Legendary battle rapper Tech 9 has died, according to reports.
While the cause of his death is not yet known, battle rapper Buttah From The Block announced the news of his friend’s death in a post on Facebook after speaking to the Tech 9’s father.
Providing more info to XXL, Buttah said of Tech 9’s death: “Sadly it’s true. We lost a Philadelphia and battle rap legend and pioneer.
“Unfortunately we haven’t fully figured the cause of death. We are praying that it was natural causes. He had no signs of harm done to his body.”
Born Akeem Mickens, Tech 9, not to be confused with Strange Music’s Tech N9ne, has been a staple in the battle rap community for well over 10 years. A co-host of Champion, he’s battled some of the sport’s elite MCs, including T-Rex, Arsenal and Rich Dolarz as part of Smack’s Ultimate Rap League
https://youtu.be/qHmuqTe0hTo
Details about Tech 9’s reported passing have not currently been made public. NME will provide updates when more information is released.
Paying tribute on Twitter, Kendrick Lamar referenced one of Tech 9’s battle rap bars, writing: “THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK – Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well.”
THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK-
Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well.
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) March 25, 2019
Fellow Philly rapper Meek Mill wrote: “Rip dawg!!! I’m tired of saying rip.”
Rip dawg!!! I’m tired of saying rip ?????? https://t.co/zocx0pyUhL
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) March 25, 2019
G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks tweeted: “Rest In Peace to the Philadelphia legend Tech 9,” while Joe Budden wrote: “Not the news i wanted to wake up to…. smmfh.”
Lupe Fiasco also meanwhile, posted: “Rip Tech 9…one of the most entertaining battle rappers. Condolences to his family and friends. May God have mercy on his soul.”
https://twitter.com/Lloydbanks/status/1110124369781669888
Rip Tech 9…one of the most entertaining battle rappers.
Condolences to his family and friends.
May God have mercy on his soul.
— “DROGAS WAVE” & “BeatNPath” NOW PLAYING (@LupeFiasco) March 25, 2019
With heavy hearts we send our love & Condolences Out to friends and family of our friend, brother & Battle rap Icon Anthony “Tech 9” Mickens.. We Love You Brother!! You Will Be Missed Tremendously REST IN POWER.. #Legend #Icon pic.twitter.com/BOPbbjiokb
— Ultimate Rap League (@urltv) March 25, 2019
Nah not tech 9. Nope nope nope.
— IG: Mickey.Factz (@MickeyFactz) March 25, 2019
Not tech 9 …. please !!!! Somebody tell me something good ??
— King Los (@iamKingLos) March 25, 2019
Not the news i wanted to wake up to…. smmfh
— Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) March 25, 2019
Rest In Peace Tech 9 one of the funniest and illest battle rappers I’ve seen
— Denzel Curry (@denzelcurry) March 25, 2019
From the whole KOTD family,
Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to Tech 9’s family and friends.
He was a pioneer, a legend & a true champion #RIPTECH9 ?❤️
— King Of The Dot (@KingOfTheDot) March 25, 2019
Battle rap legend Murda Mook paid tribute, writing: “What the fuck is going on out here. Damn. I’m lost. Ever since day 1 nothing but genuine laughs and love. My sincerest condolences to your family and all loved ones. You were an amazing man. You will be unimaginably missed brother. I know Spittage about to tell you how super proud he was to be watching what you did and what legacy you left on this earth! Gone but never forgotten. Thank you legend. Back to the essence. RIP Tech 9 #Philly.”
Hitman Holla tweeted: “Opened this app to this ?? Wtf?? Damn this hurt to tweet .. RiP @Therealtech9 .. we lost a good nigga man .. this hurt fr.. damn man!,” with fellow battle rapper John John Da Don writing: “I didn’t cry when MJ, biggie or PAC died… but TECH?”
I didn’t cry when MJ, biggie or PAC died… but TECH? ?????
— #TopBull November 30 @bullpenbattles (@JohnJohnDaDon) March 25, 2019
Opened this app to this ?? Wtf?? Damn this hurt to tweet .. RiP @Therealtech9 .. we lost a good nigga man .. this hurt fr.. damn man!
— #BallGame✌ (@HitmanHolla) March 25, 2019
Premier Battles posted on Twitter: “We’re very sad to hear Philly and battle rap legend Tech 9 has passed away. His work both in the pit and as a co-host on Champion, pushed this strange little scene we’re all apart of forward everyday. Battle rap has lost a good one! Thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
We're very sad to hear Philly and battle rap legend Tech 9 has passed away. His work both in the pit and as a co-host on Champion, pushed this strange little scene we're all apart of forward everyday. Battle rap has lost a good one! Thoughts and prayers are with his family ?? pic.twitter.com/jJ50f7RjcW
— Premier Battles | Allstar Game 2019 (@PremierBattle) March 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/ShottyHorroh/status/1110072431207682048
Lost for words…. Rip @Therealtech9 pic.twitter.com/Pyv9F52B1k
— DRACULA? (@TheRealTayRoc) March 25, 2019
When I first started watchin battles I came up off the “Philly movement” and watched my boy shine, he didn’t have to be the most lyrical or the toughest but his skills were unmatched ?
this a tough one R.I.P king T wit a capital ??????— THE ? (@TOPBIZZY) March 25, 2019
— NEW JEROOZ (@NUJERZEYTWORK) March 25, 2019
Th3 Saga paid tribute by writing: “I’m writing this with tears in my eyes & in total disbelief in my heart….. – RIP @therealtech9 Not just a Legendary Battler & Colorful Analyst, but a loving father to his daughters, a son, and overall great man – YOU WILL FOREVER BE A CHAMPION TO US.”
I’m writing this with tears in my eyes & in total disbelief in my heart…..??????
–
RIP @therealtech9 ??
Not just a Legendary Battler & Colorful Analyst, but a loving father to his daughters, a son, and overall great man
–
YOU WILL FOREVER BE A CHAMPION TO US ?? pic.twitter.com/3opUxlCg46— Sensei Saga ????⛩ (@Th3Saga) March 25, 2019
This is a developing story.