Have you ever wondered who spits the most syllables per second in “Worldwide Choppers”? Of course you have.

Look no further than this infographic sent to us by Ben Luschen, dedicated fan and Technician.

Here you have every Choppers song broken down by

• The emcee
• Syllables per word
• Syllables per second

This is hip hop broken down to a science!

Click on the photo below to check it out!

• What do you think of the results?
• Are they what you expected?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

As 2013 rolls on, fans on the web continue to push rumors and speculation as to just who Tech N9ne will link up with next for his Something Else LP. From alternative rock heavyweights to rap’s elite, it seems like no one is off limits in the discussion.

With the recent release of their Random Access Memories album, house music icons Daft Punk find themselves at the top of the music world once again, and with all of the current attention centered on the legendary beatsmiths, we wonder – what would happen if Tecca Nina met the robotic duo on wax?

Dating back to their first outing as Daft Punk on “The New Wave” to their most recent full-length project, the French duo of Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter has always pushed for innovation and originality. Daft Punk’s influence can be spotted all around the music world and pop culture in general.

From Kanye West’s “Stronger” to Busta Rhymes’ “Touch It”, Daft Punk’s signature sound has been sampled countless times – even Strange Music’s own ¡MAYDAY! got in on the action by going over “Robot Rock”. So if hip hop loves Daft so damn much, why haven’t we gotten a Tech N9ne and Daft Punk collabo? We don’t know quite frankly, but we do know we want it.

On Random Access Memories, Daft Punk upped the ante and relied heavily on live instrumentation to craft a funky mix of dance hits and futuristic compositions, breathing fresh life into the duo’s catalog. If that sounds like someone else you know, it might be because since his inspiration from Kanye’s MBDTF, Tech N9ne has sought the same re-invention in his sound.

At opposite ends of musical genres, Tech N9ne and Daft Punk have one more thing in common – their incredibly badass live performances. Hailed for his explosive stage presence, Tech has been deemed time and time again to have the best live show in hip hop. Likewise, Daft Punk may very well lay claim to the best damn show in electronic and house music. Don’t believe us? Peep the video below.

The question is, just how would these two musical powerhouses meet? Some may suggest Daft Punk put a new spin on a Tech N9ne classic. We’d like to think a Tech N9ne appearance on a Daft record would be the most appropriate way to go. Can you imagine the Kansas City King hurling lighting-fast syllables during a signature Daft Punk build-up? Yep, there’s every reason in the world to get excited about the possibilities.

Whether or not we ever get this is anyone’s guess, but with Strange Music’s general expanding his horizons each and every time out, it may soon be time for fans to get a taste of  Tech N9ne x Daft Punk.

- Victor Sandoval, Strange Music Social Media – @VicMSandoval

Would you ever like to see a Daft Punk and Tech N9ne collaboration? What would you name it?

Join the discussion by leaving your thoughts below!

]]> http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2013/05/tech-n9ne/imagining-daft-punk-x-tech-n9ne-discussion/feed/ 64 http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2013/05/strange-music/ray-manzarek-rest-in-peace/ http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/2013/05/strange-music/ray-manzarek-rest-in-peace/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 21:50:47 +0000 Jeff Nelson http://blog.therealtechn9ne.com/?p=38058

Today the music world lost one of the greatest to ever touch a keyboard.

Ray Manzarek, one of the two founding members of The Doors, passed away at the age of 74.

It was in July of 1965 that a random encounter between the prodigious keyboardist and Jim Morrison would eventually turn into one of the most influential bands of all time: The Doors. For the short duration that they were together, The Doors would push the boundaries of rock and roll, fusing blues, rock, jazz and psychedelia in a way that has yet to be equalled and is impossible to imitate.

It goes without saying that The Doors is the reason that Strange Music got its name. Tech N9ne, being a huge Doors fan, would name his company after the song “People Are Strange”, one of The Doors biggest hits.

We at Strange Music want to pay our respects to one of the most influential musicians in the history of popular music.

Thank you for the music Ray. We’ll see you on the other side.

It’s been almost a year since Slumerican rep Rittz stepped out in front of Kansas City to get chained-up by the general himself, Tech N9ne.

Since getting the official seal of the Snake and Bat, Rittz has embarked on two nationwide tours and after years on the grind, finally released his national debut album with The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant. Earning a top 200 Billboard debut, the album made one thing clear: Jonny Valiant has arrived.

