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Tech N9ne has now sold over two million records worldwide!
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'''Aaron Dontez Yates''' (born November 8, 1971),<ref name="allmusicbio">{{cite web|last=Birchmeier|first=Jason|title=Tech N9ne — Biography |url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=tech-n9ne-p392884/biography|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|year=2006|accessdate=2010-10-28}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Tech N9ne''' (pronounced "Tech Nine"), 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.<ref name="BallerStatus-090208">{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2008/09/02/tech-n9ne-reaches-million-sales-milestone-recalls-ups-downs-of-career/ |title=Tech N9ne Reaches Million Sales Milestone, Recalls Ups & Downs Of Career |accessdate=2010-09-30 |last=Starbury |first=Allen |date=2008-09-02 |publisher= Ballerstatus.com}}</ref> In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the [[mtvU]] Woodie Awards.<ref name="Woodie">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/woodieawards/2009/winners.jhtml |title=2009 mtvU Woodie Awards Winners |publisher=MTV Networks |accessdate=2010-10-28}}</ref>
'''Aaron Dontez Yates''' (born November 8, 1971),<ref name="allmusicbio">{{cite web|last=Birchmeier|first=Jason|title=Tech N9ne — Biography |url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=tech-n9ne-p392884/biography|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|year=2006|accessdate=2010-10-28}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Tech N9ne''' (pronounced "Tech Nine"), is an American [[rapper]] from [[Kansas City, Missouri]]. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label [[Strange Music]]. Throughout his career and according to Travis O'Guin during an interview with Sway on Shade 45, Yates has sold over two million albums and has had his music featured in film, television, and video games.<ref name="BallerStatus-090208">{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2008/09/02/tech-n9ne-reaches-million-sales-milestone-recalls-ups-downs-of-career/ |title=Tech N9ne Reaches Million Sales Milestone, Recalls Ups & Downs Of Career |accessdate=2010-09-30 |last=Starbury |first=Allen |date=2008-09-02 |publisher= Ballerstatus.com}}</ref> In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the [[mtvU]] Woodie Awards.<ref name="Woodie">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/woodieawards/2009/winners.jhtml |title=2009 mtvU Woodie Awards Winners |publisher=MTV Networks |accessdate=2010-10-28}}</ref>


His stage name originated from the [[TEC-9]] [[semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic handgun]], given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast rhyming style.<ref name="t9x">{{Cite video |people=Steve Reissner (Director), Soren Baker (Writer) |date=2004-07-27 |title=T9X: The Tech N9ne Experience |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0447703/ |medium=Documentary |publisher=Strange Music/MSC Entertainment }}</ref> 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 number of completion.<ref name="t9x"/><ref name="NameMeaning">{{cite web |url=http://www.examiner.net/lifestyle/entertainment/x1346877300/Tech-N9ne-wont-play-the-pay-to-play-game |title=Tech N9ne won't play the 'pay to play' game |author=Alex Robichaud |date=2008-07-03 |publisher=GateHouse Media, Inc. |accessdate=2010-10-28}}</ref>
His stage name originated from the [[TEC-9]] [[semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic handgun]], given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast rhyming style.<ref name="t9x">{{Cite video |people=Steve Reissner (Director), Soren Baker (Writer) |date=2004-07-27 |title=T9X: The Tech N9ne Experience |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0447703/ |medium=Documentary |publisher=Strange Music/MSC Entertainment }}</ref> 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 number of completion.<ref name="t9x"/><ref name="NameMeaning">{{cite web |url=http://www.examiner.net/lifestyle/entertainment/x1346877300/Tech-N9ne-wont-play-the-pay-to-play-game |title=Tech N9ne won't play the 'pay to play' game |author=Alex Robichaud |date=2008-07-03 |publisher=GateHouse Media, Inc. |accessdate=2010-10-28}}</ref>

