Tech N9ne, born Aaron Dontez Yates, is a renowned American rapper and singer with over two million albums sold. He co-founded the record label Strange Music in 1999, which has contributed to his music being featured across various media platforms such as film, television, and video games. His talent has garnered recognition including the Left Field Woodie award at the 2009 mtvU Woodie Awards.
November 8, 1971: Birth of Aaron Dontez Yates
Aaron Dontez Yates, later known as Tech N9ne, was born on November 8, 1971.
1991: Tech N9ne Joins Black Mafia
Tech N9ne's musical journey began in 1991 when he became a member of the group Black Mafia.
1993: Tech N9ne Signs with Perspective Records
As part of the group Nnutthowze, Tech N9ne secured a deal with Perspective Records in 1993. Unfortunately, the group disbanded shortly after.
1995: Marriage
Tech N9ne got married in 1995.
1997: Tech N9ne Joins The Regime
In 1997, Tech N9ne became part of the rap group The Regime, formed by Yukmouth.
1999: Tech N9ne Founds Strange Music
In 1999, Tech N9ne, alongside Travis O'Guin, established the record label Strange Music.
1999: The Calm Before the Storm Release
Tech N9ne released his debut album, "The Calm Before The Storm," in 1999.
1999: Tech N9ne Featured on "The Anthem"
Tech N9ne was featured on the 1999 track "The Anthem" by Sway & King Tech, a collaboration that included notable artists like RZA, Eminem, Xzibit, and others.
2001: Tech N9ne Releases "Anghellic" and Parts Ways with JCOR Records
Tech N9ne released his album "Anghellic" in 2001 under JCOR Records. However, disagreements over the album's promotion led to a separation, with Tech N9ne retaining the rights to his work.
2005: Separation
Tech N9ne separated from his spouse in 2005.
2006: The Beast Release
Tech N9ne released his song "The Beast" in 2006.
2006: Tech N9ne Releases "Everready (The Religion)"
Tech N9ne released the album "Everready (The Religion)" in 2006.
2006: Madden NFL 2006 Soundtrack
Tech N9ne's music was featured in the video game "Madden NFL 2006."
2008: Earthquake on America's Best Dance Crew
Tech N9ne's song "Earthquake" was featured on an episode of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" in 2008, challenging a dance crew to visually interpret the song's title through their performance.
April 2009: Tech N9ne Releases "Sickology 101"
Tech N9ne's second collaborative album, "Sickology 101," was released in April 2009.
August 15, 2009: The Beast at Strikeforce
MMA fighter Gilbert Melendez entered the arena to Tech N9ne's 2006 song "The Beast" for his bout against Mitsuhiro Ishida at the Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg event on August 15, 2009.
2009: Fight Night Round 4 Promotion
Tech N9ne and his labelmate Krizz Kaliko appeared in a promotional video for the video game "Fight Night Round 4" in 2009.
2009: Tech N9ne Wins Left Field Woodie Award
Tech N9ne's talent was recognized at the mtvU Woodie Awards in 2009 when he received the Left Field Woodie award.
2009: Tech N9ne Performs at Rock The Bells Festival
Tech N9ne's performance at the Rock The Bells Festival in 2009 marked a significant moment in his career.
2009: Let's Go for AXE Body Spray
In 2009, Tech N9ne's song "Let's Go" was featured in an online promotional short film for AXE body spray.
August 2010: Tech N9ne Collaborates with Lil Wayne
Tech N9ne's collaboration with Lil Wayne on the song "Interlude" from Wayne's album "Tha Carter IV" was released in August 2010. The track also featured Andre 3000.
2010: Tech N9ne Releases "The Lost Scripts of K.O.D" EP
Tech N9ne dropped the EP "The Lost Scripts of K.O.D." in 2010, featuring new tracks over beats not used on his previous album.
2010: Riot Maker as TNA Theme Song
Tech N9ne's song "Riot Maker" was chosen as the official theme song for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's 2010 Hardcore Justice pay-per-view event.