With all of the buzz surrounding White Jesus, we caught up with Tech N9ne for a quick word as he laid down some knowledge about his latest addition to Strangeland.

Give me the Tech N9ne review of The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant.

It’s beautiful to hear Strange through the whole album because he is Strange. Way before he even signed to Strange. I think the fans – I don’t think, I know the fans are loving it. Not just because “Say No More” is a killer, but also “My Interview” is the shit. The one with Big K.R.I.T. (hums “Wastin’ Time”). It’s beautiful. It reminds me of being in Atlanta and rolling in that car on the artwork, at night and blowin’ on a blunt. That’s what the album feels like to me. It’s wonderful.

It seems like “Switch Lanes” really has the potential to break Rittz and Strange Music to radio.

Yeah. I’m anxious to see what the radio will do for us. I don’t see it because I’m out here, but when I get home I’ll see the spins and shit, but I have no idea who’s playing it right now. I know radio is responding per Travis. I expect it to be a big hit. We’ve always had artists on the radio, but we ain’t never had one played on the radio constantly with a hit.

But if we’re talking about, does it sound like something that can really go? Yes, it does.

We’re almost at that one-year mark since Rittz was signed. What’s it been like to watch him develop?

He was already developed before he signed to us. I’ve seen his shows in Nashville and KC. He was already developed and Strange-bound. The fans knew his style was Strange all day – that rapid style, so he fits in perfectly. They’re taking to him wonderfully out here. He’s already developed, you know? He’s doing the same thing and it’s beautiful. He didn’t have to change nothing, add nothing, or take nothing away.

He was already blossomed before he signed to us.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JONNY VALIANT!

• Do you agree with Tech’s comments on Rittz?
• Will “Switch Lanes” bring Strange Music a smash radio hit?

Drop your opinion below! 

It’s an issue that’s been around for decades and while it’s normally associated with rock n’ roll, rappers have had to to deal with their share of overzealous females on stage.

As most fans have no doubt read by now, Danny Brown made headlines recently after a performance in Minneapolis saw the Detroit emcee get more than he bargained for by an eager girl at crotch-level. If that isn’t enough of a hint, let’s be real – Danny Brown supposedly got head on stage and a photo of it leaked online.

While everyone in the blogosphere has had their say in the matter – we recommend Kitty Pryde’s awesome piece, we decided to take the subject straight to someone who knows a thing or two about crazed females : Tech N9ne.

While out on the Independent Powerhouse Tour 2013, Tech weighed in with his thoughts…

“I got a picture of it yesterday. When you’re performing in places and people are right by your crotch, they try to go in my pants all the time. You look down to see if it’s a guy – it’s not, and it’s a girl so then you try to gently slap the hand. They go in and try to grab my dick all the time – on this tour, they do. You just gotta know how to handle it. Obviously my nigga Danny, probably don’t have a woman at home, so he can let it happen a little bit. Not me (laughs).

We wear belts, you know. We wear uniforms so the only way to get in our pants is to go through those long-ass slits on our army pants, but they get in there when we do ‘Worldwide Choppers’ down there with the crowd. The first thing they do is try to grab your dick. It’s normal. You just have to know how to deal with it. When someone’s trying to give you a fucking stroke job while you’re trying to concentrate on music, you gotta pull back. You can pull back. If you’re in the moment and you’re feelin’ good, maybe you’ll grab her hand, but I ain’t never did that. They waitin’ to take me to jail for indecent exposure and that ain’t about to happen.

It is what it is. It could easily happen, but we wear uniforms. I don’t even know the full story, but from the picture I got, it looked like he had her head. So…they don’t get that far with me.”

• What’s your take on the whole incident?

• What would YOU have done?

Shout it out in the comments below!

The legend soon returns.

R.A. The Rugged Man, the legendary Brooklyn rhyme-spitter is making his triumphant revisit to the shelves with Legends Never Die, which features Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, Hopsin, Talib Kweli, Brother Ali and many more.

R.A. will be hosting an exclusive live video chat to talk about the album.

Ask him whatever you want?

• What’s on the album?
• What’s in store for the future?
• What was it like to work with Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko?

On top of that, R.A. will be premiering the song he did with Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko: “Holla-Loo-Yah”. This is an event that no Technician will want to miss.

Support an underground legend by joining him for his exclusive video chat.