Revision as of 20:46, 21 June 2012

Not to be confused with TEC-9.
Tech N9ne
Tech N9ne at release signing for Everready (The Religion) on November 6, 2006
Tech N9ne at release signing for Everready (The Religion) on November 6, 2006
Background information
Birth nameAaron Dontez Yates
Born (1971-11-08) November 8, 1971 (age 53)
OriginKansas City, Missouri, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, Vice President at Strange Music
Years active1985–present
WebsiteTheRealTechN9ne.com

Aaron Dontez Yates (born November 8, 1971),[1] better known by his stage name Tech N9ne (pronounced "Tech Nine"), is an American rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. In 1999, Yates and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. Throughout his career and according to Travis O'Guin during an interview with Sway on Shade 45, Yates has sold over two million albums and has had his music featured in film, television, and video games.[2] In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the mtvU Woodie Awards.[3]

His stage name originated from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun, given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast rhyming style.[4] 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 number of completion.[4][5]

Early life

Aaron Dontez Yates was born on November 8, 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri.[1] He began rapping at a very early age, and would rap the letters of his name in order to remember how to spell it.[6] He never met his father, and his mother suffered from epilepsy and lupus when he was a child, which emotionally affected him and inspired him to "search for God."[6] He would wander around abandoned buildings with his best friend, Brian Dennis, hoping to catch a ghost on film.[6] In 2003, 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 career, Yates was a member of a group formed in 1991 called Black Mafia.[7] He saw glimpses of success in the group 57th Street Rogue Dog Villians with their single "Let's Get Fucked Up." As a member of the group Nnutthowze, Aaron Yates signed with Perspective Records in 1993.[8] However, the group disbanded soon after being released from the label. Yates signed with Qwest Records briefly before moving to JCOR Records.[8]

In 1997, Yates joined the group The Regime formed by rapper Yukmouth.[9] The following year, he was featured on the soundtrack for the film Gang Related.[10] 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. Later that year, he and Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music.[11]

In 2001, Yates released the studio album Anghellic on JCOR Records.[8] After disputes arose about the promotion of the album, Yates and his label severed ties with the JCOR with a deal that allowed them to retain the rights to the album. 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). The album debuted number 79 on the Billboard 200. The albums sales are said to have tripled following a campaign, going by the name of "F.T.I." was started by the rapper and his label. The campaign, which asked music listeners to legally download the album for free through the artist's own website was in response to the anti-downloading campaign by the RIAA.[8] In 2006, Yates released the album Everready (The Religion).[12] The following year, he released Misery Loves Kompany.[13] Yates announced that the album was the first in a series of "Tech N9ne Collabos" albums that feature a wide range of guest appearances.[13]

The following year, Yates released the album Killer.[14] That September, he exceeded one million album sales over his entire catalog.[2] 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."[2] Yates released his second Collabos album, Sickology 101, in April 2009.[15]

Yates later performed at the Rock The Bells 2009 Festival and the tenth annual Gathering of the Juggalos.[16][17] That October, he released K.O.D., an acronym for King of Darkness. The album featured a dark overtone, as Yates was dealing with the illness of his mother.[18] An EP of new songs over unused beats from the K.O.D. 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.[18] In October, he released his second EP Seepage. On December 23, he released his first mixtape Bad Season.which was later released in retail CD form with a modified track list and without DJ Scream. On June 7, 2011 Yates released All 6's And 7's. The album features several hip-hop artists as well as rock artists including B.o.B, E-40, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Mint Condition, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Lil Wayne, Yelawolf and Deftones.

In 2011, Yates told 411mania.com that after All 6's And 7's he planned 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.[19] 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.[20] In another blog post several weeks later, he confirmed that he will begin work on the album after completing Welcome to Strangeland.[21] 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.[22]

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."

