News Whitlock:Tech N9ne, his label a killer combination - Page 2

**dirk digler** · 07-10-2008, 08:36 PM

God forbid that Jason actually writes about sports. This fat ass is becoming a joke if he wasn't already.

Tech N9ne, his label a killer combination

By JASON WHITLOCK

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/col...ry/698835.html

Local rapper Tech N9ne’s decadelong battle for national respect and mainstream success elevated to an unprecedented plateau last week.
The 36-year-old independent rapper’s newest CD, “Killer,” charted at No. 12 on the latest Billboard top 200, selling an impressive 36,200 units in its first week. The 32-track double CD is the nation’s No. 1 indie album, the No. 4 hip-hop CD behind Lil Wayne, G-Unit and Three 6 Mafia and puts Tech on the same platform as some of the biggest names in the music industry.

“It’s wonderful to be amongst the likes of Lil Wayne, Kid Rock and Rihanna,” said Tech N9ne, who co-owns the Blue Springs-based label Strange Music that puts out his music. “We’ve been working hard to get here for a long time. This is just the beginning. There are bigger and better things to come from Tech N9ne and Strange Music. Just watch — here we come.”

In an industry severely damaged by the economy and digital file sharing, Tech N9ne’s ability to gain Billboard traction is rather remarkable. His music gets very little national radio airplay and virtually no video support from star-makers MTV and BET.

Despite that, “Killer” sold 14,000 more copies during its debut release than Tech N9ne’s 2006 studio album, “Everready” — a sign indicating Strange Music’s brand is growing stronger. Some industry insiders have pegged Strange as the new millennium No Limit Records, the Master P-run label that exploded out of Louisiana in the 1990s.

The strong showing of “Killer” comes on the heels of Minneapolis independent rap group Atmosphere making industrywide news in May, selling 36,500 units and cracking the Billboard Top 5 with its most recent release, “When Life Gives You Lemons.” Like Strange Music, Atmosphere’s label, Rhymesayers, has figured out how to move units and grow a rabid fan base while being ignored by radio and TV.

“We tour harder (and more often) than any other rap act,” said Travis O’Guin, Strange Music founder and president. “We evolve our merchandise to maintain strong sales, and we have an incredible internet presence with MySpace, Facebook, YouTube and other sites. These things allow us to reach out to fans, to bring the music to them and to keep them excited and involved.”

Strange Music’s independence from a major label creates the artist freedom that allows Tech N9ne to produce some of the most diverse music in the rap genre. Tech N9ne’s rap style defies definition. He bounces from traditional MC to storyteller to rock/rap to gangsta to dance/party to social commentator song to song.

“The major labels force their A&R people on the artists,” said Brian Shafton, president of Los Angeles’ RBC Records, a management consulting firm for music labels. “The majors force producers on the artist. That’s why much of the music sounds stale, the same. An independent artist can do, say, write whatever he believes. They can communicate what they want rather than what a corporation thinks needs to be said.”

What’s next for Tech N9ne and Strange Music is the shooting of a video for the single “Everybody Move,” and then some touring, followed by the release of albums by labelmates Skatterman and Snug Brim and Kutt Calhoun.

**Reaper16** · 07-11-2008, 03:49 PM

To be fair to Whitlock, Jason was decrying the presence of prison and gang culture in hip hop. Tech's music contains nearly none of such content.

**Reaper16** · 07-11-2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

Tech N9ne is one of the worst rappers I've ever heard.

"Waaah! I don't eat pizza. Waaaah, red meat is icky! Waaah, I've invalidated my opinions on music henceforth!"

Shut up.

Valiant · 07-11-2008, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewPhin

It's weird to me that Whitlock goes off on his rant about the negativity of hiphop culture and the like while simultaneously pimping a rapper who glamorizes drug use and other negative behaviors.

Really when I have met Tech, he gave me the opposite vibes.. Loved playing paintball and helping people out..

Priest31kc · 07-11-2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Terrible TERRIBLE concert.

Saw them at Spirit fest about 6 years ago. Lip Synched and shook his head back and forth the whole time.

Worst concert I've ever been to, I was really disappointed.

First off, its not "them", its "him". Tech N9ne is one dude. And second, he doesnt lip synch, ive been to 2 of his concerts, what are you talking about? You can clearly see he does not lip synch, there are times during his performance that the music just stops and he just raps incredibly fast, watch his new DVD you'll see. And you can easily just tell he doesnt right when he gets on, but whatever. And he just shook his head back and forth???? Tech's shows are known for all the dancing and basically his stage performance. Its amazing what he does on stage. Tech has the best show in rap, hes really dedicated to that, thats what keeps him going, he goes 100% every night. He got into a near death accident on the way to his show, and he still did the show that night. Hes THIRD in ticket sales behind Jay-Z and Kanye West, and hes INDEPENDENT. Hes known for his amazing shows. Ask anyone thats been to one they will tell you it was awesome. He has a huge die hard fan base, thats why he sells alot of merchandise. He done all this because of his shows, because hes not on the radio or tv.