It all goes down 4/22/2013 from 6-7PM EDT.
Click here to RSVP

• What’s your favorite track by RA The Rugged Man?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

Over the decade, we’ve seen Tech N9ne solidify himself as one of the best live performers in hip hop. From the accuracy of his delivery, to the theatricality of the light show and to his impeccable dance moves, there’s no doubt that he will be forever known as one of the best performers in music, much less hip hop, to hold down a stage.

But there’s a side of him that we have yet to see that could yield results far more intriguing…

What would happen if you took all the lights away, put a stool on the center of the stage and surrounded Tech N9ne with a live band?

What you would have is Tech N9ne Unplugged.

What began in the early 90s as a series on MTV soon turned into a phenomenon: artists forced to convey their songs without the aid of electric instruments. The results have yielded classic performances that have arguably become more popular than the original recordings themselves: from Eric Clapton’s rendition of “Layla” to Kurt Cobain’s heart-wrenching performance of “All Apologies”, the understated delivery of the songs cleared the way for the songs’ emotional weight to hit people square in the face.

Unplugged took a turn for the innovative when hip hop was thrown into the mix. LL Cool J was the first to turn the rap game on its head with his now-classic performance that almost became more infamous for his deodorant stains than his ear-shattering ability to rock a microphone with no DJ.

Later on Unplugged and hip hop took an even bigger marriage when Jay-Z performed with The Roots as his backing band. The album that resulted would end up in the top 20 of the Billboard pop charts and sell gold.

So what would happen if you put Tech N9ne in the same setting? Pure magic.

Which songs would he want to perform?

Which songs would you want him to perform?

• With Tech N9ne’s extensive catalog, we can only imagine the possibilities: what would it be like to see a band keep up with all the twists in turns in “Come Gangsta”?
• How about “Holier Than Thou” or “Fuck Food” with Tech N9ne backed up by choir section?
• Picture a single spotlight shining directly on the piano player as he opens up with the ominous riff to “K.O.D.”
• Since it already sounds like he’s rapping over a jazz band, why not just give him one for “KJOMD”?
• How many songs on the Bad Season mixtape sound like they’re begging to be performed by a live band? Almost all of them.

We could go on and on and on (the first Tech N9ne performance without face paint?), but we want to know what you think.

• Which songs would you want to see Tech N9ne perform Unplugged? Why?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

On Sunday, February 10, 2013 you’re about to see Tech N9ne like you’ve never seen him before on MTV2′s When I Was 17.

We decided to take a look back in time to see what life was like when Tech was 17.

On November 8, 1988 Aaron Dontez Yates celebrated the ripe young age and would live it out in much of 1989, a time of transition and many regrettable fashion and music trends.

Let’s take a look…

MUSIC

1989 saw the first arrival of the suburban boy band who were called New Kids On The Block, causing headaches for many that still resonate to this day. 1989 also saw the rise of another manufactured group, Milli Vanilli. The duo went 6x platinum but suffered a major media backlash when it was revealed that the voices on the record were not those of Milli or Vanilli.

In hip hop, 1989 marked a transitional period which is apparent in some of the albums that hit the shelves. The D.O.C.’s No One Can Do It Better is a West Coast classic produced entirely by Dr. Dre, and would be one of the last big records from the West Coast that wasn’t completely influenced by G-Funk. Tech N9ne even referenced the album in an interview as the album that made him want to rap for good. Check out the song “It’s Funky Enough” below, the track that Tech N9ne paid homage to in “It’s Alive” with the lines “One, and then comes the two to the three and four!”

MOVIES

1989 saw the arrival of many dramatic classics and a few blockbusters that still have an influence to this day. Films like My Left Foot, Born On The Fourth Of July and Field of Dreams all carried a melodramatic tone and feel. ’89 was also a game-changing year for adventure and science fiction, as it saw the arrival of Batman, The Abyss, Back To The Future II and Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade.

A monumental film to arrive in 1989 was Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing. Taking place in Brooklyn’s infamous Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, the film follows the various characters through one of the hottest days on record in New York City. The film marked the arrival of Spike Lee as a major force in cinema and proved to be a landmark in the study of race relations in American culture.

FASHION

Pictures say more than words in this case.

COOL

The Air Jordan IV

Chicks In Dance Wear

And Miniskirts

Flat-top Fades

Big Gold Chains

NOT COOL

Shoulder Pads

Roadkill-Like Perms

And Mullets

Fingerless Gloves

Slap Bracelets

TUNE IN TO MTV2 AT 12PM CST THIS SUNDAY (2/10/2013)
TO WATCH WHEN I WAS 17 FEATURING TECH N9NE

• What do you remember from ’89?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

Tech N9ne has the wildest, craziest and most dedicated fan base in hip hop, hands down.