On January 27th 2012, in an interview with "Underground TV" posted on Tech N9ne's blog, Tech N9ne talked about his 2012 plans, confirming the release of Klusterfuk, the K.A.B.O.S.H. album and an untitled solo album to be released in 2012. As of March 19, 2012, Tech announced that he would be featured on New York rapper, DMX's upcoming album.[23]

Style and influences

Yates is known for his dynamic rhyme schemes and speed rap abilities. Soren Baker of VH1 states that Yates' techniques "showcase his wide-ranging, mind-blowing flows."[8] Baker characterizes Yates' earlier work as "apocalyptic music, which discussed abortion and infidelity as much as his rapping prowess."[8] Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier calls his style "bizarre hardcore rap."[1]

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, Biggie Smalls and Just-Ice.[18] He is also interested in other genres of music, and lists The Doors, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, AC/DC, Metallica, Floetry, Outkast, and Gnarls Barkley as influences. He's remarked generally that "I love beautiful music, beautiful music no matter what type".[18]

Films

Yates' songs have appeared in the films Gang Related, Alpha Dog, Our Heroes: The 25 Best Black Sports Movies (Ever), and The Life of Lucky Cucumber.[24][25][26] 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.[27] In 2009, his song "Let's Go" was used in an online promotional short film for AXE body spray.[28] Yates also appears as an actor in the films Vengeance and Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D.[29][30][31][32]

Video games

Several of Yates' songs are featured in the video games Madden NFL 2006, Midnight Club: Los Angeles,EA Sports MMA, and 25 To Life, the latter of which Yates is also an unlockable character.[33] In 2009, Yates and label mate Krizz Kaliko appeared in a promotional video for the Fight Night Round 4 video game.[34]

Television

Yates' music has appeared on the television shows Dark Angel, I'm From Rolling Stone, My Super Sweet 16, The Hills, Spike Guys' Choice Awards, and Warren The Ape.[35][36] 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.[37] 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.[38] 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.. In 2012, Tech N9NE appeared on the MTV game show Hip Hop Squares for three episodes.

Discography

Main article: Tech N9ne discography

Studio albums

with K.A.B.O.S.H.

Extended plays

Mixtapes

Selected filmography

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 Brim.