June 7, 2011: Tech N9ne Releases "All 6's and 7's"
Tech N9ne's album "All 6's and 7's" was released on June 7, 2011, featuring collaborations with various artists from both hip-hop and rock genres.
2011: BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher
Tech N9ne participated in the BET Cypher alongside B.o.B, Machine Gun Kelly, Kendrick Lamar, and Big K.R.I.T. at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards.
2012: Hip Hop Squares Appearance
Tech N9ne appeared on the MTV game show "Hip Hop Squares" for three episodes in 2012.
2012: Tech N9ne Announces Multiple Album Releases
Tech N9ne had a busy year planned for 2012, announcing the upcoming releases of his albums "Klusterfuk," "K.A.B.O.S.H.," and an untitled solo project.
June 25, 2013: Tech N9ne Announces "Something Else" Album Release Date
Tech N9ne announced that his thirteenth studio album, "Something Else," would be released on June 25, 2013.
July 30, 2013: Tech N9ne Releases "Something Else"
Tech N9ne released his album "Something Else" to critical acclaim on July 30, 2013.
2013: Demons on Ironside
Tech N9ne's song "Demons" was featured in the pilot episode of the television show "Ironside" in 2013.
January 2014: Tech N9ne Announces "Independent Grind" Tour
Tech N9ne announced his "Independent Grind" tour in January 2014, featuring Freddie Gibbs, Krizz Kaliko, and Jarren Benton.
January 30, 2014: Tech N9ne Announces "Independent Grind" Tour Dates
On January 30, 2014, Tech N9ne revealed the dates for his upcoming "Independent Grind" tour.
June 24, 2014: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Performance
On June 24, 2014, Tech N9ne appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to perform a medley of his songs, including "Fragile," "He's A Mental Giant," and "Stamina."
April 2015: Special Effects Tour Begins
In April 2015, Tech N9ne kicked off his "Special Effects" tour, accompanied by Murs, Chris Webby, Krizz Kaliko, Zuse, and King 810.
April 20, 2015: Tech N9ne Releases "Speedom (Worldwide Choppers 2)" Featuring Eminem
"Speedom (Worldwide Choppers 2)", a track from Tech N9ne's album "Special Effects," was released on April 20, 2015. The song notably featured Eminem.
May 4, 2015: Special Effects Release
On May 4, 2015, Tech N9ne dropped his album "Special Effects" to positive reception from both critics and fans. The album boasted an impressive lineup of guest appearances, including Corey Taylor, B.o.B, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, T.I., Hopsin, E-40, Yo Gotti, Audio Push, and Eminem, alongside Strange Music labelmates Krizz Kaliko, Big Scoob, and Ces Cru.
May 2015: Give It All on Inside the NBA
Tech N9ne's song "Give It All," from his album "Special Effects," was featured during the "Tip-Off" segment of Inside the NBA's coverage of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals in May 2015.
July 2015: Alleluia: The Devil's Carnival Release
Tech N9ne starred in the musical "Alleluia: The Devil's Carnival," which saw a limited theatrical release in July 2015.
November 20, 2015: Strangeulation Vol. II Release
Tech N9ne released "Strangeulation Vol. II" on November 20, 2015, marking his sixth installment in the "Collabos" series and his 16th album overall. The album showcased the entire Strange Music roster at the time, along with JL, Ryan Bradley, and Tyler Lyon.
November 25, 2015: Shine Release
On November 25, 2015, Tech N9ne released "Shine," a song featured in the Jaco Pastorius documentary, "Jaco."
2015: Divorce Filing
Tech N9ne filed for divorce in 2015.
January 11, 2016: Marilyn Manson Remix Release
Tech N9ne released his remix of Marilyn Manson's "The Beautiful People" on January 11, 2016, featured on Dr. Dre's "The Pharmacy" on Beats 1 radio.
