Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, and others mourn the death of battle rapper Tech 9
The Philly native’s cause of death has yet to be determined.
Condolences are pouring in for battle rapper Tech 9. Early Monday morning (March 25), fellow battle rapper Buttah From The Block broke the news of Tech 9’s death.
“Aw man it hurts me to be saying this right now and After speaking to your dad this is even harder to process,” he wrote on Facebook before confirming Tech 9’s passing. “PHILADELPHIA AND THE BATTLE RAP CULTURE ALL TOOK A LOSS WITH THIS ONE. HE WAS A PIONEER, GENTLEMAN, GREAT FATHER ENTREPRENEUR, ENTHUSIAST AND PHILANTHROPIST. With Deep Hurt And sorrow i say we will miss u and love u bro,” Buttah added.
In a statement to XXL, Buttah shared Tech 9’s cause of death has yet to be revealed. “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,” he told the outlet.
Tech 9 (real name Akeem Mickens) made a name for himself in the battle rap scene based on his unmatched wit and wordplay. Some of his most famous rap battles were against artists like Arsenal, Bill Collector, T-Rex, and DNA. Following the news of his passing, the hip hop community took to social media to express their grief and offer their condolences to his family and friends.
“THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK,” Kendrick Lamar tweeted, referring to one of Tech 9’s most memorable lines during his famous rap battle with Arsenal. “Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well,” K. Dot added.
“RIP to Tech 9 from Philly…1st cat who really made me pay attention to the new cats coming up battle rapping,” Virginia rapper Mad Skillz tweeted. “He was so ill. Insane wit the presence and bars. Man I loved watching that dude. Wish I met him so I [could’ve] told him how much I loved his work. Smh”
Lupe Fiasco, Smoke DZA, Denzel Curry, Tech N9ne, King Los, Lloyd Banks, and others also paid homage to the Philly native. Keep reading to see their heartfelt tributes to one of the most beloved battle rappers ahead.