rap the letters of his name in order to remember how to spell it. Interaction with his father was infrequent, and his mother suffered from epilepsy
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by seizures. These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms of abnormal, excessive or hypersynchronous neuronal activity in the brain.About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, and nearly two out of every three new cases...
and lupus
Lupus
Lupus most commonly refers to the disease systemic lupus erythematosus.Lupus may also refer to:-Medicine:* Lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease with several different forms...
when he was a child, which emotionally affected him and inspired him to "search for God." He would wander around abandoned buildings with his best friend, Brian Dennis, hoping to catch a ghost on film. In 2002, Dennis was shot and killed by his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend, which further inspired Yates' search for a higher power, as well as giving him the drive to vent his frustrations in his music.
Career
Early in his life, Yates was a member of a group formed in 1991 called Black Mafia. He saw glimpses of success in the group 57th Street Rogue Dog with their single "Let's Get Fucked Up." As a member of the group Nnutthowze, Aaron Yates signed with Perspective RecordsPerspective Records
Perspective Records was an American record label, launched in 1991 by the producing team Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, through a joint venture with A&M Records—which Jam/Lewis had had a prosperous working relationship with throughout the 1980s, with several of its major acts including Janet Jackson, The...
in 1993. However, the group disbanded soon after being released from the label. Yates signed with Qwest Records
Qwest Records
Qwest Records is the American record label started by Quincy Jones in 1980 as a joint venture with Warner Bros. Records, and owned byWarner Music Group. although Quincy was still under contract with A&M records through 1981. George Benson's 1980 Give Me the Night LP was the first release on Qwest,...
briefly before moving to JCOR Records. In 1997, Yates joined the group The Regime formed by rapper Yukmouth
Yukmouth
Jerold Dwight Ellis, III, better known by his stage name Yukmouth, is a Grammy-nominated American rapper from East Oakland, Oakland, California. He is the founder of The Regime, Smoke-A-Lot Records and Godzilla Entertainment.-Career:He is a member of the platinum-selling rap duo Luniz along with...
. The following year, he was featured on the soundtrack
Gang Related (soundtrack)
Gang Related is a double disc audio soundtrack for the film Gang Related, released on October 7, 1997, under Priority Records. It features four songs by the supporting actor Tupac Shakur. The album peaked at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart....
for the film Gang Related. Yates appeared on the song "The Anthem" by Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech
Sway & King Tech is an American hip hop group composed of Bay Area rapper Sway and DJ King Tech. Also known as Flynamic Force or Sway & Tech, they are the hosts of the nationally syndicated show, The Wake Up Show...
in 1999, which also featured artists RZA
RZA
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
, Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
, Xzibit
Xzibit
Alvin Nathaniel Joiner , better known by his stage name Xzibit , is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is known as the host of the MTV show Pimp My Ride, which brought him mainstream success...
, Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch
Pharoahe Monch is an American hip hop artist. He is known for his complex lyrics, complex delivery, and internal and multisyllabic rhyme schemes.-Biography:...
, Jayo Felony
Jayo Felony
James Savage, better known by his stage name, Jayo Felony is a rapper from southeast San Diego, California. He is known for being the first San Diego rapper to be signed to a major label...
, Chino XL
Chino XL
Derek Keith Barbosa , better known by his stage name Chino XL, is an American hip hop lyricist, battle rapper, and actor of Puerto Rican and African American descent...
, KRS-One
KRS-One
Lawrence Krisna Parker , better known by his stage names KRS-One , and Teacha, is an American rapper...
, and Kool G. Rap.
In 2001, Yates released the studio album Anghellic
Anghellic
Anghellic is the third studio album released by Kansas City based rapper Tech N9ne.In 2001, the song "Tormented," appeared in a scene of the Fox TV series Dark Angel, it plays for nearly two minutes in the background of a bar scene contained in the season two episode "Two."The album was re-released...
on JCOR Records, just a few months before the label went bankrupt. Later that year, he and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music
Strange Music
Strange Music is an American independent record label specializing in hip hop music. It was founded by Tech N9ne and Travis O'Guin in 1999. It is currently distributed through Fontana Distribution.-History:...
