Music is a powerful medium. I enjoy it on many different levels, and in many different forms. For 2017, I have challenged myself to examine music from different genres to recognize the similarities, or differences, not only in the artists, but also the fans. Afterall, we at RockRevolt Magazine are all about bringing the music to the people. This series of articles, reviews, and pictures will be different from the usual hard hitting metal we usually deliver. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Today, we’re crossing over into Rap. I give you Tech N9ne.
Tech N9ne and his Strange Music crew rolled into Portland, Oregon, and blew the doors off the Roseland Theater. The bass speakers in the facility were simply inadequate for the thundering lows in Tech N9ne’s music. No worries, this show was BYOB (Bring Your Own Bass). Supplemental subwoofers were placed front and center which shook the floor all the way to the ceiling. Tech N9ne joked that he was told not to stand in certain places because the ceiling would crack and drop a brick on his dome. I almost think he was serious.
But, the show didn’t kick off with “The G”, “The Clown”, or “The King.”
The Strange Music crew rolled into town with Ces Cru, Stevie Stone, and Brotha Lynch Hung to kick things off. Each crew took the stage and like a well-oiled machine just riddled the audience with line after line, lyric after lyric, and beat after beat. The frenzied Portland audience absorbed every lyric from start to finish and kept screaming for more. The Portland audience wasn’t much different from what I typically see at a metal show. The only difference really was the attire and the lack of eyeliner. I spoke to several people throughout the night. A few of the “tough guys” played it off that their ladies made them go to the show, but when they thought I wasn’t looking, you could see their heads nodding right along.
When Tech N9ne took the stage, the whole house went wild. Rising ten feet into the air behind the massive LED panels on the stage, the masked rapper stood like an idol being displayed in a museum, before stepping forward onto a platform which lowered him to the stage. The first persona appearing would be “The G”. Thus would begin a 46-song onslaught, the likes of which I’ve never seen at a rock show. Tech N9ne is so fluid, so masterful on the mic that I couldn’t help but stand there in awe. With the mic in his right hand and his lips moving at light speed, his left hand and fingers twitched with each rapid-fire synapse as it evolved into words being sent through the PA. On stage with Tech N9Ne were several LED panels, two of which displayed Tech N9ne’s “Clown” and “King” alter-egos. Tech N9ne’s movements on stage perfectly choreographed to his own likenesses on the LED monitors.
On the second song of the set, Tech N9ne humbly requested that the audience start a mosh pit. I guess that the PDX hip-hop crowd needs a few pointers though. I saw a few fights, but perhaps these youngsters need to see an Anthrax or Slayer show.
Also joining Tech N9ne on stage for nearly half the set was Krizz Kaliko. Tech N9ne and he trading off verses and the spotlight. Before the night was through and the proverbial curtains descended, Tech N9ne displayed each of his “G”, “Clown”, and “King” personas. The setlist included favorites “Dysfunctional,” “KCMO,” “Godspeed,” “Sriracha,” and the hits such as “Caribou Lou.” I was hoping to hear “The Beast,” but I certainly didn’t leave the show disappointed.
If you’re a ride or die metalhead, I get it. But, if this show is coming to your town, you owe it to yourself to get out there and see Tech N9ne and his Strange Music crew.
Connect with Tech N9ne (click icons):
Words and pictures by RockRevolt Photojournalist Terry L White
