“One of the funniest and illest battle rappers I’ve seen”: legendary battle rapper Tech 9 has reportedly died

Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill and Lupe Fiasco are just a few of the names who have paid tribute to the rapper.

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.”

Fellow Philly rapper Meek Mill wrote: “Rip dawg!!! I’m tired of saying rip.”

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

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?”

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.”

https://twitter.com/ShottyHorroh/status/1110072431207682048

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.”

This is a developing story.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

TRENDING

Advertisement

More Stories