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Tech N9ne brings back its urban edge back to Chilliwack

Tech N9ne is bringing back his hardcore hiphop to Chilliwack with an all-ages show in Evergreen Hall on Sept. 8.
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Tech N9ne will be rolling through Chilliwack for his show Saturday

Tech N9ne is bringing back his hardcore hiphop to Chilliwack with an all-ages show in Evergreen Hall on Sept. 8.

With signature face paint and give-it-all-you-got attitude, he doesn’t mind the title as one of the hardest working showmen in rap.

He’s been described as ‘bizarre hardcore’ and his lyrics definitely require a parental advisory.

Tech N9ne, born Aaron Yates, is co-founder of Strange Music, an indie label. But with a million records sold, tons of collaborations, his music on TV, in video games and movies, he’s become a force to be reckoned with in the underground hip hop world.

Last year he did about 200 shows, and his mantra is: “We will not rest until the whole world knows our story.”

The Progress caught up with him before he heads out on his Live in Canada tour, and later in the season to Europe.

Tech N9ne openly discusses artistic freedom, his favourite foods and even reveals something personal that people don’t know about him.

Here’s how the Q&A went recently:

You completely sold out our Evergreen Hall in Chilliwack last year with your last show. What are you going to do this year?

What am I not going to do? I would like to share my thoughts with the rest of the world, in a cluster*** of wildness.

Why make your show an all-ages event?

I think if you keep it young, your song is always strong. I learned that from old song called Street Life.

So what else is up this fall?

I’m heading out to do 24 shows across Canada. Then I’m going to finish my album in October and then fly to Europe in November to do 36 shows.

Have you named the new CD yet?

Yeah, but I can’t tell anyone yet. I like to keep things a little secretive. I really don’t know where I’m going yet. I just want it to take me. I know the album really is bigger than ever musically, and it has weird sounds all throughout it. I won’t say what kind.

Are you really the hardest working showman in hiphop? You routinely do more than 100 minutes on stage.

That show alone is a workout. I lose so much weight on the tour. But then I come home and Kansas City has so many food spots, whether it’s my favourites like barbecue or Italian food.

How important is the energy coming off the crowd? You once said you felt when you were younger, you would have either become a gang-banger or a psychiatrist. Do you still feel like you can sometimes be your fans’ shrink?

As they’re sad, as they’re mad, as they’re confused, we’re all a little confused. That’s what I enjoy the most. I have energy and I show it off to my fans. When I’m up there, nervous and hoping I don’t stumble, I start to tap in to all the people smiling at me, and the energy they’re putting out. Just the idea that I can bring so much happiness, that feels so positive to me.

What’s it like being on tour with Madchild and Krizz and all those guests? You must like collaborating.

I really do, man. I like mashups. When you work together with two or more brains - it’s like crazy and creative. Something you wouldn’t expect often comes up.

Of course, your lyrics and show come with a parental advisory due to the explicit nature. Is all that swearing really necessary?

I have to be able to say what I want to say. I don’t use curse words because I don’t have any other words to use. I say what I want. I write what I want. I do what I want. As long as I’m not mean to people, or hurting any babies, I’m good.

Tell us something we don’t know.

I used to have anxiety attacks on stage. I want to do well, but my lyrics are so intricate. My body used to shake but I learned how to stop it. I know that my fans know all the music and all the words. I worry that if I stumble they’ll hear it.

At the end of the show, you’ll often say the words: ‘Flawless victory!’ What’s that about?

It means I did everything exactly right. It’s hard what I do up here. I actually put thought and style and technique into it. And it’s ultra intricate.

Check out more about the artist at www.therealtechn9ne.com

Tech N9ne will be rolling through Chilliwack for his show Saturday, Sept. 8 at Evergreen Hall, with special guests, MadChild, Krizz Kaliko, Born Stoned, Kut Wax Crew, The Bossmen, Dazzle of 6Ninjas, Loc & Ol Grimey. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 or (+$10 for either rock star VIP entry or VIP 19+ after party). Tickets in Chilliwack at Clydesdale Capital Entertainment, 9229 Main Street, 604.392.5507 or WHEREITSATINC.COM 604.809.3810 or online at vancouver.nightbat.com/event-TechN9neChilliwack



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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