Hip Hop At 50: Tech N9ne Talks Growth, Maturity, New Album
Rapper Tech N9ne has sold millions of albums as an independent artist since starting his career in 1991. At 51, he is a hip-hop veteran and still active in his hip-hop space. Speaking to AmNews last week, he took time to reflect on the plot of his new album BLISS, his evolution as a man and his respectful approach to young people on stage as elders and community leaders.
AmNews: 2023 seems to be closing a chapter for the world. You have this new tour and a new album. Tell us about how you started your journey and how you created the album.
Tech N9ne: When I started dating the morph 10 years ago, I started to change. Next year my wife and I will be 10 years old. I knew this morph before I met him. Morph, as I later found out, is maturity. I have changed everything within me. It's just a different vibe, a different way of life...everything.
On March 3, my wife and I gave birth to a baby girl. I only do shows on the weekends so I can spend more time with the baby. I don't start touring with Hollywood Undead until October. It's very different now because I just go on random dates.
AmNews: [Once] your advice to an artist is to focus on the pulse, the rhythm. It looks like you actually composed this album.
N9ne: Yes. I grew up lyrically and spiritually, conceptually. I'm super perceptive now, more perceptive than 10 years ago: the beat, the flow, the content, especially on this album. I want to call it HAPPINESS because that's the situation I'm in right now. I'm happy at home; I can't wait to get home from work. Because I'm in a happy state of mind, I can say things that I wouldn't say on a normal rap album. I left this album for a few songs.
AmNews: You were a little touchy-feely then and now you can really express it. Tell us how you grew as a rapper.
N9ne: As an adult, as an MC, I feel more responsible for the people I love around me. I don't do it for other people's approval. I am lucky to have this fan base and more. And I want to show myself to my fans and give them the best music. But I'm not seeking anyone's approval; I do what I feel in my heart. And when my house said, "Oh my God, it's so beautiful..." I felt complete.
I've done it for women in the past when I was younger, in 2002 and 2003; '04, '05, '06, '07... So I did it for the material, for the fake love. Now I do it for great love. Hip hop true love; true love for my motherland, my kingdom and the people who live there.
Maturity has led me astray. I might go here occasionally to see someone play, but I'm very careful. My life means everything to be here for my children.
AmNews: Do you think your stability is threatened when you are with the wrong person?
N9ne: You don't keep that kind of energy around you. Sometimes I really miss hanging out in the neighborhood. But sometimes you just need to get away to survive. I live in Kansas City but they say it's Killer City, people dropping like flies. I look like Essen because people know what I do. That's why I'm very careful when I go out. I am comfortable because I am loved everywhere, but I am dizzy.
AmNews: Do you think [hip-hop] veterans are going to create a new foundation for young people, or is it just about family and progress?
N9ne: I have a video called “Drill Sergeant” which is for young black people dropping like flies after a murder. In my 52nd year of life, I want to impart knowledge to young people. The song says, "If death and imprisonment were your only options, what would you do?" "Drill Sergeant" perfectly demonstrated what not to do. If you watch the video you will see what I mean.
We don't have to bury our little ones. We've been doing this for decades. As older "legends" (as they call me) we want to pass on the love to our young people. Not only those who are at home, but also those who are suffering [on the streets] and have not been able to receive these teachings from their parents.
We want to break the cycle of violence.
AmNews: So you're about the same age as hip-hop...
N9ne: I'm older than Budaya - I was born at 71; He was born in 73. So I rooted from the beginning.
AmNews: You are very consistent with the story. It seems that hip hop is a life process. Isn't it frustrating that we are having the same conversations? Do you think this will change?
N9ne: When there is poverty there will always be crime. Without opportunities for youth advancement, we will always be seen as food for the hungry. No chance, no more trouble.
That's why I make music. I provide opportunities for young people of all faiths. I am a business founder: video department; Department of Social Media; A&R people. We have seven buildings where people work. I want to keep creating chances.
AmNews: [Rick] Ross has spoken a bit more openly about financial stability. Now that you are many, what is the secret that young people don't know?
N9ne: The secret is: when you make money, you don't spend it; invest it. Keep investing in your business. Invest in yourself. And then you look around and, like me, you have all these numbers in your house. Independent sale of gold and platinum. I didn't understand how to invest in my business, but then I watched it grow, grow and develop.
I am now creating generational wealth. And that's why I keep investing.
Joey Cool - Mega Grit (with Tech N9ne) | Official music video
posted by Admin @ August 18, 2023
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