Tech N9ne: Killer

Tech N9ne's Killer is an effective guillotine that is decapitating his unprepared competition, annihilating its opposition, both those that are underground and those that are mainstream. According to Billboard.com, Killer held the no. one position on the Top Independent Albums chart and is currently no. 25 on the Top Rap/R&B Albums chart. The fact that an independent artist like Tech is snatching national attention is a testament to this evolving MC's ability to appeal to an array of people.

Killer is a double disc that has four well-placed skits and 28 tracks. Tech eloquently navigates his arsenal of vocabulary and lyrically assassinates with a barrage of metaphors. His delivery is reminiscent of Oswald's "magic" bullet: it leaves listeners in disbelief. Everything from gospel to Kabosh (an effort by Tech and Krizz Kaliko to contribute to the world of rock) is offered. The album is also stockpiled with respected features: Kutt Calhoun, Shawnna, The Popper, Paul Wall, Mistah F.A.B., Ice Cube and Scarface, to name a few.

Disc one's introductory skit finds a reluctant Tech in a psychiatrist's office where he divulges bogus feelings. Don't fret, this is not his last album. "Wheaties," "Crybaby," "Black Boy," and "Hope For A Higher Power" are nestled with lyrical treasures. One will be able to identify with several tracks on the first disc.

Disc two commences with "I Love You But F*** You." The song's universal theme of love that went awry is the musical personification of how one feels after a relationship turns sour. "One Good Time" is a retrospective effort that questions many of life's circumstances. While "Seven Words" as well as "The Sexorcist" will be received well in any club.

"Enjoy" and "I Am Everything" reaches out to a broader audience, however, hip-hop purists will appreciate the quality rhymes on these records. "Happy Ending" is a near flawless effort where Tech invites his fans into his innermost conflicted thoughts. Since he is married to his fans, perhaps any relationship outside of theirs is doomed to encounter dysfunction. Is it possible for anyone to be happy in a polygamist relationship? Hopefully, Tech will one day be blessed with a balance, in regards to his public and private relationships.

Overall, Killer is destined to become a classic. The seamless variety and consistency of lyrics and production will be rewarded with longevity, and the content rivals that of Anghellic. Tech N9ne is neutralizing the disparity of the mainstream from the underground. On "Why You Ain't Call Me" Tech states, "If music was about innovating and penetrating generations by generating musical integration / it wouldn't be about limitation and demonstrating imitation within blatantly just disintegrating..." Tech N9ne is innovation personified, Killer is proof of this.

GO BACK TO SITE