Need proof?

Look below. These are just a few of the thousands of tattoo pics we’ve received at fans@strangemusicinc.com.

SEND YOUR TATTOO PICS TO FANS@STRANGEMUSICINC.COM!

• Which tattoo is your favorite?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

With Tech N9ne gearing up for his biggest album of all time, we put together a list of producers he has yet to collaborate with that we think would take his sound up another notch.

With music certain combination of musical elements are combined, what would be normal to most, could prove to be incredibly Strange when combined with Tech N9ne’s unique brand of lyrical mastery.

Hit-Boy

Undoubtedly one of the hottest producers in the game, this California native broke out with probably the most played song in 2012, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Ni**as In Paris”. Since then he’s produced heater after heater, including GOOD Music’s “Clique”, A$AP Rocky’s “Goldie” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle”. Unlike many producers who also opt for soundscapes full of unidentifiable blips and beeps, Hit-Boy combines the abstract new school with the melodic and groove-oriented old school, resulting in a new sound that doesn’t get played out. - Jeff Nelson

DJ Premier

Icon, wizard, greatest of all time…what else can you say about DJ Premier that hasn’t already been said? The master on the boards and musical encyclopedia has been producing classics for more than 20 years and shows no signs of stopping. To pick examples of his sampler mastery and knack for drum patterns that break your neck would take forever, but here’s a few: Nas “Nas Is Like”, Royce Da 5’9 “Boom”, Gang Starr “Above The Clouds”, Jay-Z “So Ghetto”, and Notorious B.I.G.’s  “Unbelievable”. One thing that DJ Premier is known for is scratching in vocals from the artist’s previous songs in the chorus. Given Tech N9ne’s long catalogue, Premier would have a lot of samples to choose from. We’ve seen what happens when Tech hops on east coast beats with the Bad Season mixtape. DJ Premier would take that to the next level.   - Jeff Nelson

Big K.R.I.T.

Over the last couple years, Big K.R.I.T. (which stands for King Remembered In Time) has made quite a name for himself among Hip Hop heads and casual listeners alike with his southern drawl and meaningful lyrical content, but a surprising amount of people don’t know that he’s produced the majority of his own music, as well as tracks for some pretty notable rappers (Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, and T.I. among others). K.R.I.T.’s production style is obviously influenced by the sounds of the south, and I think the laid-back, lush soundscapes K.R.I.T. constructs would give Tech the opportunity to slow things down. But I also think Tech’s rapid-fire delivery would sound incredible over one of these slowed-up beats. - Brent Bradley

Alchemist

Alchemist is another producer who’s considered to be one of the best of all time, and for good reason. His beats are sinister as fuck, a sound that would pair perfectly with Tech’s equally sinister rhymes. Alchemist has produced for damn near everyone, and more than likely has production credits on some of your favorite albums (Prodigy’s H.N.I.C., Nas’ God’s Son, and Slaughterhouse’s S/T just to name a few). - Brent Bradley

Just Blaze

Another innovator of the sampling game and a veteran producer responsible for a plethora of hit singles, Just Blaze is arguably the baddest producer to ever hook up with Jay-Z, contributing to classics like The Black Album and The Blueprint.

From clean and elegant string samples to bouncy cuts that can border on grimy, Just Blaze has flexed his versatility with some of the best including Eminem, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and XV. Much like the Kansas City King, you can’t really place Just Blaze in a box and personally, we wouldn’t mind hearing a “Just Blaaze!” and “Tech N999ne!” exchange. - Victor Sandoval

Rick Rubin

The most decorated producer on this list, Rick Rubin is largely responsible for the success of the hip hop industry and has worked with just about every artist in every genre imaginable including Jay-Z, The Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash, Metallica, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Geto Boys, Slayer, and Run D.M.C.

As the co-founder of Def Jam, no one has a better understanding of hip hop’s meager beginnings and it’s his often bare-bones production style that perfectly reflects this. Known to completely re-invent an artist’s sound and direction, Rick Rubin is who people go to for fresh ideas. Having explored so many sounds and deliveries, we can’t even imagine what would happen if Rick Rubin pushed Tech N9ne to revamp everything he’s ever known and start from scratch in the studio.

This is not just a beatmaker kids. - Victor Sandoval

• What do you think of the producers in this list? What are your favorite tracks by them?
• Which producers do YOU want to see Tech N9ne work with in 2013?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!