. Lacking major label promotion, Tech N9ne struggled in trying to gain exposure to new fans. The next year, he released Absolute Power, under a 50-50 joint venture between Strange Music and M.S.C. Music & Entertainment (which was founded by former Priority Records head Mark Cerami). Absolute Power debuted number 79 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
. Absolute Power sales increased 3 times after Tech N9ne started the FTI Campaign. During this Campaign Tech N9ne not only told people to Download his music but provided a website to Download his new Album. This campaign was a response to the infamous Metallica-Napster downloading scandal . In 2006, after going almost 4 years without releasing any new music, Yates released the album Everready (The Religion)
Everready (The Religion)
Everready is the sixth studio album by rapper Tech N9ne. The album was released in 2006 as a "Collector's Edition" CD that contains a second CD featuring 14 songs from Tech N9ne as well as other Strange Music artists...
. The following year, he released Misery Loves Kompany
Misery Loves Kompany
Misery Loves Kompany is the seventh studio album by rapper Tech N9ne, and the first release in the "Collabos" series. The album was recorded in one month and was released on July 17, 2007. It features 17 tracks featuring artists such as Yukmouth, T-Nutty, D-Loc & Dalima, Greed, Money Hungry, Big...
. Yates announced that the album was the first in a series of "Tech N9ne Collabos" albums that feature a wide range of guest appearances.
The following year, Yates released the album Killer
Killer
A killer is someone or something that kills, such as a murderer.Killer may also refer to:-Games:*Killer , a multi-player pocket billiards game* Killer , a climbing card game related to tien len...
, which was a double album consisting of over 32 tracks. That September, he exceeded one million album sales. Yates remarked of the accomplishment that, "It just reminded me of all the work we'd done in the past, up until now [...] I don't think it's sunken in yet. I've been celebrating for the last two days because that's a hell of an accomplishment. I've been planning success all my life. I'm not even a bit surprised, I'm happy about it. That just means I was right." Yates released his second Collabos album, Sickology 101
Sickology 101
Sickology 101 is the ninth studio album, and the second in the "Collabos" series, by rapper Tech N9ne.Early on, the album carried a "The Study of Being Sick" subtitle, but as its release grew nearer, the subtitle was phased out...
, in April 2009. Yates later performed at the Rock The Bells 2009 Festival
Rock The Bells
Rock the Bells is an annual hip hop festival that originally took place in Southern California only, but has since toured throughout the world. The concert features a lineup of high-profile alternative hip hop artists, often headlined by a more mainstream artist...
and the tenth annual Gathering of the Juggalos
Gathering of the Juggalos
The Gathering of the Juggalos is an annual festival put on by Psychopathic Records, featuring performances by the entire label as well as numerous well-known musical groups and underground artists. It was founded by Robert Bruce, Insane Clown Posse , and their label in 2000...
. That October, he released K.O.D.
K.O.D.
K.O.D. is the tenth studio album by rapper Tech N9ne, released on October 26, 2009. The album was originally scheduled for an October 27, 2009 release, but the album was shipped out early and the label decided to release it a day early...
, short for King of Darkness. The album featured a dark overtone, as Yates was dealing with the illness of his mother. An EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
of cut songs and afterthoughts from the album was released in 2010 as The Lost Scripts of K.O.D.
The Lost Scripts of K.O.D.
The Lost Scripts of K.O.D. is the first EP by rapper Tech N9ne, released on March 30, 2010. It debuted on the Billboard 200 chart at number 117.The EP consists of five tracks that were written shortly after the K.O.D. album was completed...
Later that year, Yates released his third Collabos album, The Gates Mixed Plate
The Gates Mixed Plate
The Gates Mixed Plate is the eleventh studio album by rapper Tech N9ne, which was released on July 27, 2010. It is the third album in the rapper's "Collabos" series, following the 2009 album Sickology 101. The album's name is in reference to the Kansas City Bar-B-Q restaurant Gates Bar-B-Q...
. In October, he released his second EP Seepage
Seepage (Tech N9ne EP)
Seepage is the second EP by rapper Tech N9ne, and was released on October 25, 2010.The EP consists of five tracks that were written recently after Tech witnessed Krizz Kaliko's breakdown after receiving bad news, and soon after, receiving news that his mother was back in the psych ward...
. On December 23, he released his first mixtape Bad Season which was later released inretail CD form with a modified track list and without DJ Scream. On June 7, 2011 Yates released his most recent album All 6's And 7's
All 6's And 7's
All 6's And 7's is the twelfth studio album of American rapper and songwriter Tech N9ne, and was released on June 7, 2011, on Strange Music...