December 2016: The Storm Release
December 2016 saw the release of Tech N9ne's 17th album, "The Storm," serving as a sequel to his 1999 debut, "The Calm Before The Storm."
January 2017: Dominion Announcement & Tour
In January 2017, Tech N9ne announced "Dominion," his seventh "Collabos" album, slated for release on April 7th. He also revealed plans to drop a second album within the "Collabos" series later that year. March 2017 saw Tech embarking on the "Strictly Strange '17" tour alongside other Strange Music artists.
June 20, 2017: First Platinum Record
Tech N9ne achieved a significant career milestone on June 20, 2017, earning his first platinum record for "Caribou Lou" after 18 years in the industry.
October 13, 2017: Strange Reign Release
Tech N9ne released his eighth "Collabos" album, "Strange Reign," on October 13, 2017, marking his second album release that year.
November 2017: Divorce Finalized
Tech N9ne's divorce was finalized in November 2017, concluding a 12-year separation that began in 2005.
March 2, 2018: Planet Release
Tech N9ne released his 20th studio album, "Planet," on March 2, 2018.
May 2018: Bou Lou Beer Collaboration
In May 2018, Tech N9ne announced a collaboration with Boulevard Brewing Company, a brewery based in his hometown of Kansas City, to create a new beer. The beer, named "Bou Lou" in a nod to his song "Caribou Lou," launched on June 18 in Kansas City, Wichita, Denver, and Oklahoma City. "Caribou Lou" is also a cocktail featuring overproof rum (the song specifically mentions Bacardi 151, which has since been discontinued), Malibu rum, and pineapple juice. The wheat beer itself boasts flavors of pineapple and coconut. By July 9, "Bou Lou" was available for purchase in the St. Louis market.
2018: Planet Announcement
During an interview on radio station GoMN in March 2017, Tech N9ne announced his next solo album, "Planet," planned for release in 2018.
April 19, 2019: N9na Release
On April 19, 2019, Tech N9ne released "N9na," marking his 21st studio album.
2019: Red Kingdom Release
Tech N9ne, a devoted supporter of Kansas City culture and the city's professional sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Sporting Kansas City, released a song titled "Red Kingdom" in anticipation of the Chiefs' participation in the 2019 AFC Championship game.
April 10, 2020: Enterfear Release
Tech N9ne released his 22nd album, "Enterfear," on April 10, 2020.
July 29, 2020: CMFT Must Be Stopped Feature
On July 29, 2020, Tech N9ne was featured on Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor's single "CMFT Must Be Stopped."
October 23, 2020: Fear Exodus Release
Tech N9ne released a new project titled "Fear Exodus" on October 23, 2020.
October 8, 2021: Asin9ne Release
Tech N9ne released his album "Asin9ne" on October 8, 2021, featuring guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Mumu Fresh, Snow Tha Product, Russ, E-40, X-Raided, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
2021: Loud Feature
Tech N9ne was featured on the song "Loud" from fellow Kansas City musician Samantha Fish's 2021 album "Faster."
2022: Bliss Announcement & They Know Meh Performance
Tech N9ne announced his upcoming album, "Bliss," during a performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on May 3rd, 2022. He also treated the audience to a live rendition of "They Know Meh," a track from the album featuring Kansas City rapper The Popper.
2023: Bliss Release
Following a slight delay from its initial July 14th release date, Tech N9ne's album "Bliss" finally dropped on July 28th, 2023. The album featured guest appearances from a range of artists, including Conway The Machine, Joyner Lucas, X-Raided, Kim Dracula, RMR, Qveen Herby, and Durand Bernarr.
2024: Ronald Feature and Music Video Appearance
Tech N9ne was revealed as a featured artist on Falling In Reverse's track "Ronald" from their upcoming album "popular monster" on May 7th, 2024. In the official music video, he portrayed a god-like entity, contrasting with the demonic final boss played by Alex Terrible, lead singer of the Russian heavy metal group Slaughter to Prevail.