Some Of Hip-Hop’s Top MCs Mourn Philadelphia Battle Rapper Tech 9

Ambrosia For Heads

The Hip-Hop community is mourning the death of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Battle Rap veteran Tech 9 (aka Akeen Mickens). He is survived by a daughter. Details are still forthcoming in this developing story.

“Sadly it’s true. We lost a Philadelphia and Battle Rap legend and pioneer,” fellow competitive MC Buttah Madison told XXL, confirming today’s (March 25) report. “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.”

Eminem Returns To His Battle Rap Roots With 2018’s Best Freestyle (Video)

According to Verse Tracker, Tech’s battle record included face-offs against the likes of DNA, Arsonal, Rich Dolarz, and Shotgun Suge. He participated in the Ultimate Rap League and Street Arena circuits. He competed as recently as December, against Compton, California’s Geechi Gotti.

Tech’s peers including Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, Pharoahe Monch, Kxng Crooked, and Lloyd Banks expressed their condolences to Tech online. In particular, Monch revealed that Tech’s rhymes influenced one of the Queens, New York veteran’s choruses.

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

One of my favorite battle rappers … always had me in stitches .. wow … i always wanted to meet him. I never got to tell him I used one of his lines for a chorus …… I will pay homage. Rest In Peace sir I was a huge fan. https://t.co/iRqdmJILe7
— PHAROAHE ❄️ MONCH (@pharoahemonch) 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

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 to the Philadelphia legend Tech 9
— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) March 25, 2019

Not the news i wanted to wake up to…. smmfh
— Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) March 25, 2019

Despite some mutual connections, Tech 9 is not to be confused with Aaron Yates (aka Tech N9ne), the Kansas City, Missouri MC and co-founder of Strange Music.