. The album features a myriad of prominent hip-hop artist including B.o.B
B.o.B
Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. , better known by his stage name B.o.B, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. He is currently signed under the labels of Grand Hustle Records, Rebel Rock Entertainment, and Atlantic Records. His debut single "Nothin' on You" reached number one in both...
, E-40
E-40
Earl Stevens , better known by his stage name E-40, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor from Vallejo, California. He is also part of the rap group The Click and the founder of Sick Wid It Records. His solo debut album, Federal, was released in November 1992, after The Click's debut...
, Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
, T-Pain
T-Pain
Faheem Rasheed Najm , better known by his stage name T-Pain, is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actor, currently signed to Young Money Entertainment. His debut album, Rappa Ternt Sanga, was released in 2005. In 2007, T-Pain released his second studio album Epiphany,...
, Mint Condition
Mint Condition
Mint Condition is an R&B band from Saint Paul, Minnesota. Formed in the late 1980s, its original members were lead singer Stokley Williams, bassist Ricky Kinchen, guitarist Homer O'Dell, pianist Larry Waddell, keyboardist Keri Lewis, and keyboardist/saxophonist Jeffrey Allen...
, Hopsin
Hopsin
Marcus Hopson, better known by his stage name Hopsin, is an American rapper, music video director and hip hop producer from Panorama City, Los Angeles, California. Known for his white contact lenses, his music videos gained popularity on YouTube...
, Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes
Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...
, Twista
Twista
Carl Terrell Mitchell , better known by his stage name Twista, is an American rapper. He is known for once holding the title of fastest rapper in the world according to Guinness World Records in 1992, being able to pronounce 598 syllables in 55 seconds...
, Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
, Yelawolf
Yelawolf
Michael Wayne Atha , better known by his stage name YelaWolf, is an American rapper. He is currently signed to Shady Records, Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and Interscope Records...
, and Deftones
Deftones
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
.
In 2011, Yates told 411mania.com that after All 6's And 7's he plans on releasing his fourth album in the Collabos series titled Welcome to Strangeland, featuring guest appearances from everyone on Strange Music, followed by the long awaited K.A.B.O.S.H. and 816 Boyz albums. Then, in July 2011, Yates said in a blog post that Rick Ross
Rick Ross
Rick, Ricky or Richard Ross may also refer to:* Rick Ross , American rapper* Richard J. Ross, a Massachusetts State Senator* Richard Ross , an American photographer...
has agreed to do a song with him for the K.A.B.O.S.H. album and that he is also hoping to have a collaboration with Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
on that album. In the same blog post, he said that the K.A.B.O.S.H. album will be a rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
album. In another blog post several weeks later, he confirmed that he will begin work on the album after completing Welcome to Strangeland. Following his tour, he announced that he was about to begin work on Welcome to Strangeland and KLUSTERFUK
Klusterfuk
- Background :KLUSTERFUK was first announced in early 2011. Then, in August 2011, Tech N9ne confirmed that he was about to begin work on KLUSTERFUK and his upcoming thirteenth studio album Welcome to Strangeland...
, confirming producers for both projects. He said he will then begin work on the K.A.B.O.S.H. album. Tech N9ne is featured on Lil Wayne's ninth studio album Tha Carter IV
Tha Carter IV
Tha Carter IV is the ninth studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne, released on August 29, 2011 through Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Republic Records...
on the song Interlude. The track features a verse from Tech and Andre 3000
André 3000
André Lauren Benjamin , better known by his stage name André 3000 is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and actor, best known for being part of American hip-hop duo OutKast alongside fellow rapper Big Boi...
. During a radio interview with Funkmaster Flex
Funkmaster Flex
Aston George Taylor, Jr. better known as Funkmaster Flex is an American hip hop DJ, rapper, musician and producer on New York City's Hot 97 radio station and host of the hit MTV show Funk Flex Full Throttle....
in August 2010, Wayne stated that he and Tech N9ne formed a "brotherhood" when Yates visited him in jail. In a later interview, Tech N9ne claimed that he thinks the song will "awaken a lot of other people that wouldn't usually look [his] way" and "teach all the new fans how to become technicians."