And whoever said Tech is not a good rapper, you might not like his music, but you cant deny he is one of the most talented rappers out there. You cant confuse the 2.

And Tech does rap about drugs, but he raps about HIS drug use, about what happened to him in the past. He does not incluence them at all. He raps about HIS LIFE, he raps about what he feels. You must not have heard his music. Hes not like all the crappy rappers you hear on the radio who rap about bling bling and cars and just crap. And to top that off, he has amazing flow and is one of the fastest rappers out there, and hes very versatile.

Also, Tech is a good dude. He cares for his fans probably more than any rapper. He does everything for his fans, he keeps in contact with them on sites like myspace with videos, and everything. Hes not a stuck up guy, he straight up and honest and a nice guy to be around.

And his new album is a masterpiece, 32 tracks, only 10 bucks. I was waiting for this album for a long time and it doesnt dissappoint. Its right up there with "Anghellic", which he released in 2001.

Hes getting bigger and bigger, but hes been one of the best in rap for a long time now. And he was on the Jim Rome Show today with Whitlock.

And this is my first post, ive been on here for awhile just havent posted, but I felt I had to post about this.

Ceej · 07-11-2008, 10:01 PM

Aaron D. Yates is that you?

**KcMizzou** · 07-11-2008, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Priest31kc

First off, its not "them", its "him". Tech N9ne is one dude. And second, he doesnt lip synch, ive been to 2 of his concerts, what are you talking about? You can clearly see he does not lip synch, there are times during his performance that the music just stops and he just raps incredibly fast, watch his new DVD you'll see. And you can easily just tell he doesnt right when he gets on, but whatever. And he just shook his head back and forth???? Tech's shows are known for all the dancing and basically his stage performance. Its amazing what he does on stage. Tech has the best show in rap, hes really dedicated to that, thats what keeps him going, he goes 100% every night. He got into a near death accident on the way to his show, and he still did the show that night. Hes THIRD in ticket sales behind Jay-Z and Kanye West, and hes INDEPENDENT. Hes known for his amazing shows. Ask anyone thats been to one they will tell you it was awesome. He has a huge die hard fan base, thats why he sells alot of merchandise. He done all this because of his shows, because hes not on the radio or tv.

And whoever said Tech is not a good rapper, you might not like his music, but you cant deny he is one of the most talented rappers out there. You cant confuse the 2.

And Tech does rap about drugs, but he raps about HIS drug use, about what happened to him in the past. He does not incluence them at all. He raps about HIS LIFE, he raps about what he feels. You must not have heard his music. Hes not like all the crappy rappers you hear on the radio who rap about bling bling and cars and just crap. And to top that off, he has amazing flow and is one of the fastest rappers out there, and hes very versatile.

Also, Tech is a good dude. He cares for his fans probably more than any rapper. He does everything for his fans, he keeps in contact with them on sites like myspace with videos, and everything. Hes not a stuck up guy, he straight up and honest and a nice guy to be around.

And his new album is a masterpiece, 32 tracks, only 10 bucks. I was waiting for this album for a long time and it doesnt dissappoint. Its right up there with "Anghellic", which he released in 2001.

Hes getting bigger and bigger, but hes been one of the best in rap for a long time now. And he was on the Jim Rome Show today with Whitlock.

And this is my first post, ive been on here for awhile just havent posted, but I felt I had to post about this.

Welcome to Chiefsplanet, man. I agree with pretty much everything you said there.

There's another Tech thread here...

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=187091

Rap isn't exactly the genre of choice on Chiefsplanet... but Tech does have plenty of fans here. Honestly, i'm surprised the reaction hasn't been more harsh.

(And yeah, Killer kicks ass.)

Ceej · 07-11-2008, 10:05 PM

With all of this being said I may have to go to his show when he's here the 31st of August.

**KcMizzou** · 07-11-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Priest31kc

Ask anyone thats been to one they will tell you it was awesome. He has a huge die hard fan base, thats why he sells alot of merchandise.

Yeah, I saw him on the Wicked Wanka Tour, with Bone Thugs and Kottonmouth Kings. He stole the show. It was amazing.

(Hey, thank you... you know who you are.

)

**KcMizzou** · 07-11-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJizzles

With all of this being said I may have to go to his show when he's here the 31st of August.

If you're even a marginal fan... you won't be disappointed. It's electric.

**Bugeater** · 07-11-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

Honestly, i'm surprised the reaction hasn't been more harsh.

Rap ****ing sucks. Does that make you feel more at home now?

