Tech N9ne is the Best Rapper Alive

On August 3, self-proclaimed “Best Rapper Alive” Lil’ Wayne called into Funkmaster Flex’s radio show from Rikers prison. The two spoke about Wayne’s experience behind bars and the enormous amount of support he has received from fans. About half-way through the interview, Wayne stated the following: “I've been saying to myself that I really want to do a song with either Andre 3000 or my man...Tech N9ne”. I know a lot of you are thinking “Who?” and that, my friends, is a tragedy.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Tech’s music, allow me to do the introductions. Tech N9ne is the most successful independent rapper in the country. He hails from Kansas City and, in my not-so-humble opinion, he’s the best rapper alive. Allow me to explain.

When one judges a rapper, there is a set list of qualities that must be taken into account when making an assessment. Those qualities are as followed: lyrical ability, entertainment value, flow, and marketability. At this point in my life, there is only one rapper that I have ever come across that has the lyrical prowess of Nas and Ludacris’ flow - that rapper is Tech N9ne.



Lyrical Ability
Did I really just say that Tech N9ne has the lyrical ability of Nas? I did. I realize that it’s a cardinal sin to mention an underground artist in the same breath as God’s Son but it’s true – Tech is equally talented. Just take a minute to listen to the song "One Good Time" – a track off 2008’s “Killer” in which Tech expresses an inability to cry despite his best efforts. The emotion in his voice on the song’s chorus, mixed with heartfelt verses, and incredible production make the track an instant classic. In a genre that’s often criticized for meaningless lyrics (congratulations to Waka Flocka’s “No Hands” for breaking the Top 40, by the way), Tech N9ne proves that, despite the impression that the radio may give, emotion still has a place in rap music. But don’t label him an “emo rapper”. The man throws one hell of a party.

Entertainment Value
Lets be honest, no one wants to hear Talib Tweli in the club and Flo Rida will never be mentioned in the same breath as Jay-Z. Rappers very much live inside of their comfort zones and there’s a good reason why; very few rappers are versatile enough to construct clubs hits while staying true to their lyrical roots (see Common’s “Universal Mind Control”). Off the top of my head, the only rappers I can think of that have this ability are Ludacris, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, T.I., Eminem, and Fabolous (all of which have had years of success thanks to their versatility). What separates Tech from other lyricists is his ability to put together a tear-jerking ode to his children on the same album as an absolute banger.

“So if Tech makes bangers, why haven’t I heard him on the radio?” you may ask. I’ll let Tech answer that one for you. (Yes. Tech raps faster in Pig Latin than your favorite rapper could in English) The fact of the matter is, Tech is a complete MC. That’s actually what the 9 stands for – the number of completion. A woman is pregnant for 9 months and a circle has 360 degrees (3+6+0=9). Don’t worry - my mind was blown too.

Flow
If you’ve been listening to the links that I have posted, there’s no reason why I should have to reiterate but, if you want to hear what the best flow in the business sounds like, look no further than "Too Much". Fast-forward to the forty-three second mark and listen to Tech make the beat his bitch. There’s no denying it; Tech is a beast.

Marketability
-He has sold over a million albums without breaking the Billboard Hot 100.
-He has been on tracks with the likes of Eminem, Three 6 Mafia, Ice Cube, Twista, Krayzie Bone, Crooked I, and Chino XL.
-His “Sickology 101” album remains one of the highest user-rated albums in DJBooth history and the album's lead single was widely acclaimed.

If you don’t believe this man knows how to market himself, you’re sadly mistaken.

Ten Essential Listens

"The Rain"
"Caribou Lou"
"Industry is Punks"
"The Beast"
"The Anthem" (w/Eminem, RZA, Xzibit, KRS-One, Chino XL...)
"Demons" (w/Three 6 Mafia)
"Blackboy" (w/Ice Cube, Krizz Kaliko)
"Problems" (w/Twista)
"Midwest Choppers II" (w/Krayzie Bone & K-Dean)
"Sickology 101" (w/Crooked I & Chino XL)

Conclusion
Wayne is going to be eaten alive.

Bets anyone?