Style and influences
Yates is known for his dynamic rhyme schemeRhyme scheme
A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhyme between lines of a poem or song. It is usually referred to by using letters to indicate which lines rhyme. In other words, it is the pattern of end rhymes or lines...
s and speed rap abilities. Soren Baker of VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
states that Yates' techniques "showcase his wide-ranging, mind-blowing flows." Baker characterizes Yates' earlier work as "apocalyptic music, which discussed abortion and infidelity as much as his rapping prowess." Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier calls his style "bizarre hardcore rap
Hardcore hip hop
Hardcore hip hop, also referred to as hardcore rap, is a sub-genre of hip hop music that developed through the East Coast hip hop scene in the 1980s. Pioneered by such artists as Schoolly D, Spoonie Gee, Boogie Down Productions, and Kool G Rap, it is generally characterized by anger, aggression and...
."
Yates says that he is influenced by Old school hip hop
Old school hip hop
Old school hip hop describes the earliest commercially recorded hip hop music , and the music in the period preceding it from which it was directly descended . Old school hip hop is said to end around 1983 or 1984 with the emergence of Run–D.M.C., the first new school hip hop group...
, and specifically cites Slick Rick
Slick Rick
Richard Walters , better known by his stage name Slick Rick is a Grammy-nominated English-American rapper...
, N.W.A, Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions
Boogie Down Productions
Boogie Down Productions was a hip hop group that was originally composed of KRS-One, D-Nice, and DJ Scott La Rock. DJ Scott La Rock was murdered on August 27, 1987, months after the release of BDP's debut album, Criminal Minded. The name of the group, Boogie Down, derives from a nickname for the...
, Eric B. & Rakim
Eric B. & Rakim
Eric B. & Rakim were a hip-hop duo composed of DJ Eric Barrier and MC Rakim .Hailing from Long Island, New York, the pair are generally considered by hip hop enthusiasts to be one of the most influential and innovative groups in the genre...
, Schoolly D
Schoolly D
Jesse B. Weaver Jr. , better known by the stage name Schoolly D, is an American rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.- Career :...
, Wu Tang, and Just-Ice
Just-Ice
Just-Ice A former bouncer at punk clubs, Ice was one of the first of the New York MCs to embrace hardcore rap, and when he burst out of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, as Just-Ice, he gained instant notoriety. Muscle-bound, tattooed, aggressive—he resembled Mike Tyson in more than just looks—and with a...
. He is also interested in other genres of music, and lists The Doors
The Doors
The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore, and guitarist Robby Krieger...
, Jim Morrison
Jim Morrison
James Douglas "Jim" Morrison was an American musician, singer, and poet, best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band The Doors...
, Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
, Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
, Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
, Floetry
Floetry
Floetry was a British R&B duo comprising Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart . The group recorded two studio albums, one live album, and sold over 800,000 records worldwide. Formed in 1999, Floetry started on the performance poetry stage.In 2002, the duo released their first album entitled, Floetic...
, Outkast
OutKast
Outkast is an American hip hop duo based in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They were originally known as Two Shades Deep but later changed the group's name to OutKast...
, Cee Lo Green, Slipknot and Gnarls Barkley
Gnarls Barkley
Gnarls Barkley is an American soul duo comprising Danger Mouse and Cee Lo Green. Their first studio album St. Elsewhere was released in 2006; along with its first single "Crazy". Both single and album were a major commercial success and have been noted for their large sales by download...
as influences. Yates was originally set to score
Film score
A film score is original music written specifically to accompany a film, forming part of the film's soundtrack, which also usually includes dialogue and sound effects...
the entire film Alpha Dog, but the studio decided to replace some of his music with more commercially known songs. In 2009, his song "Let's Go" was used in an online promotional short film for AXE body spray
Axe (grooming product)
Lynx is a brand of male grooming products, owned by the British/Dutch company Unilever and marketed towards young males.-History:Axe was launched in France in 1983 by Unilever...
. Yates also appears as an actor in the films Vengeance and Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D
Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D
Night of the Living Dead: Origins is an upcoming 3-D animated horror film directed by Zebediah De Soto.-Synopsis:New York, a city of the hopes and dreams of many Americans, lies in ruin. The streets and skyscrapers that symbolized the strength and prosperity of a people have become places of horror...
. Tech's song "Let's Go" was also used during the 2010 movie "Brotherhood".
Video games
Several of Yates' songs are featured in the video games Madden NFL 2006, Midnight Club: Los AngelesMidnight Club: Los Angeles
Midnight Club: Los Angeles is the fourth video game in the Midnight Club series of racing video games, not including Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix. It was officially announced for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on January 11, 2008 by Rockstar Games. The game was developed by Rockstar San Diego...
