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With two decades trudging through the murky waters of the music business under his belt, Tech N9ne is primed for the biggest year of his career. His forthcoming album, Special Effects, is projected to be his most ambitious project yet. The rapper is out for blood, literally, which the king of rap’s indie circuit made clear during a recent sit-down at The Boombox office.
“After this album, everybody’s gonna know me,” Tech N9ne tells The Boombox with the utmost confidence when asked what he feels the impact of Special Effects will be. “There’s no way I’m ‘sposed to be on the incline ’bout to be 44 years old this year. There’s no way. I’ve been around so long that I’ve seen rappers make it and plummet.”
The Kansas City native compares his position in the rap game to a being that lives forever. “I feel like I’m Dracula, dude, like, um… Nosferatu, you know. I’ve seen the rise and fall of a lot of y’all, you know what I’m saying. I’m still on the incline and It makes me feel immortal,” he explains. “I’ve seen so much, man, with MCs rising to fame and then plummeting, you know, and yet, we’re still on the incline and there’s still awareness and Tech N9ne’s still growing and growing after all these years.”
Special Effects will be Tech’s 15th studio album, released via his Strange Music record label, which houses artists such as Murs, Krizz Kalico and Rittz, among others. A few of the songs released from the LP include the album’s intro track, “Aw Yeah,” “Dyin’ Flyin’” and the 2 Chainz and B.o.B.-assisted “Hood Go Crazy.”
While the rhymer has been mum on actual details as far as production and guest appearances — he hasn’t even revealed a track list yet — he insists that Special Effects will be a musical experience for the ages and will set him apart from the pack, solidifying his place at the top of the game. There is an interesting rumor that a collaboration with Eminem is also to be included on the album, which should continue to stir up anticipation and add to fans’ intrigue.
In addition to releasing an album, Tech N9ne — who is renowned for his showmanship and high-octane performances — is also gearing up to hit the road for his upcoming Special Effects tour, which will feature appearances from Chris Webby, Krizz Kaliko, Murs, King 810 and ZUSE. The expansive stage show will include various musicians, props and other bells and whistles. The tour kicks off on April 8 in Tulsa, Okla. and hit cities nationwide, including shows in Arizona, California, New York and Texas.
Be sure to check out our upcoming full-length interview in which Tech N9ne talks about his career, life and what the future will bring for him and his Strange Music family.
Special Effects arrives May 4.
Watch Tech N9ne’s “Aw Yeah? (interVENTion)” Video
Watch Tech N9ne Freestyle for The Boombox’s 16 Bars
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