Awards and nominations

mtvU Woodie Awards

Year Nominated work Award Result
2009 Tech N9ne Left Field Woodie Won[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c Birchmeier, Jason (2006). "Tech N9ne — Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  2. ^ a b c Starbury, Allen (2008-09-02). "Tech N9ne Reaches Million Sales Milestone, Recalls Ups & Downs Of Career". Ballerstatus.com. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
  3. ^ a b "2009 mtvU Woodie Awards Winners". MTV Networks. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  4. ^ a b Steve Reissner (Director), Soren Baker (Writer) (2004-07-27). T9X: The Tech N9ne Experience (Documentary). Strange Music/MSC Entertainment.
  5. ^ Alex Robichaud (2008-07-03). "Tech N9ne won't play the 'pay to play' game". GateHouse Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  6. ^ a b c Sarah Benson (2010-11-02). "Tech N9ne's haunted mind". Inkkc. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  7. ^ Black Walt - #1 Draft Pick bio on CDBaby.com
  8. ^ a b c d e f Soren Baker (2002-10-18). "Tech N9ne Says 'Industry Is Punks,' Goes Own Way For Power". VH1. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  9. ^ "The Regime bio on Smoke-A-Lot Records website". Archived from the original on 2008-02-24. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  10. ^ VonHolten, Tim (2003-12-22). "The Belly of the Beast". Lawrence.com. Retrieved 2007-09-26.
  11. ^ Roberts, Steven (2010-03-25). "Tech N9ne Says He Found Success On The Road". MTV.com. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2010-03-30.
  12. ^ Juon, Steve 'Flash' (2006-11-14). "Everready (The Religion) Review". RapReviews.com. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  13. ^ a b Hernandez, Pedro (2007-07-31). "Miser Loves Kompany Review". RapReviews.com. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  14. ^ Etminan, Nima (2008-07-17). "DubCNN - Tech N9ne Interview (Part 1)". Retrieved 2008-07-31.
  15. ^ Jeffries, David (2009). "Allmusic Review of Sickology 101". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  16. ^ "2009 Rock the Bells line-up announced!". Guerilla Union. 2009-04-07. Archived from the original on 2009-04-07. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  17. ^ DJ Clay, Sugar Slam, Awesome Dre, and Corporal Robinson (Presenters) (17 July 2010). 11th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos (internet production). Psychopathic Records. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  18. ^ a b c d Ricardo Quinteros (2010-04-17). "Tech N9ne: After KOD". Deft Mag. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  19. ^ 411mania.com Interview. Youtube
  20. ^ Tech Talks Jay-Z And Rick Ross On KABOSH, Plus Inspiration For ‘The Boogieman’ [Interview] | Tech N9ne. Blog.therealtechn9ne.com (2011-07-23). Retrieved on 2012-01-03.
  21. ^ Destroying K.A.B.O.S.H. [Editorial] | Tech N9ne. Blog.therealtechn9ne.com (2011-08-03). Retrieved on 2012-01-03.
  22. ^ Welcome to Strangeland and KLUSTERFUK Producers. blog.therealtechn9ne.com. August 2011
  23. ^ http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2012/02/tech-n9ne/australian-tech-n9ne-and-krizz-kaliko-interview-video/
  24. ^ "ILoveBlackMovies Music". Retrieved 2009-01-19. Listen to the new song "Get Your Shoes On" by Tech N9ne recorded for the new documentary, "Our Heroes: The 25 Best Black Sports Movies (Ever)."
  25. ^ Butlet, Robert W. (2009-01-17). "KC Symphony to play along with Oscar-winning 'Peter & the Wolf'". Archived from the original on 2009-01-19. Retrieved 2009-01-19. The film was directed by Matthew Hensley, is narrated by area radio personality Rhonda Nolen and features a new song by local rap artist Tech N9ne.
  26. ^ "Tech N9ne - Donde Esta La Fiesta on ArtistDIRECT". ARTISTdirect, Inc. 2009-03-12. Archived from the original on 2009-03-13. Retrieved 2009-03-13. Get your first listen to the new track from rapper Tech N9ne, "Donde Esta La Fiesta," featured on the The Life of Lucky Cucumber soundtrack {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dateformat= (help)
  27. ^ D., Spence (2007-01-12). "Various Artists - Alpha Dog: Music From The Motion Picture". IGN.com. Retrieved 2007-09-26.
  28. ^ Ryan Sheckler Axe Skate Film Double Pits to Chesty. 2009-07-17. Event occurs at 4:01-4:48; 6:13 (Credit). Retrieved 2009-09-01.
  29. ^ ""Vengeance" on IMDB". IMDB.com. IMDb.com, Inc. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  30. ^ Official "Vengeance" Trailer on YouTube
  31. ^ Tech N9ne, Danny Trejo Have A Gift 4 U on YouTube
  32. ^ "Director Gil Medina Talks Danny Trejo's 'Vengeance'". Icon vs. Icon. 2009-08-14. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  33. ^ "Midnight Club- Los Angeles - Music - Full Credits". Rockstar Games. 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  34. ^ Fight Night Round 4: The Greatest Fight. Electronic Arts Inc. June 2009. Event occurs at 0:39; 0:45; 0:58. Retrieved 2009-06-12.
  35. ^ "Two". Dark Angel. Season 2. Episode 6. 2001-11-09. 13:16 minutes in. Fox. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ "Kat". My Super Sweet 16. Season 6. Episode 2. 2007-12-27. MTV. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ "Rock the Title Challenge". America's Best Dance Crew. Season 2. Episode 3. 2008-07-03. MTV. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg". Strikeforce. 2009-08-15. Showtime. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |city= ignored (|location= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  39. ^ http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2012/04/tech-n9ne/tech-n9ne-ready-to-collab-with-flavor-flav/
  40. ^ Ringtone Graphic from Cognito's Automatic, taken from Cognito's Official Myspace
  41. ^ Tech N9ne To Appear In ‘Night Of The Living Dead: Origins 3D’ | Tech N9ne. Blog.therealtechn9ne.com (2010-10-11). Retrieved on 2012-01-03.

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