Philadelphia battle rapper Tech 9 has passed away. Fellow Philly rapper Buttah From The Block confirmed the news via Facebook on Sunday (March 24).
“Aw man it hurts me to be saying this right now and after speaking to your dad this even harder to process,” he wrote. “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. Tell Spittage We gon hold it down bro. S.P.I.T.T.A.G.E. YALL MVFKAS BETTER GET IT RIGHT WAYNE A.V…REST IN PEACE TO MY BROTHER #TECH9 @therealtech9.”
Born Akeem Mickens, Tech 9 — not to be confused with Strange Music’s Tech N9ne — was a highly regarded icon in the battle rap world. For over a decade, he competed in dozens of battles, quickly establishing himself as a powerful force on the mic.
As of publication time, Tech 9’s cause of death hasn’t been revealed.
Several of his peers shared their grief on social media. From Kendrick Lamar and Tech N9ne to Lupe Fiasco and Lloyd Banks, there was no shortage of condolences pouring out for the late MC.
Check out the reactions below.
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
Condolences to the great Tech 9. #Philly pic.twitter.com/RGj3NNJEvZ
— Tech N9ne (@TechN9ne) March 25, 2019
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” NOW PLAYING (@LupeFiasco) March 25, 2019
Respect to Tech 9, his family, and Philly. Rest easy Champion
— Mike G (@GoMikeG) March 25, 2019
Nah not tech 9. Nope nope nope.
— IG: Mickey.Factz (@MickeyFactz) March 25, 2019
Crazy, i just talked to him on Twitter he told me he’s been watching me, hurts to hear this about a legend ? rip tech 9
Long Live the Legend
Rip @Therealtech9 ? pic.twitter.com/oDvGT3KML3— JP Cali Smoov™ (@JPCaliSmoov) March 25, 2019
RIP Tech 9, a Philadelphia Battle Rap staple. We weren't always on good terms but he reached out to me after Trice passed & thankfully we were able to put that all aside. Despite my line u always were a REAL Tech 9 & your OWN Tech 9. My condolences to his family, friends & fans.
— Okwerdz (@okwerdz) March 25, 2019
Not tech 9 …. please !!!! Somebody tell me something good ??
— King Los (@iamKingLos) 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
Yo my heart so heavy we really lost a philly legend today !!! TECH 9, I love you god! #battlerap ???
— Tierra Whack (@TierraWhack) March 25, 2019
RIP TECH 9
— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) March 25, 2019
RIP to Tech 9 from Philly…1st cat who really made me pay attention to the new cats coming up battle rapping. He was so ill. Insane wit the presence and bars. Man I loved watching that dude. Wish I met him so I cdve told him how much I loved his work. Smh
— Mad Skillz (@SkillzVa) March 25, 2019
WE GREW UP IN A SLIM ASS APARTMENT SO ME AND MY BROS USED TO WATCH THIS PART A THOUSAND TIMES AND LOL RIP TECH 9 FROM PHILLY!! THANK YOU! CONDOLENCES ?? pic.twitter.com/MRoUhSKIFi
— MR. WEEKLY (@CrookedIntriago) March 25, 2019
Rest In Peace Tech 9 one of the funniest and illest battle rappers I’ve seen
— ZXLTRXN (@denzelcurry) March 25, 2019
Rest In Peace to the Philadelphia legend Tech 9
— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) March 25, 2019
Rest Easy to A Philadelphia legend Tech 9 ?? love & respect to his family and friends. As a fan of the battle rap culture this is a major loss.
— Smoke DZA (@smokedza) March 25, 2019
