News Whitlock:Tech N9ne, his label a killer combination - Page 3

**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.

**KcMizzou** · 07-11-2008, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoBo

2 wins in 20 years is dominance?

Works for me.

Ceej · 07-11-2008, 10:42 PM

I have planned on going to past T9 shows but I can never drag a person along with me. I know it sounds lame, but I'd rather go to a concert with a friend then just alone.

Apparently out of all my friends I'm the only one who thoroughly enjoys N9ne's music.

**KcMizzou** · 07-11-2008, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJizzles

I have planned on going to past T9 shows but I can never drag a person along with me. I know it sounds lame, but I'd rather go to a concert with a friend then just alone.

Apparently out of all my friends I'm the only one who thoroughly enjoys N9ne's music.

Yeah, I went with a friend who knew I was a big fan. It was a gift, really... and damn, it was a blast.

I've got a buddy who's a big fan too, and really wants to see him live. Where's that show on the 31st?

If you're interested, I'd be up for meeting up and going together. Gotta talk to my buddy, of course, but I'd love to see Tech again.

Chiefs Pantalones · 07-11-2008, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper16

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

Shut up.

Don't be gay.

Priest31kc · 07-11-2008, 10:55 PM

Everyone I know loves Tech's music. I introduced him to a bunch of ppl who had no idea who he was, and now they love it.

He really is a great rapper, his music is different from alot of rappers, thats why some people dont like it. And for the non-rap fans, there really is good rap music out there, its not all trash, the radio is trash. Just like there is alot of crappy rock music, there is alot of good rock too. Its great hes from Kansas City though, hes a local legend, but the whole country knows who he is.

**KcMizzou** · 07-11-2008, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Priest31kc

Everyone I know loves Tech's music. I introduced him to a bunch of ppl who had no idea who he was, and now they love it.

He really is a great rapper, his music is different from alot of rappers, thats why some people dont like it. And for the non-rap fans, there really is good rap music out there, its not all trash, the radio is trash. Just like there is alot of crappy rock music, there is alot of good rock too. Its great hes from Kansas City though, hes a local legend, but the whole country knows who he is.

Yeah... I posted a thread about "Killer" in the off topic section of a MMA (mixed martial arts) board I frequent. I was surprised that he had fans from all over.

It's a damned shame that the guy can't seem to get any radio air time.

I said in the other thread, I think he should release "One Good Time" as a single.

That could be his "Only God Knows Why".

**Reaper16** · 07-11-2008, 11:28 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.

Please post more.

Ceej · 07-12-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

Yeah, I went with a friend who knew I was a big fan. It was a gift, really... and damn, it was a blast.

I've got a buddy who's a big fan too, and really wants to see him live. Where's that show on the 31st?

If you're interested, I'd be up for meeting up and going together. Gotta talk to my buddy, of course, but I'd love to see Tech again.

Kc, I'm in Wichita. I'd doubt you'd wanna come down here to come see him. Which I totally understand. I'm sure I can convince a friend of mine to go, maybe. haha

Ceej · 07-12-2008, 03:09 PM

"Time to shiza or get off the crapper."

Everybody Move is one of my favorite songs on his new album.

I'm curious though - I was on his website and he has a song called "Killer" which says it's unreleased. Any idea when it might be released? Or am I just missing it on the album?

Demonpenz · 07-12-2008, 03:35 PM

for some reason I have lord of the rings music on a burned cd with tech 9. I can't think frodo without some nina now. Please burn cd's wisely

**Buck** · 07-12-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJizzles

"Time to shiza or get off the crapper."

Everybody Move is one of my favorite songs on his new album.

I'm curious though - I was on his website and he has a song called "Killer" which says it's unreleased. Any idea when it might be released? Or am I just missing it on the album?

Great Line.

Also, "I'm Sotally Tober"

**KcMizzou** · 07-12-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckinKaeding

Great Line.

Also, "I'm Sotally Tober"

Loved that.

I really like "Let's Go" too. I like Kutt. Also Black Boy, and One Good Time.

kstater · 07-12-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AttnWhore

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

Just PM Skip Towne, he'll point you in the right direction.

**Buck** · 07-12-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

Loved that.

I really like "Let's Go" too. I like Kutt. Also Black Boy, and One Good Time.

LOL.

Black Boy - Ice Cube:

My Name Is Ice Cube
Its Not Michael
Cause I'd never bleach my skin
too look just like you

Priest31kc · 07-12-2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJizzles

"Time to shiza or get off the crapper."

Everybody Move is one of my favorite songs on his new album.

I'm curious though - I was on his website and he has a song called "Killer" which says it's unreleased. Any idea when it might be released? Or am I just missing it on the album?

You had to pre order the album on their website to get that song. They just send you a download link. I didn't pre order but on a Tech N9ne forum, someone sent me a link for it. It's an awesome song. Should have been on the album.

My favs on the album are One Good Time, Hope for a Higher Power, Like Yeah, Get The Heck Outta Here, Paint a Dark Picture, Lets Go, Cant Shake It, Crybaby, Psycho Biotch 2, and Why Ya Aint Call Me. I know, alot of favorites lol.

07-10-2008, 08:36 PM
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $3014644	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: 66,395

07-11-2008, 10:42 PM	#32
Ceej BOOM!1! Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $9415541	I have planned on going to past T9 shows but I can never drag a person along with me. I know it sounds lame, but I'd rather go to a concert with a friend then just alone. Apparently out of all my friends I'm the only one who thoroughly enjoys N9ne's music.
Posts: 18,768

07-11-2008, 10:55 PM	#35
Priest31kc Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: JCMO Casino cash: $5175291	Everyone I know loves Tech's music. I introduced him to a bunch of ppl who had no idea who he was, and now they love it. He really is a great rapper, his music is different from alot of rappers, thats why some people dont like it. And for the non-rap fans, there really is good rap music out there, its not all trash, the radio is trash. Just like there is alot of crappy rock music, there is alot of good rock too. Its great hes from Kansas City though, hes a local legend, but the whole country knows who he is.
Posts: 4,708

07-12-2008, 03:09 PM	#39
Ceej BOOM!1! Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $9415541	"Time to shiza or get off the crapper." Everybody Move is one of my favorite songs on his new album. I'm curious though - I was on his website and he has a song called "Killer" which says it's unreleased. Any idea when it might be released? Or am I just missing it on the album?
Posts: 18,768

07-12-2008, 03:35 PM	#40
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $2962136	for some reason I have lord of the rings music on a burned cd with tech 9. I can't think frodo without some nina now. Please burn cd's wisely __________________
Posts: 54,298