The battle rap world was stunned but the legend left a permanent mark that will never be replaced.
***WARNING: Some videos contain strong language***
I regret that my first battle rap corner post has to be to deliver bad news about a pioneer in battle rap. We lost a great battler, and man in the culture.
Tech 9, who was born Akeem Mickens, passed away Monday morning. Though some are reporting he passed away in his sleep we have not heard official word on what caused his sudden death.
This post will not just focus on his death but the life and legacy he leaves behind in the battle rap world. He was part of the Resurgence class that helped catapult the culture from the street corners to Youtube to celeb-packed big stage events.
I remember the first time I saw one of his battles when he battled Head Ice back in 2010. I couldn’t stop laughing on how he had a unique way of saying things and his out of the world wit. I was an instant fan. Even when he unanimously bodied the Detroit legend Midwest Miles in the first Summer Madness. To watch how he controlled the crowd and had them in the palm of his hand still is one of the best moments in battle rap history.
That battle alone shot him up in the sport and secured more huge battles against Shotgun Suge, DNA and others. His resume alone and love for the culture made him the perfect fit for Jay Blac’s “Champion,” show. These two men help push the sport to new heights with their “Champion of the Year” competition each year that awards the best battler that year and commentated battles.
Being able to touch so many fans and batters are why so many are mourning the loss of their brother.
https://twitter.com/AYEVERB/status/1110342720109846529
https://twitter.com/x_factor01/status/1110202377892708352
Even celebrities like Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, and Tech N9ne have shown love and respect.
There is no doubting that this sport will miss Tech’s presence but most importantly we know his family is hurting much more. We send our condolences to his daughter, family, and love ones.
Battlers and the culture are trying to pay Tech 9 the proper respect for him in his hometown of Philly. We all knew how much he loved his city and the people in it. Right now a campaign is started to have the Mayor of Philadelphia, Jim Kenney, name a street after Tech “Wayne Ave” and/or mark March 25th “Tech Day.”
You can email the mayor at james.kenney@phila.gov to support the movement.
Finally, if you can donate to Tech’s family in their time of need, his father set up a donation page on Facebook.
Tech 9 will forever be a champion in battle rap.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvdDmvNAXJP/