,EA Sports MMA
EA Sports MMA
EA Sports MMA is a fighting video game which was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon from 2008 to 2010. It was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on October 19, 2010 in North America and October 22, 2010 everywhere else....
,Def Jam: Fight for NY
Def Jam: Fight for NY
Def Jam: Fight for NY is the sequel to Def Jam Vendetta, a hip hop-influenced 3D fighting game released for the GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox and is followed by Def Jam: Icon...
, and 25 To Life
25 To Life
25 To Life is a third-person shooter video game for Windows, PlayStation 2 and Xbox released in 2006. The game was developed by Avalanche Software and Ritual Entertainment, and was published by Eidos Interactive....
, the latter of which Yates is also an unlockable character. In 2009, Yates and label mate Krizz Kaliko
Krizz Kaliko
Samuel William Christopher Watson better known by his stage name Krizz Kaliko, is an American rapper and singer...
appeared in a promotional video for the Fight Night Round 4
Fight Night Round 4
Fight Night Round 4 garnered positive reaction from critics for its strategic gameplay and strong multiplayer component. The PlayStation 3 version received an 87.89% and an 88% from review aggregate websites GameRankings and MetaCritic respectively...
video game.
Television
Yates' music has appeared on the television showsTelevision program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
Dark Angel
Dark Angel (TV series)
Dark Angel is an American biopunk/cyberpunk science fiction television series created by James Cameron and Charles H. Eglee. The show premiered in the United States on the Fox network on October 3, 2000, and was canceled after two seasons...
, I'm From Rolling Stone
I'm From Rolling Stone
I'm From Rolling Stone is a MTV reality television show directed by Norman Green. It began airing in January 2007 and was planned for ten episodes....
, My Super Sweet 16
My Super Sweet 16
My Super Sweet 16 is an MTV reality series documenting the lives of teenagers, usually in the United States, Canada and UK, who usually have wealthy parents that throw huge coming of age celebrations. Parties include the quinceañera , the sweet 16, and other birthdays including a My Super Sweet 21 ...
, The Hills
The Hills
The Hills is a reality television series which originally aired on MTV from May 31, 2006 until July 13, 2010. The show uses a reality television format, following the personal lives of several young adults living in Los Angeles, California, but tends towards a narrative format more commonly found...
, Spike Guys' Choice Awards
Spike Guys' Choice Awards
The Spike Guys' Choice Awards is an awards show produced by the Viacom cable channel Spike and held since 2007. It is patterned after Viacom's MTV Movie Awards...
, and Warren The Ape
Warren the Ape
Warren the Ape is an MTV reality show parody which premiered on June 14, 2010 at 10:30 p.m. The series is a spin-off of the IFC and Fox TV show Greg the Bunny, and follows the titular character's life as he tries to get his life back together following the cancellation of Greg the Bunny.Warren has...
. In 2008, his song "Earthquake" was featured on an episode of MTV's America's Best Dance Crew
America's Best Dance Crew
America's Best Dance Crew, often abbreviated as ABDC, is an American competitive dance reality television series that features street dance crews from the United States and around the world. It is produced by American Idol judge Randy Jackson and airs on MTV...
in which the crew had to visually convey the title of the song in their performance. On the August 15, 2009 Strikeforce
Strikeforce
Strikeforce is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization based in San Jose, California. It is headed by CEO Scott Coker and owned by Zuffa, LLC...
event, Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg
Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg
Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg was a mixed martial arts event held by Strikeforce. It was held in San Jose, California on August 15, 2009. The event aired live on the Showtime cable network and marked the first time two women headlined a major MMA event....
, MMA
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
fighter Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez
Gilbert Melendez is an American mixed martial artist of Mexican descent. Currently fighting out of San Francisco, California, he formerly competed in the lightweight division of PRIDE Fighting Championships and now competes in Strikeforce...
entered the arena to Tech N9ne's 2006 song "The Beast" for his bout with Mitsuhiro Ishida
Mitsuhiro Ishida
Mitsuhiro Ishida is a Japanese mixed martial artist who has competed in Shooto, Strikeforce and Pride. He currently competes in Dream and is known for his wrestling ability and endurance.- Mixed martial arts career :...
. His song "Riot Maker" was used as the official theme song for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling is a privately held professional wrestling promotion founded by Jeff Jarrett and Jerry Jarrett. The company broadcasts its events on television and the Internet fifty two weeks a year with over a million weekly viewers on its primary television program, Impact...