Simply Red · 07-11-2008, 10:14 PM

I am highjaking this thred. I need to know how to create a thred. NOW!! i have asked nuberous people for help. Also, How do you go to the casino? I clik there and then nothing

Simply Red · 07-11-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoBo

Rap ****ing sucks. Does that make you feel more at home now?

you're probably a ks fan. looser

Simply Red · 07-11-2008, 10:15 PM

just kidding. : )

**KcMizzou** · 07-11-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoBo

Rap ****ing sucks. Does that make you feel more at home now?

Yeah, that's pretty much what I expected.

I can find comfort in Mizzou's dominance over the Huskers, though.

I'll be alright.

**Bugeater** · 07-11-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

Yeah, that's pretty much what I expected.

I can find comfort in Mizzou's dominance over the Huskers, though.

I'll be alright.

2 wins in 20 years is dominance?

Edit: make that 30 years. Math isn't my strong suit obviously.

07-10-2008, 08:36 PM
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $2754644	Whitlock:Tech N9ne, his label a killer combination God forbid that Jason actually writes about sports. This fat ass is becoming a joke if he wasn't already. Tech N9ne, his label a killer combination By JASON WHITLOCK http://www.kansascity.com/sports/col...ry/698835.html Local rapper Tech N9ne’s decadelong battle for national respect and mainstream success elevated to an unprecedented plateau last week. The 36-year-old independent rapper’s newest CD, “Killer,” charted at No. 12 on the latest Billboard top 200, selling an impressive 36,200 units in its first week. The 32-track double CD is the nation’s No. 1 indie album, the No. 4 hip-hop CD behind Lil Wayne, G-Unit and Three 6 Mafia and puts Tech on the same platform as some of the biggest names in the music industry. “It’s wonderful to be amongst the likes of Lil Wayne, Kid Rock and Rihanna,” said Tech N9ne, who co-owns the Blue Springs-based label Strange Music that puts out his music. “We’ve been working hard to get here for a long time. This is just the beginning. There are bigger and better things to come from Tech N9ne and Strange Music. Just watch — here we come.” In an industry severely damaged by the economy and digital file sharing, Tech N9ne’s ability to gain Billboard traction is rather remarkable. His music gets very little national radio airplay and virtually no video support from star-makers MTV and BET. Despite that, “Killer” sold 14,000 more copies during its debut release than Tech N9ne’s 2006 studio album, “Everready” — a sign indicating Strange Music’s brand is growing stronger. Some industry insiders have pegged Strange as the new millennium No Limit Records, the Master P-run label that exploded out of Louisiana in the 1990s. The strong showing of “Killer” comes on the heels of Minneapolis independent rap group Atmosphere making industrywide news in May, selling 36,500 units and cracking the Billboard Top 5 with its most recent release, “When Life Gives You Lemons.” Like Strange Music, Atmosphere’s label, Rhymesayers, has figured out how to move units and grow a rabid fan base while being ignored by radio and TV. “We tour harder (and more often) than any other rap act,” said Travis O’Guin, Strange Music founder and president. “We evolve our merchandise to maintain strong sales, and we have an incredible internet presence with MySpace, Facebook, YouTube and other sites. These things allow us to reach out to fans, to bring the music to them and to keep them excited and involved.” Strange Music’s independence from a major label creates the artist freedom that allows Tech N9ne to produce some of the most diverse music in the rap genre. Tech N9ne’s rap style defies definition. He bounces from traditional MC to storyteller to rock/rap to gangsta to dance/party to social commentator song to song. “The major labels force their A&R people on the artists,” said Brian Shafton, president of Los Angeles’ RBC Records, a management consulting firm for music labels. “The majors force producers on the artist. That’s why much of the music sounds stale, the same. An independent artist can do, say, write whatever he believes. They can communicate what they want rather than what a corporation thinks needs to be said.” What’s next for Tech N9ne and Strange Music is the shooting of a video for the single “Everybody Move,” and then some touring, followed by the release of albums by labelmates Skatterman and Snug Brim and Kutt Calhoun.
Posts: 66,438

07-11-2008, 10:01 PM	#20
Ceej BOOM!1! Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $9175541	Aaron D. Yates is that you?
Posts: 18,791

07-11-2008, 10:05 PM	#22
Ceej BOOM!1! Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $9175541	With all of this being said I may have to go to his show when he's here the 31st of August.
Posts: 18,791

07-11-2008, 10:14 PM	#26
Simply Red You Sweetie! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2021206219 VARSITY	I am highjaking this thred. I need to know how to create a thred. NOW!! i have asked nuberous people for help. Also, How do you go to the casino? I clik there and then nothing
Posts: 71,691

07-11-2008, 10:15 PM	#28
Simply Red You Sweetie! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2021206219 VARSITY	just kidding. : )
Posts: 71,691

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode