View source for Tech N9ne

{{Short description|American rapper (born 1971)}}
{{about|the rapper|the semi-automatic firearm|TEC-9}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name             = Tech N9ne
| image            = Tech N9ne Interview 2025.png
| caption          = Tech N9ne in 2025
| birth_name       = Aaron Dontez Yates
| birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|1971|11|8}}
| birth_place      = [[Kansas City, Missouri]], U.S.
| genre            = {{flatlist|
* [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
* [[rap rock]]
* [[hardcore hip hop]]
* [[horrorcore]]
* [[Chopper (rap)|chopper]]
}}
| occupations       = {{flatlist|
* Rapper
* singer
* songwriter
* actor
}}
| years_active     = 1991–present
| label            = {{flatlist|
* [[Strange Music|Strange]]
* [[RBC Records|RBC]]
* [[Jay Faires|JCOR]]
* [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]
* [[Qwest Records|Qwest]]
* Perspective
* A&M
* [[Warner Records|Warner Bros.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapradar.com/2013/07/30/the-breakfast-club-interviews-tech-n9ne/ |title=The Breakfast Club Interviews Tech N9ne |publisher=Rap Radar |date=July 30, 2013 |access-date=May 10, 2014}}</ref>
}}
| past_member_of  = [[The Regime (group)|The Regime]]
{{Infobox 
| child = yes
| label1 = Producer(s)
| data1 = Seven
}}
| module          = {{Infobox person|embed=yes
 | signature       = Tech N9ne sig.svg
 }} 
}}

'''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|access-date=October 28, 2010}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Tech N9ne''' (pronounced "tech nine"), is an American rapper and singer. In 1999, he and business partner Travis O'Guin founded the record label [[Strange Music]]. He has sold over two million albums and his music has been featured in film, television, and interactive media.<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 |access-date=September 30, 2010 |last=Starbury |first=Allen |date=September 2, 2008 |publisher=Ballerstatus.com |archive-date=October 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022081611/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2008/09/02/tech-n9ne-reaches-million-sales-milestone-recalls-ups-downs-of-career/ |url-status=dead }}</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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122075130/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/woodieawards/2009/winners.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 22, 2009 |title=2009 mtvU Woodie Awards Winners |publisher=MTV |access-date=October 28, 2010}}</ref>

His stage name originated from the [[TEC-9]] [[semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic handgun]], a name given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast-rhyming [[Chopper (rap)|chopper]] style.<ref name="t9x">{{Cite video |people=Steve Reissner (Director), Soren Baker (Writer) |date=July 27, 2004 |title=T9X: The Tech N9ne Experience |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0447703/ |medium=Documentary |publisher=Strange Music/MSC Entertainment }}</ref> Yates later applied a deeper meaning to the name, stating 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 |first=Alex |last=Robichaud |date=July 3, 2008 |publisher=GateHouse Media, Inc. |access-date=October 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312101143/http://www.examiner.net/lifestyle/entertainment/x1346877300/Tech-N9ne-wont-play-the-pay-to-play-game |archive-date=March 12, 2010 }}</ref>

== Early life ==
Yates was born and raised in [[Kansas City, Missouri]].<ref name="allmusicbio" /> He began rapping at a very early age, and would rap the letters of his name in order to remember how to spell it.<ref name="Inkkc.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.inkkc.com/content/cover-story-tech-n9nes-haunted-mind |title=Tech N9ne's haunted mind |first=Sarah |last=Benson |date=November 2, 2010 |publisher=Inkkc |access-date=November 8, 2010}}</ref> His father Carlton Cook was estranged from the family and his mother suffered from [[epilepsy]] and [[Systemic lupus erythematosus|lupus]] when he was a child, which emotionally affected him and inspired him to "search for God".<ref name="Inkkc.com" /> He would explore abandoned buildings with his best friend, hoping to catch a [[ghost]] on film.<ref name="Inkkc.com" /> He attended [[Southwest High School (Kansas City, Missouri)|Southwest High School]] in Kansas City.

== History ==
=== 1991–2001: Beginnings and founding Strange Music ===
Early in his career, Yates was a member of a group formed in 1991 called Black Mafia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/blackwalt2 |title=Black Walt &#124; #1 Draft Pick &#124; CD Baby Music Store |website=Cdbaby.com |access-date=March 2, 2017}}</ref> He saw glimpses of success in the group 57th Street Rogue Dog {{sic|hide=1|Villians}} with their single "Let's Get Fucked Up". As a member of the group Nnutthowze, Aaron Yates signed with [[Perspective Records]] in 1993.<ref name="VH1">{{cite web |url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1458185/20021017/tech9ne.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818132616/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1458185/20021017/tech9ne.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 18, 2008 |title=Tech N9ne Says 'Industry Is Punks,' Goes Own Way For Power |first=Soren |last=Baker |date=October 18, 2002 |publisher=VH1 |access-date=October 28, 2010}}</ref> However, the group disbanded soon after being released from the label. Yates signed with [[Qwest Records]] briefly before moving to JCOR Records.<ref name="VH1" />

In 1997, Yates joined the group [[The Regime (group)|the Regime]], which was formed by rapper [[Yukmouth]].<ref name="SAL-Bio">{{cite web |url=http://www.smokealotrecords.com/artist_regime.html |title=The Regime bio on Smoke-A-Lot Records website |access-date=October 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212073620/http://www.smokealotrecords.com/artist_regime.html |archive-date=December 12, 2007 }}</ref> The following year, he was featured on the [[Gang Related (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] for the film ''[[Gang Related (film)|Gang Related]]''.<ref name="Lawrence">{{cite web |last=VonHolten |first=Tim |title=The Belly of the Beast |publisher=Lawrence.com |date=December 22, 2003 |url=http://www.lawrence.com/news/2003/dec/22/the_belly/ |access-date=September 26, 2007}}</ref> 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 business partner Travis O'Guin founded the record label [[Strange Music]].<ref name="mixtapedaily">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1634642/20100324/index.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329135315/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1634642/20100324/index.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 29, 2010 |title=Tech N9ne Says He Found Success On The Road |first=Steven |last=Roberts |date=March 25, 2010 |publisher=MTV |access-date=March 30, 2010 }}</ref>

=== 2001–2005: Underground success ===
In 2001, Yates released the studio album ''[[Anghellic]]'' on JCOR Records.<ref name="VH1" /> 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 (Tech N9ne album)|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|''Billboard'' 200]]. The album's 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 free through the artist's own website was in response to the anti-downloading campaign by the [[RIAA]].<ref name="VH1" />

=== 2006–2011: Independence and Tech N9ne ''Collabos'' ===
[[File:Tech N9ne on 2006-11-06.jpg|thumb|left|Tech N9ne in 2006]]
In 2006, Yates released the album ''[[Everready (The Religion)]]''.<ref name="rapreviewseverready">{{cite web |url=http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2006_11_everready.html |title=''Everready (The Religion)'' Review |first=Steve 'Flash' |last=Juon |date=November 14, 2006 |work=RapReviews.com |access-date=March 13, 2010 }}</ref> The following year, he released ''[[Misery Loves Kompany]]''.<ref name="rapreviewsmlk">{{cite web |url=http://rapreviews.com/archive/2007_07F_miseryloves.html |title=''Miser Loves Kompany'' Review |first=Pedro |last=Hernandez |date=July 31, 2007 |work=RapReviews.com |access-date=October 29, 2010 }}</ref> Yates announced that the album was the first in a series of "Tech N9ne Collabos" albums that feature a wide range of guest appearances.<ref name="rapreviewsmlk" />

The following year, Yates released the album ''[[Killer (Tech N9ne album)|Killer]]''.<ref name='DubCNN Interview'>{{cite web |url=http://www.dubcnn.com/interviews/techn9ne-part1/ |title=DubCNN – Tech N9ne Interview (Part 1) |access-date=July 31, 2008 |last=Etminan |first=Nima |date=July 17, 2008 }}</ref> That September, he exceeded one million album sales over his entire catalog.<ref name="BallerStatus-090208" /> 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."<ref name="BallerStatus-090208" /> Yates released his second ''Collabos'' album, ''[[Sickology 101]]'', in April 2009.<ref name="Sickology">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1548197|pure_url=yes}} |title=Allmusic Review of ''Sickology 101'' |first=David |last=Jeffries |year=2009 |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 13, 2010 }}</ref>

Yates later performed at the [[Rock The Bells]] 2009 Festival and the tenth annual [[Gathering of the Juggalos]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2009 Rock the Bells line-up announced! |url=http://guerillaunion.com/?p=255 |publisher=Guerilla Union |date=April 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412143355/http://guerillaunion.com/?p=255 |archive-date=April 12, 2009 |access-date=April 7, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Infomercial2010">{{cite video |people=DJ Clay, Sugar Slam, Awesome Dre, and Corporal Robinson (Presenters) |date=July 17, 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0xewi_Gdc8  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/o0xewi_Gdc8| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|title=11th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos |medium=internet production |publisher=Psychopathic Records |access-date=July 17, 2010 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> That October, he released ''[[K.O.D. (Tech N9ne album)|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.<ref name="AfterKOD">{{cite web |url=http://deftmag.com/features/tech-n9ne-after-kod/ |title=Tech N9ne: After KOD |first=Ricardo |last=Quinteros |date=April 17, 2010 |publisher=Deft Mag |access-date=October 28, 2010 |archive-date=March 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303033857/http://deftmag.com/features/tech-n9ne-after-kod |url-status=dead }}</ref> An [[Extended play|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]]''.<ref name="AfterKOD" /> In October, he released his second EP ''[[Seepage (Tech N9ne 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]], [[Hopsin]], [[T-Pain]], [[Jay Rock]], [[Mint Condition]], [[Busta Rhymes]], [[Twista]], [[Lil Wayne]], [[Yelawolf]] and [[Deftones]] and many others.

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.<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqsSFTn3Clw  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/gqsSFTn3Clw| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Tech N9ne Interview – Canuck The Industry Tour – 411mania.com |via=[[YouTube]] |date=May 22, 2011 |access-date=March 2, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> 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 music|rock]] album.<ref>[http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2011/07/tech-n9ne-multimedia/video/tech-talks-jay-z-rick-ross-kabosh-inspiration-the-boogieman-interview/ Tech Talks Jay-Z And Rick Ross On KABOSH, Plus Inspiration For 'The Boogieman' [Interview&#93; | Tech N9ne]. Blog.therealtechn9ne.com (July 23, 2011). Retrieved January 3, 2012.</ref> In another blog post several weeks later, he confirmed that he will begin work on the album after completing ''Welcome to Strangeland''.<ref>[http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2011/08/editorial/destroying-k-a-b-o-s-h-editorial/ Destroying K.A.B.O.S.H. [Editorial&#93; | Tech N9ne]. Blog.therealtechn9ne.com (August 3, 2011). Retrieved January 3, 2012.</ref> Following his tour, he announced that he was about to begin work on ''Welcome to Strangeland'' and ''[[Klusterfuk]]'', confirming producers for both projects. ¡Mayday! is to entirely produce ''Klusterfuk''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hunte |first=Justin |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.19203/title.tech-n9ne-talks-klusterfuk-scoring-a-1-album-with-0-spent-on-marketing |title=Tech N9ne Talks "Klusterfuk," Scoring A #1 Album With $0 Spent On Marketing |publisher=HipHop DX |date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2013}}</ref> He said he will then begin work on the K.A.B.O.S.H. album.<ref name="blog.therealtechn9ne.com">[http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2011/08/social/tech-n9ne-confirms-producers-strangeland-klusterfuk-social/ Welcome to Strangeland and Klusterfuk Producers] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120707052420/http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2011/08/social/tech-n9ne-confirms-producers-strangeland-klusterfuk-social/ |date=July 7, 2012 }}. blog.therealtechn9ne.com. August 2011</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Osorio |first=Kim |url=https://www.bet.com/article/otmroy/tech-n9ne-talks-new-album-82-city-tour-and-lil-wayne |title=Tech N9ne Hits The Road For 82 City Tour |publisher=BET |date=May 13, 2011}}</ref>  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".

=== 2012–2015: EPs, ''Something Else'', and ''Special Effects'' ===
[[File:Tech N9ne at The Blue Note.JPG|thumb|right|Tech N9ne performs at [[The Blue Note (Columbia, Missouri)|The Blue Note]] in Columbia, Missouri, in 2013.]]
In an interview with "Underground TV" posted on Tech N9ne's blog, Tech N9ne spoke 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. He was featured on the song "Edge of Destruction" (which also features [[Twista]]) that appears on [[Machine Gun Kelly (rapper)|Machine Gun Kelly]]'s first studio album "[[Lace Up]]".

On September 18, Tech N9ne released an EP titled "E.B.A.H." (Evil Brain Angel Heart).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strangemusicinc.net/presales/t9/ebah/ |title=Tech N9ne – E.B.A.H. 9/18/12 |publisher=Strangemusicinc.net |access-date=August 8, 2013}}</ref> On October 30, Tech N9ne released an EP titled ''[[Boiling Point (EP)|Boiling Point]]''. He announced his thirteenth studio album would be titled ''[[Something Else (Tech N9ne album)|Something Else]]'' and would be released on June 25, 2013. The first song released from the album would be "B.I.T.C.H.", an acronym for ''Breaking In To Colored Houses'', which features rapper/singer [[T-Pain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/listen-tech-n9ne-f-t-pain-bh |title=Listen: Tech N9ne f/ T-Pain "B.*.*.*.H." |publisher=Complex |date=March 14, 2013 |access-date=August 8, 2013}}</ref> The album would end up being released on July 30, 2013, to universal critical acclaim. The album, which is broken up into three portions — [[Classical element|Earth, Water & Fire]], features [[guest appearance]]s from [[B.o.B]], [[Big K.R.I.T.]], [[Cee Lo Green]], [[the Doors]], [[Game (rapper)|Game]], [[Kendrick Lamar]], [[Serj Tankian]], [[T-Pain]], [[Trae tha Truth]], [[Snow Tha Product]], and [[Wiz Khalifa]], among others including several artists from Tech N9ne's Strange Music imprint. The album was supported by two singles, "So Dope (They Wanna)" and "[[Fragile (Tech N9ne song)|Fragile]]".

Tech N9ne announced a new "Independent Grind" tour in January 2014, which included [[Freddie Gibbs]], [[Krizz Kaliko]], and [[Jarren Benton]]. The tour dates were announced on January 30, 2014, and the tour ran from April 9 until June 28, wrapping up in Kansas City.<ref>{{cite web|last=Baker |first=Soren |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.27173/title.tech-n9ne-announces-tech-n9ne-s-independent-grind-tour-2014-dates |title=Tech N9ne Announces 'Independent Grind Tour 2014' Dates  |publisher=HipHop DX |date=January 30, 2014 |access-date=May 10, 2014}}</ref> Also in 2014, Yates released [[Strangeulation]], the fifth album in his ''Collabos'' series and fourteenth album overall.<ref>{{cite web|last=Diep |first=Eric |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/05/tech-n9nes-strangeulation-cracks-top-5-in-this-weeks-album-sales-5-14-2014/ |title=Tech N9ne's 'Strangeulation' Cracks Top 5 In This Week's Album Sales (5/14/2014) – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=May 14, 2014 |access-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref>

In April 2015, Yates confirmed that [[Eminem]] will be featured on a song titled "Speedom (Worldwide Choppers 2)".<ref>{{cite web|last=Harling |first=Danielle |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32178/title.eminem-to-appear-on-worldwide-choppers-2-according-to-tech-n9ne |title=Eminem To Appear On "Worldwide Choppers 2," According To Tech N9ne  |date=January 19, 2015 |publisher=HipHopDX |access-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref> The song was released on April 20, 2015, as a single supporting his then-upcoming album, ''[[Special Effects (album)|Special Effects]]'', which was released on May 4 of the same year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harris |first=Christopher |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.33247/title.tech-n9ne-announces-eminem-feature-on-special-effects-album |title=Tech N9ne Announces Eminem Feature On 'Special Effects' Album  |publisher=HipHopDX |date=April 3, 2015 |access-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref> The rapper says Eminem collaborated on the track, free of charge, in exchange for Yates to guest on a track of his for an unknown project. Yates says he was "flabbergasted" that Eminem respected his music so much.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/30/how-much-did-tech-n9nes-verse-from-eminem-cost/|title=How Much Did Tech N9ne's Verse From Eminem Cost?|publisher=BallerStatus.com|date=April 30, 2015|access-date=April 30, 2015|archive-date=July 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715015549/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/30/how-much-did-tech-n9nes-verse-from-eminem-cost/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On May 4, 2015, Tech N9ne released ''Special Effects'' to critical and commercial acclaim. The album features guest appearances from  [[Corey Taylor]], [[B.o.B]], [[Lil Wayne]], [[2 Chainz]], [[T.I.]], Kottonmouth Kings, [[Hopsin]], [[Captain Chronic]], [[E-40]], [[Yo Gotti]], [[Audio Push]] and [[Eminem]] along with fellow Strange Music artists [[Krizz Kaliko]], [[Big Scoob]] and [[Ces Cru]].

In addition, a ''Special Effects'' tour began in early April 2015. Tech is joined on tour by [[Murs (rapper)|Murs]], [[Chris Webby]], [[Krizz Kaliko]], Zuse, and King 810.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/03/27/tech-n9ne-announces-special-effects-tour/|title=Tech N9ne Announces 'Special Effects Tour'|publisher=BallerStatus.com|date=March 27, 2015}}</ref>

=== 2015–2017: ''Strangulation Vol. II'', ''The Storm'', ''Dominion'', and ''Strange Reign'' ===
On November 20, 2015, Tech N9ne released ''[[Strangeulation Vol. II]]'', the sixth album in his ''Collabos'' series and 16th album overall. The album features the entire roster of Strange Music at the time along with JL, Ryan Bradley, and Tyler Lyon. On January 11, 2016, Tech released a remix of [[Marilyn Manson]]'s song "[[The Beautiful People (song)|The Beautiful People]]" for [[Dr. Dre]]'s The Pharmacy on [[Beats 1]] radio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strangemusicinc.com/2016/01/tech-n9ne/beautiful-people-remix-audio/ |title=Listen: Tech N9ne 'Beautiful People' Remix [Audio] |publisher=Strange Music, Inc |date=January 11, 2016 |access-date=March 2, 2017}}</ref> In spring 2016, Tech N9ne went on tour with fellow Strange members for another Independent Powerhouse Tour.

In December 2016, Tech N9ne released his 17th album, ''[[The Storm (Tech N9ne album)|The Storm]]'', the followup to his 1999 debut album ''[[The Calm Before the Storm (Tech N9ne album)|The Calm Before The Storm]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strangemusicinc.com/2015/05/tech-n9ne/the-storm-tech-n9ne-reveals-details-about-next-album-in-an-extensive-interview-with-hiphopdx/ |title=THE STORM – Tech N9ne Reveals Details About Next Album In An Extensive Interview With HipHopDX |publisher=Strange Music, Inc |date=May 14, 2015 |access-date=March 2, 2017}}</ref>

In January 2017, Tech N9ne announced his seventh Collabos album titled ''Dominion'', released April 7, and stated plans to release a second album in his Collabos series the same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strangemusicinc.com/2017/01/tech-n9ne/tech-n9ne-announces-dominion/|title=Tech N9ne Announces Dominion, 2 Albums|website=Strangemusicinc.net|date=January 28, 2017 |language=en|access-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref> In March, Tech began the Strictly Strange '17 tour with fellow Strange Music artists.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.strangemusicinc.com/2017/01/tech-n9ne/strictly-strange-tour-2017/|title=Strictly Strange Tour 2017 – VIP Packages Now Available! – Strange Music, Inc|date=January 11, 2017|newspaper=Strange Music, Inc|access-date=February 22, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> The same month, Tech announced on radio station GoMN plans to release his next solo album, ''Planet'', in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu5HKZLOiV0/  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/mu5HKZLOiV0| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|title= Tech N9ne & Krizz Kaliko talks about New Album (Planet), Elton John and more. |website=[[YouTube]]|date=March 27, 2017 |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On June 20, 2017, Tech earned his first platinum record in 18 years for "[[Caribou Lou (song)|Caribou Lou]]".<ref>{{cite magazine |last=India |first=Lindsey |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/tech-n9ne-earns-first-platinum-plaque-caribou-lou/ |title=Tech N9ne Earns First Platinum Plaque for "Caribou Lou" Record |magazine=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]] |date=June 30, 2017 |access-date=March 17, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.43917/title.tech-n9ne-is-officially-a-platinum-selling-artist |title=Tech N9ne Is Officially A Platinum-Selling Artist |magazine=[[HipHopDX]] |date=June 29, 2017 |access-date=March 17, 2025}}</ref> Tech N9ne released the eighth Collabos album, ''[[Strange Reign]]'', on October 13, 2017, marking it the second album release that year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.faygoluvers.net/v5/2017/07/tech-n9ne-announces-release-date-for-strange-reign-collab-album/|title=Tech N9ne Announces Release Date For 'Strange Reign' Collab Album|date=July 18, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 2018–2023: ''Planet'', ''N9na'', ''EnterFear'', ''Asin9ne and Bliss'' ===
[[File:TechN9neNov2018.jpg|thumb|Tech N9ne performing in 2018]]
On March 2, 2018, Tech N9ne released ''[[Planet (Tech N9ne album)|Planet]]'', making this his 20th studio album. On April 19, 2019, Tech N9ne released ''[[N9na]]'', making this his 21st studio album. Nearly a year later, on April 10, 2020, his 22nd album, ''[[Enterfear]]'' was released. On July 29, 2020, he was featured on "[[CMFT Must Be Stopped]]", a single by [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] vocalist [[Corey Taylor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chaospin.com/corey-taylor-shares-two-songs-cmft-solo-album/|title=Corey Taylor shares two songs from his 'CMFT' solo album|work=Chaos Spin|last=Emre Ozzdiyar|first=Yunus|date=July 29, 2020|access-date=July 30, 2020}}</ref> On October 23, 2020, Tech N9ne released a new project titled ''Fear Exodus''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/fear-exodus/1534817803|title=Fear Exodus by Tech N9ne on Apple Music|date=October 23, 2020|via=[[Apple Music]]|access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref>

On October 8, 2021, Tech N9ne released an album titled ''"[[Asin9ne]]"''. The album features guest appearances from [[Lil Wayne]], [[Mumu Fresh]], [[Snow Tha Product]], [[Russ (rapper)|Russ]], [[E-40]], [[X-Raided]], as well as wrestler turned actor [[Dwayne Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Tech N9ne is back with star-studded album 'ASIN9NE' |url=https://www.revolt.tv/new-music/2021/10/8/22716519/tech-n9ne-asin9ne-album |website=Revolt.tv}}</ref>

Tech N9ne features on fellow [[Kansas City metropolitan area|Kansas City area]] musician [[Samantha Fish]]'s 2021 album ''[[Faster (album)|Faster]]'', rapping on the song "Loud".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/samantha-fish-announces-new-album-faster |title=Samantha Fish Announces New Album, 'Faster' |work=Guitar Player |date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=July 24, 2021 |author=Maxwell, Jackson}}</ref>

On May 3, 2022, at [[Red Rocks Amphitheatre]], Tech N9ne announced his then-upcoming album ''[[Bliss (Tech N9ne album)|Bliss]]'', performing a song off the album titled "They Know Meh" featuring fellow Kansas City-based rapper, The Popper.<ref>{{Citation |title=Tech N9ne - They Know Meh (ft. The Popper) [Live at Red Rocks] *TECH N9NE - BLISS LP 2023* | date=May 3, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIiVVOlwmCA |access-date=2024-01-12 |language=en}}</ref>

''Bliss'' was released on July 28, 2023, after being delayed from a July 14 release.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tech N9ne on Instagram:Something Really Cool Happened |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CuQMBXZRK3L/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Instagram}}</ref> The album contains guest appearances from [[Conway the Machine]], [[Joyner Lucas]], X-Raided, [[Kim Dracula]], [[RMR (singer)|RMR]], [[Qveen Herby]] and [[Durand Bernarr]].

=== 2024–present: ''COSM'' ===
On May 7, 2024, Yates was unveiled as featured artist on the [[Falling in Reverse]] track “Ronald” from their 2024 album ''[[Popular Monster (album)|Popular Monster]]''. He stars in the official music video portraying a God like entity, who contrasts against the  demonic final boss portrayed by [[Alex Terrible]] lead singer of the Russian heavy metal group [[Slaughter to Prevail]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nevares |first=Gabriel Bras |date=2023-07-30 |title=Tech N9ne Is Feeling The "Bliss" On New Album |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/699367-tech-nine-bliss-stream |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref> Yates will also be supporting the group on their [[Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination]] tour, in Europe and North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/244755/9 |title=Falling In Reverse Add Extra UK And Ireland Shows To The Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=August 16, 2024 |website=stereoboard.com |publisher=Stereoboard |access-date=August 19, 2024}}</ref>

On July 12, 2024, Yates released a music collaboration album ''COSM''.

In 2025, Yates was announced as one of the remixers for the [[2026 FIFA World Cup]] theme representing [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]]

== Artistry ==
Yates is known for his dynamic [[rhyme scheme]]s{{citation needed|date=October 2023}} and speed rap abilities known as the [[Chopper (rap)|Chopper]] style. [[Soren Baker]] of [[VH1]] states that Yates' techniques "showcase his wide-ranging, mind-blowing [[Flow (music)|flows]]".<ref name="VH1" /> Baker characterizes Yates' earlier work as "apocalyptic music, which discussed abortion and infidelity as much as his rapping prowess".<ref name="VH1" /> [[Allmusic]] reviewer Jason Birchmeier calls his style "bizarre [[Hardcore hip hop|hardcore rap]]".<ref name="allmusicbio" />
Yates stated that he purposely creates flow patterns in order to sound like a percussion while he raps.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laLco_BrvjI  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/laLco_BrvjI| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Tech N9ne Teaches You How To Rap With Incredible Flows |via=YouTube |date=March 6, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After hearing an instrumental he would come up with different kinds of patterns and then "fill in" the actual lyrics.

Yates says that he is influenced by [[old school hip hop]], and specifically cites [[N.W.A]], [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]], [[Boogie Down Productions]], [[Eric B. & Rakim]], [[Schoolly D]], and [[Just-Ice]].<ref name="AfterKOD" /> He is also interested in other genres of music, and lists [[The Doors]], [[Jim Morrison]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Elton John]], [[AC/DC]], [[Metallica]], [[Floetry]], [[Outkast]], [[CeeLo Green]], and [[Gnarls Barkley]] as influences. He has remarked generally that "I love beautiful music, beautiful music no matter what type".<ref name="AfterKOD" />

Although Tech N9ne mostly collaborates with rappers from his record label Strange Music such as [[Krizz Kaliko]], [[Kutt Calhoun]], [[Big Scoob]], [[Brotha Lynch Hung]], and [[Stevie Stone]] as well as underground rappers from his hometown Kansas City, he has also worked with known rappers such as [[E-40]], [[Ice Cube]], [[Three 6 Mafia]], [[Lil Wayne]], [[Twista]], [[Eminem]], [[Busta Rhymes]], [[Snoop Dogg]], [[Kendrick Lamar]], [[Machine Gun Kelly (musician)|Machine Gun Kelly]], [[Yelawolf]], [[Scarface (rapper)|Scarface]], [[Yo Gotti]], [[T-Pain]], [[Wiz Khalifa]], [[Paul Wall]],  [[B.o.B]], [[André 3000]], [[T.I.]], and [[2 Chainz]].

Tech N9ne has also worked with rock and metal musicians such as [[Serj Tankian]] of [[System of a Down]], [[Corey Taylor]] of [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]], [[Chino Moreno]] and [[Stephen Carpenter]] of [[Deftones]], [[Jonathan Davis]] of [[Korn]], [[Five Finger Death Punch]], and [[Falling in Reverse]].

== In popular culture ==
=== Films ===
Yates' songs have appeared in the [[film]]s ''Born 2 Race'', ''[[Gang Related (film)|Gang Related]]'', ''[[Alpha Dog]]'', ''Our Heroes: The 25 Best Black Sports Movies (Ever)'', and ''The Life of Lucky Cucumber''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iloveblackmovies.com/Music.html |title=ILoveBlackMovies Music |access-date=January 19, 2009 |quote=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)." |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123040704/http://iloveblackmovies.com/Music.html |archive-date=January 23, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/story/983678.html |title=KC Symphony to play along with Oscar-winning 'Peter & the Wolf' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123011819/http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/story/983678.html |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=January 19, 2009 |last=Butlet |first=Robert W. |date=January 17, 2009 |quote=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. |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.artistdirect.com/frontdoor |title=Tech N9ne – Donde Esta La Fiesta on ArtistDIRECT |access-date=March 13, 2009 |date=March 12, 2009 |publisher=[[Artistdirect|ARTISTdirect, Inc]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316174255/http://www.artistdirect.com/frontdoor |archive-date=March 16, 2009 |quote=Get your first listen to the new track from rapper Tech N9ne, "Donde Esta La Fiesta," featured on The Life of Lucky Cucumber soundtrack |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Yates was originally set to [[Film score|score]] the entire film ''Alpha Dog'', but the studio decided to replace some of his music with more commercially known songs.<ref>{{cite web|last=D.|first=Spence|title=Various Artists – Alpha Dog: Music From The Motion Picture|publisher=IGN.com|date=January 12, 2007|url=http://music.ign.com/articles/755/755004p1.html|access-date=September 26, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401081933/http://music.ign.com/articles/755/755004p1.html|archive-date=April 1, 2007}}</ref> In 2009, his song "Let's Go" was used in an online promotional short film for [[Axe (grooming product)|AXE body spray]].<ref>{{cite video |date=July 17, 2009 |title=Ryan Sheckler Axe Skate Film Double Pits to Chesty |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHIXKmOSX14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902174837/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHIXKmOSX14| archive-date=September 2, 2013 | url-status=dead|access-date=September 1, 2009 |time=4:01–4:48; 6:13 (Credit) }}</ref> Yates also appears as an actor in the films ''[[Vengeance (2014 film)|Vengeance]]'' and ''[[Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1485141/ |title=Vengeance |publisher=IMDb |access-date=October 20, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{youTube|id=xgwLSREdT84|title=Official "Vengeance" Trailer}}</ref><ref>{{youTube|id=tytryFCZTOs|title=Tech N9ne, Danny Trejo Have A Gift 4 U}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iconvsicon.com/2009/08/14/director-gil-medina-talks-danny-trejos-vengeance/ |title=Director Gil Medina Talks Danny Trejo's 'Vengeance' |date=August 14, 2009 |work=Icon vs. Icon |access-date=October 20, 2009 }}</ref> Yates starred in the musical ''[[Alleluia: The Devil's Carnival]]'', which had a limited theater release July 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strangemusicinc.com/2015/07/tech-n9ne/the-devils-carnival-alleluia-tickets-now-on-sale/ |title=Watch: Tech N9ne Stars In 'The Devil's Carnival: Alleluia!' – Tickets Now on Sale! &#91;Video&#93; |publisher=Strange Music, Inc |date=July 7, 2015 |access-date=March 2, 2017}}</ref> On November 25, 2015, Tech released "Shine", a song for the Jaco Pastorius documentary, ''Jaco''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strangemusicinc.com/2015/11/tech-n9ne/listen-tech-n9ne-shine-audio/ |title=Listen: Tech N9ne – 'Shine' &#91;Audio&#93; |publisher=Strange Music, Inc |date=November 25, 2015 |access-date=March 2, 2017}}</ref>

=== Video games ===
Several of Yates' songs are featured in the [[video games]] ''[[Madden NFL 2006]]'', ''The Crew'', ''[[EA Sports MMA]]'', ''[[25 To Life]]'', ''[[WWE 2K18]]'', ''[[EA Sports UFC 3]]'', and ''[[Midnight Club: Los Angeles]]'', in the latter of which Yates is an unlockable character.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/midnightclubLA/music/fullcredits.html |title=Midnight Club- Los Angeles – Music – Full Credits |access-date=October 28, 2008 |year=2008 |publisher=Rockstar Games }}</ref> In 2009, Yates and label mate [[Krizz Kaliko]] appeared in a promotional video for the ''[[Fight Night Round 4]]'' video game.<ref>{{cite video |date=June 2009 |title=Fight Night Round 4: The Greatest Fight |url=http://fightnight.easports.com/greatestfight.action |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609050028/http://fightnight.easports.com/greatestfight.action? |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 9, 2009 |publisher=[[Electronic Arts]] Inc |access-date=June 12, 2009 |time=0:39; 0:45; 0:58 }}</ref>