's 2010 Hardcore Justice
Hardcore Justice (2010)
Hardcore Justice was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling , which took place on August 8, 2010 at the TNA Impact! Zone in Orlando, Florida...
pay-per-view. Yates also appeared on the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards
BET Hip Hop Awards
The BET Hip Hop Awards are an annual awards show, airing on BET, showcasing hip hop performers, producers and music video directors. The awards ceremony began in 2006, was held on November 12, 2006 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, was first aired November 15 and was hosted by comedian Katt...
in the BET Cypher with B.O.B
B.o.B
Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. , better known by his stage name B.o.B, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. He is currently signed under the labels of Grand Hustle Records, Rebel Rock Entertainment, and Atlantic Records. His debut single "Nothin' on You" reached number one in both...
, Machine Gun Kelly
Machine Gun Kelly (rapper)
Richard Colson Baker , best known by his stage name Machine Gun Kelly or MGK, is an American rapper from Cleveland, Ohio. His stage name was given for his rapid-fire lyrical flow. He is known for his two mixtapes, 100 Words and Running and Lace Up. He also has been featured in XXL. In mid 2011 MGK...
, Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar , formerly known by his stage name K. Dot, is an American rapper, and songwriter. He first gained major attention after the release of his 2010 mixtape O D. In 2011, his album Section.80, released exclusively through iTunes, instantly ranked as one of the top digital hip-hop releases...
, and Big K.R.I.T.
Big K.R.I.T.
Justin Scott , better known by his stage name Big K.R.I.T. , is an American hip hop musician and record producer from Meridian, Mississippi.-Biography:...
.
Studio albums
- 1999: The Calm Before the StormThe Calm Before the StormThe Calm Before the Storm is the debut album by rapper Tech N9ne.-Track listing:# "Planet Rock 2K "# "Cloudy-Eyed Stroll "# "Flipside "# "Mizzizy Gets Bizzy"...
- 2000: The Worst
- 2001: AnghellicAnghellicAnghellic is the third studio album released by Kansas City based rapper Tech N9ne.In 2001, the song "Tormented," appeared in a scene of the Fox TV series Dark Angel, it plays for nearly two minutes in the background of a bar scene contained in the season two episode "Two."The album was re-released...
- 2002: Absolute Power
- 2003: CelciusCelcius (album)Celcius is the fourth studio album by rapper Tech N9ne, it was released by Midwestside Records after Tech N9ne parted ways with the label. It contains a collection of songs he had previously recorded while still with the label, most unreleased until this point, though it also contains 3 songs where...
- 2005: Vintage TechVintage TechVintage Tech is compilation album released by rapper Tech N9ne. It brings together a mixture of unreleased material with material that was previously released on Compilations as well as from his earlier albums.-Track listing:-Samples:Freaky...
- 2006: Everready (The Religion)Everready (The Religion)Everready is the sixth studio album by rapper Tech N9ne. The album was released in 2006 as a "Collector's Edition" CD that contains a second CD featuring 14 songs from Tech N9ne as well as other Strange Music artists...
- 2007: Misery Loves KompanyMisery Loves KompanyMisery Loves Kompany is the seventh studio album by rapper Tech N9ne, and the first release in the "Collabos" series. The album was recorded in one month and was released on July 17, 2007. It features 17 tracks featuring artists such as Yukmouth, T-Nutty, D-Loc & Dalima, Greed, Money Hungry, Big...
- 2008: KillerKiller (Tech N9ne album)Killer is the eighth studio album by rapper Tech N9ne. Killers album cover pays homage to Michael Jackson’s iconic "Thriller" album cover. With Killer, Tech N9ne has SoundScanned his 1 millionth album independently....
- 2009: Sickology 101Sickology 101Sickology 101 is the ninth studio album, and the second in the "Collabos" series, by rapper Tech N9ne.Early on, the album carried a "The Study of Being Sick" subtitle, but as its release grew nearer, the subtitle was phased out...
- 2009: K.O.D.K.O.D.K.O.D. is the tenth studio album by rapper Tech N9ne, released on October 26, 2009. The album was originally scheduled for an October 27, 2009 release, but the album was shipped out early and the label decided to release it a day early...
- 2010: The Gates Mixed PlateThe Gates Mixed PlateThe Gates Mixed Plate is the eleventh studio album by rapper Tech N9ne, which was released on July 27, 2010. It is the third album in the rapper's "Collabos" series, following the 2009 album Sickology 101. The album's name is in reference to the Kansas City Bar-B-Q restaurant Gates Bar-B-Q...
- 2011: All 6's and 7'sAll 6's And 7'sAll 6's And 7's is the twelfth studio album of American rapper and songwriter Tech N9ne, and was released on June 7, 2011, on Strange Music...
- 2011: Welcome to Strangeland
- 2012: 15th studio album
with K.A.B.O.S.H.
- 2012: Amafrican PsychoAmafrican PsychoAmafrican Psycho is the tentatively titled upcoming debut studio album by K.A.B.O.S.H., a rock group composed of rappers Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko and rock/rap group Dirty Wormz. It has been confirmed that Dirty Wormz will be the live band for the album....
EPs
- 2010: The Lost Scripts of K.O.D.The Lost Scripts of K.O.D.The Lost Scripts of K.O.D. is the first EP by rapper Tech N9ne, released on March 30, 2010. It debuted on the Billboard 200 chart at number 117.The EP consists of five tracks that were written shortly after the K.O.D. album was completed...
- 2010: SeepageSeepage (Tech N9ne EP)Seepage is the second EP by rapper Tech N9ne, and was released on October 25, 2010.The EP consists of five tracks that were written recently after Tech witnessed Krizz Kaliko's breakdown after receiving bad news, and soon after, receiving news that his mother was back in the psych ward...
- TBA: KLUSTERFUKKlusterfuk- Background :KLUSTERFUK was first announced in early 2011. Then, in August 2011, Tech N9ne confirmed that he was about to begin work on KLUSTERFUK and his upcoming thirteenth studio album Welcome to Strangeland...
Mixtapes
- 2010: Bad Season with DJ Whoo KidDJ Whoo KidDJ Whoo Kid is a hip hop DJ and of Haitian descent raised in Queens Village, New York but with strong roots to Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. He is currently signed to G-Unit Records and its subsidiary label, Shady Ville Entertainment...
and DJ Scream
Selected filmography
- 1997: Gang Related
- 2003: BeefBeef (documentary)Beef is a 2003 film that documents the history of hip-hop feuds. The film's producers were Casey Suchan and Denis Henry Hennelly and the executive producer was Quincy Jones III...
- 2003: Das Bus
- 2004: T9X: The Tech N9ne Experience
- 2004: United Ghettos of America Vol. 2
- 2005: Hip Hop Nation Vol. 1
- 2005: Letter to the President
- 2006: Alpha DogAlpha DogAlpha Dog is a 2007 crime drama film written and directed by Nick Cassavetes, first screened at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2006, with a wide release the following year on January 12, 2007. The film is based on the true story of the kidnapping and murder of 15-year-old Nicholas...
- 2008: The Psychumentary
- 2009: The Life of Lucky Cucumber
- 2009: Strictly Strange
- 2010: K.O.D. Tour (Live in Kansas City)K.O.D. Tour (Live in Kansas City)K.O.D. Tour: Live In Kansas City is a specific concert of the American hip hop artist Tech N9ne, directed by N9ne himself and Liquid 9, recorded on DVD or Blue-ray, part of the K.O.D. Tour, the first recorded after Strictly Strange 08...
- 2010: Vengeance
- 2011: Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3DNight of the Living Dead: Origins 3DNight of the Living Dead: Origins is an upcoming 3-D animated horror film directed by Zebediah De Soto.-Synopsis:New York, a city of the hopes and dreams of many Americans, lies in ruin. The streets and skyscrapers that symbolized the strength and prosperity of a people have become places of horror...
- 2011: EuroTech TourEuroTech Tour- Intro :*I'm A Playa by Tech N9ne - Oslo, Norway :*Stress Relief by Tech N9ne *KC Tea by Tech N9ne *Beef by Tech N9ne feat...
- Selected filmography notes
- 1. Tech N9ne does not physically appear, but he did have a helping hand in scoring the movie, this includes the placement of several of his songs in the films score as well as the appearance of a song from fellow label mates Skatterman & Snug BrimSkatterman & Snug BrimSkatterman & Snug Brim is a rap duo from Kansas City, Missouri, best known for their song, Block Party.After releasing projects separately, Skatterman and Snug Brim combined as a group. The duo released their first album, Worth A Million, in 2002 through Below Radar Records...
.
mtvU Woodie Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Tech N9ne | Left Field Woodie |
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