Tech N9ne’s ‘blueprint’ for independent success stretches from KC to Atlanta

Rapper and entrepreneur Tech N9ne can remember his first visit to Atlanta back in 1992.

It was to Jack the Rapper Family Affair, a music industry convention created in 1977 by disc jockey Joseph Gibson Jr. where Black radio executives met with record labels to hear new talent. Tech N9ne connected and performed in ciphers with rap acts Tupac Shakur, Heavy D, Treach from Naughty By Nature, Eazy E and Cypress Hill at the event.

“Atlanta was colorful. There were a lot of legends in the house. I snuck into a Luke Skyywalker party hosted by 2 Live Crew. I’d never made it to Freaknik, but it was packed like that on the streets,” Tech N9ne said “I was rapping in the hallway of the Hilton Atlanta on Courtland Street and went to the Underground Atlanta for the first time.”

Three decades later, the emcee known for performing music with a speedy, chopped lyrical style that resembles shots from a semiautomatic TEC-9 pistol, is still dropping bars. His underground success allowed him to build a fan base and lucrative empire that mainstream artists continue to use as a blueprint for their careers.

On Sept. 14, Tech N9ne is performing with a full band at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, as part of the Thuggish Ruggish Mafia tour headlined by rap groups Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Tech N9ne just released “5816 Forest,” a concept album named after his childhood home in Kansas City, Missouri. The album chronicles the rapper’s coming-of-age story and features skits with him talking to his five children about the songs’ themes.

He recorded “5816 Forest” last year after Black Walt, a rapper and Tech N9ne’s friend — who gave the performer his stage name — convinced him to make an album with few, if any, other artists.

Initially, the artist wasn’t convinced to pursue the idea until he shared it with Travis O’Guin, the co-founder of their record label, Strange Music. “(Black Walt) told me to do an album where’s it’s me doing all the verses, because he would fast-forward to my verses on other artists’ collaborations. I thought it would be boring until my business partner said he was right,” N9ne said.

Tech N9ne’s connections to Atlanta didn’t stop after that memorable night at Jack the Rapper. Throughout his career, he has recorded with Atlanta rappers 2 Chainz, Andre 3000 and CeeLo Green.

Tech N9ne made his first trip to Atlanta in 1992 for Jack the Rapper Family Affair, a music industry convention where he connected with Tupac Shakur, Heavy D, Treach from Naughty By Nature, Eazy E and Cypress Hill. (Courtesy of Darryl Woods)

Rapper B.o.B has worked with Tech N9ne since 2007 on songs like “Am I a Psycho?” and “Hood Go Crazy.” B.o.B said he considers Tech N9ne as a mentor.

“He showed love and took me under his wing. Watching how he commands the stage, connects with fans and runs his operation is inspiring and gives me a blueprint,” he said.

“As an OG, he leads by example, and I hope to make the kind of lasting impact he has.”

Atlanta rapper B.o.B. (left) and Tech N9ne on the set of 'Hood Go Crazy' music video in Atlanta in 2015. (Courtesy of TJ Chapman)

In 1993, Tech N9ne signed his first major record label deal with Perspective Records, a record company founded by production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. He moved on to producer Quincy Jones’ record label, Qwest Records, four years later.

The following year, he negotiated a deal with JCOR Entertainment through Interscope Records. He wasn’t satisfied with record executives trying to give him direction on his music. He wanted to be creative on his own terms, so he co-founded the independent label Strange Music in 2000. A year later, he released his album, “Anghellic.”

“I didn’t want to be in a place that tries to tell me I need to sound like somebody else. I need to have complete control — autonomy — when it comes to my ideas. I want to be free, not wait on anybody else, and I’m glad that it happened this way,” he said.

Tech N9ne’s flow led to features with rappers Kendrick Lamar and Eminem. It also caught the ear of rock and nu metal acts like Slipknot, Korn, System of a Down, Falling in Reverse and Deftones.

The energetic stage presence and ability to perform over any genre helped grow his audience.

“I started early fusing rap and rock because my mind is not closed when it comes to beautiful music. Then, people started peeping the energy at my shows, how I rock the crowd and break barriers with culture,” he said.

He decided to base Strange Music in his hometown Kansas City. The company expanded into six buildings, including a studio compound, merchandise warehouse and car wash.

Staying in Kansas City is Tech N9ne’s way to remain grounded and pay his success forward.

“We tried Los Angeles, but it didn’t last. We grew it at home, so we’re based at home. It’s where our families, comfort zones and love are. I’ve helped other artists and taken care of families financially,” he said.

“We’ve created a legacy that we have to protect, so it’s not supposed to be anywhere else.”

T.I. (left) has one feature with Tech N9ne (center) — "On the Bible" from Tech N9ne's 2015 album "Special Effects." Also pictured is Trae the Truth. (Courtesy of Jeff Nelson)

That legacy of building something from home resonates with fellow rapper-turned-business mogul, T.I., who’s only feature with Tech N9ne is “On the Bible” from the latter’s 2015 album “Special Effects.” Tech N9ne has released 24 studio albums. In addition to his business prowess, T.I. — who launched his label Grand Hustle Records in 2003 — applauds Tech N9ne’s output and his ability to consistently release new material.

“He continues to sustain a reputable brand that’s trusted, respected within the community, and raised the bar for successful independent artists” he said.

Tech N9ne co-founded his independent record label Strange Music with business partner Travis O'Guin in 2000. (Courtesy of Darryl Woods)

Tech N9ne spends roughly 250 days of the year on tour. Being an independent artist, he’s spent more time on the road than with his loved ones.

“I sacrificed time with my children and my family for the love of fans. I shut everything out and missed so much. I regret it because you can’t get that time back, but we’re starting a new and brighter path (in spending more time together as a family),” he said.

Tech N9ne, 53, appreciates seeing other veteran rappers like LL Cool J and Will Smith continue to release new albums. He said age doesn’t determine career longevity in hip-hop.

“It doesn’t happen to The Rolling Stones, The Eagles or Willie Nelson. We got to keep going, get everything we came for no matter what, because hip-hop is a sport and we have to be able to compete with what’s out there,” N9ne said.