=== Television ===
Yates' music has appeared on the [[Television program|television shows]] ''[[Dark Angel (2000 TV series)|Dark Angel]]'', ''[[I'm From Rolling Stone]]'', ''[[My Super Sweet 16]]'', ''[[The Hills (TV series)|The Hills]]'', ''[[Spike Guys' Choice Awards]]'', and ''[[Warren The Ape]]''.<ref>{{cite episode |title=Two |episode-link=List of Dark Angel episodes#Season 2 (2001–2002) |series=Dark Angel |series-link=Dark Angel (2000 TV series) |network=[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] |airdate=November 9, 2001 |season=2 |number=6 |minutes=13:16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Kat |url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/?id=1574515 |series=My Super Sweet 16 |series-link=My Super Sweet 16 |network=MTV |airdate=December 27, 2007 |season=6 |number=2 }}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite episode |title=Rock the Title Challenge |episode-link=America's Best Dance Crew (Season 2)#Week 3: Rock the Title Challenge |series=America's Best Dance Crew |series-link=America's Best Dance Crew |network=[[MTV]] |airdate=July 3, 2008 |season=2 |number=3 }}</ref> On the August 15, 2009 [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]] event, [[Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg]], [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] fighter [[Gilbert Melendez]] entered the arena to Tech N9ne's 2006 song "The Beast" for his bout with [[Mitsuhiro Ishida]].<ref>{{cite episode |title=Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg |episode-link=Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg |series=Strikeforce |series-link=Strikeforce (mixed martial arts) |network=[[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] |location=San Jose, California |airdate=August 15, 2009 }}</ref> His song "Riot Maker" was used as the official theme song for [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]'s 2010 ''[[Hardcore Justice (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 (rapper)|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.
In 2013, Tech N9ne's song "Demons"  appeared in the pilot episode of ''[[Ironside (2013 TV series)|Ironside]]''. On June 24, 2014, Tech N9ne appeared on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'' to perform "Fragile", "He's A Mental Giant", and "Stamina".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live/episode-guide/2014-06/24-roseanne-barr-eric-dane-music-from-tech-n9ne |title=Jimmy Kimmel Live : Roseanne Barr, Eric Dane, Music from Tech N9NE Recap &#124; 06/24/2014 |publisher=American Broadcasting Company |date=June 24, 2014 |access-date=August 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628085728/http://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live/episode-guide/2014-06/24-roseanne-barr-eric-dane-music-from-tech-n9ne |archive-date=June 28, 2014 }}</ref> In late 2014, Yates appeared on ''Wild n Out'' as captain of the Black Team.

In May 2015, "Give It All" from the album ''Special Effects'' was used during [[Inside the NBA]]'s "Tip-Off" for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpB8FoxfwJg  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/KpB8FoxfwJg| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|title=[Playoffs Ep. 23&#93; Inside The NBA (on TNT) Tip-Off –Hawks vs. Cavaliers – Game 4 Preview of ECF |via=[[YouTube]] |date=May 27, 2015 |access-date=March 2, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== Endorsements ===
In May 2018, it was announced that Yates had teamed with [[Boulevard Brewing Company]], a brewery based in his hometown of Kansas City, to create a new beer. The beer was released on June 18 in the [[Kansas City metropolitan area|Kansas City]], [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]], [[Denver, Colorado|Denver]], and [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma|Oklahoma City]] markets. The beer is named Bou Lou as reference to his song "Caribou Lou", which is also a cocktail with [[Alcohol proof|overproof]] [[rum]] (The song specifically mentions [[Bacardi 151]], which has been discontinued), [[Malibu (rum)|Malibu]], and pineapple juice . The beer is a [[wheat beer]] with [[pineapple]] and [[coconut]] flavors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tech N9ne's new beer with Boulevard Brewing draws inspiration from 'Caribou Lou' |url=https://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/chow-town/article210456564.html |website=KansasCity.com}}</ref> On July 9, Bou Lou went on sale in the [[St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis]] market.

== Personal life ==
Yates was married in 1995, but separated in 2005. Yates filed for a divorce in 2015 and it was finalized in November 2017, 12 years after they were initially separated.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tmz.com/2017/11/16/tech-nine-lecoya-lejeune-divorce-finalized/|title=Tech N9ne Divorce Finalized|work=TMZ|access-date=February 18, 2018}}</ref> On October 23, 2024, he married his longtime girlfriend Kristen, with whom he has two daughters, as seen from their social media accounts. Yates is an avid supporter of Kansas City culture and the metro area's pro sports teams, including the [[Kansas City Chiefs]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/tech-n9ne-is-guest-drummer-spirit-leader-for-chiefs-game-sunday-at-arrowhead-stadium-kansas-city-missouri/30344841|title=Tech N9ne is guest drummer, spirit leader for Chiefs game Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium|website=kmbc.com|date=December 27, 2019|access-date=June 5, 2021}}</ref> [[Kansas City Royals]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.strangemusicinc.com/2014/10/tech-n9ne/watches-2014-world-series-game-1-front-row-seats/|title=ROYALTY – Tech N9ne Watches Game 1 Of The World Series From The Best Seats In The House|website=strangemusicinc.com|last=Nelson|first=Jeff|date=October 22, 2014|access-date=June 5, 2021}}</ref> and [[Sporting Kansas City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2016/08/20/techn9ne-performs-hood-go-crazy-sporting-kc-match|title=TechN9ne performs "Hood Go Crazy" before Sporting KC match|date=August 20, 2016|website=SportingKC.com|access-date=June 5, 2021}}</ref> Before the Chiefs played in the [[2018–19 NFL playoffs#AFC: New England Patriots 37, Kansas City Chiefs 31 (OT)|2019 AFC Championship]] game, he released a song titled "[[Red Kingdom]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Small |first=Karra |title=Tech N9ne releases new song 'Red Kingdom' in time for AFC Championship Game |url=https://fox4kc.com/2019/01/18/tech-n9ne-releases-new-song-red-kingdom-in-time-for-afc-championship-game/ |website=Fox4KC.com|date=January 19, 2019 }}</ref> In 2025, Yates was announced as one of the remixers for the [[2026 FIFA World Cup]] theme, representing [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/news/world-cup-2026-host-city-sonic-ids|title=Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Sonic IDs celebrate diversity and creativity of Host Cities|website=inside.fifa.com}}</ref>

== Discography ==
{{Main|Tech N9ne discography}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
; Studio albums
* ''[[The Calm Before the Storm (Tech N9ne album)|The Calm Before the Storm]]'' (1999)
* ''[[The Worst (Tech N9ne album)|The Worst]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Anghellic]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Absolute Power (Tech N9ne album)|Absolute Power]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Everready (The Religion)]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Killer (Tech N9ne album)|Killer]]'' (2008)
* ''[[K.O.D. (Tech N9ne album)|K.O.D.]]'' (2009)
* ''[[All 6's and 7's]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Something Else (Tech N9ne album)|Something Else]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Special Effects (album)|Special Effects]]'' (2015)
* ''[[The Storm (Tech N9ne album)|The Storm]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Planet (Tech N9ne album)|Planet]]'' (2018)
* ''[[N9na]]'' (2019)
* ''[[Enterfear]]'' (2020)
* ''[[Asin9ne]]'' (2021)
* ''[[Bliss (Tech N9ne album)|Bliss]]'' (2023)<ref>{{cite web |title=Tech N9ne – BLISS CD – Presale Ship Date 07/14/2023 |url=https://www.strangemusicinc.net/product_info.php?products_id=21382 |website=www.strangemusicinc.net |access-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603225312/https://www.strangemusicinc.net/product_info.php?products_id=21382 |archive-date=2023-06-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tech N9ne on Instagram: "IT'S COMING! #BLISS LP. Enjoy this BANGER of a pre order. 😃🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥" |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CrghFXDBfBE/ |website=Instagram |access-date=30 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
* ''5816 Forest'' (2025)

; ''Collabos'' series
* ''[[Misery Loves Kompany]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Sickology 101]]'' (2009)
* ''[[The Gates Mixed Plate]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Welcome to Strangeland]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Strangeulation]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Strangeulation Vol. II]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Dominion (Tech N9ne album)|Dominion]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Strange Reign]]'' (2017)
* ''[[COSM (album)|COSM]]'' (2024)
{{col-end}}

== Filmography ==
=== Documentaries ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Beef (documentary)|Beef]]''
|-
| 2003
| ''Das Bus''
|-
| 2004
| ''T9X: The Tech N9ne Experience''
|-
| 2004
| ''United Ghettos of America Vol. 2''
|-
| 2005
| ''Hip Hop Nation Vol. 1''
|-
| 2005
| ''Letter to the President''
|-
| 2008
| ''[[The Psychumentary]]''
|-
| 2009
| ''Strictly Strange''
|-
| 2010
| ''K.O.D. Tour (Live in Kansas City)''
|-
| 2011
| ''EuroTech Tour''
|}

=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
|-
| 2009
| ''The Life of Lucky Cucumber''
| Himself
|-
| 2010
| ''[[Big Money Rustlas]]''
| Unnamed character
|-
| 2014
| ''[[Vengeance (2014 film)|Vengeance]]''
| Choco
|-
| 2015
| ''[[Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D]]''
| Zombie<ref>[http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2010/10/tech-n9ne-in-the-news/tech-n9ne-to-appear-in-night-of-the-living-dead-origins-3d/ Tech N9ne To Appear In 'Night Of The Living Dead: Origins 3D' | Tech N9ne] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715052238/http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2010/10/tech-n9ne-in-the-news/tech-n9ne-to-appear-in-night-of-the-living-dead-origins-3d/ |date=July 15, 2011 }}. Blog.therealtechn9ne.com (October 11, 2010). Retrieved January 3, 2012.</ref>
|-
| 2015
| ''[[Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival]]''
| The Librarian
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Unsung (TV series)|Unsung]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Zapp & Roger"
|-
| 2012
| ''[[Hip Hop Squares]]''
| Himself
| 3 episodes
|-
|2013
| ''[[When I Was 17]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Tech N9ne, [[Bam Margera]], [[Olivia Munn]]"
|-
|2014
| ''[[Wild 'n Out]]''
| Himself
| Episode: 609
|}

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year
!Work
!Award
!Result
|-
|2009
|MTVU Music Awards
|Leftfield Woodie Award
|{{won}}<ref name="Woodie" />
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://www.therealtechn9ne.com/}}

{{Tech N9ne}}
{{Strange Music}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:N9ne, Tech}}
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