Despite the make-up, the merchandise, and all the trimmings of self-made wealth, Tech N9ne is a minimalist. His new single “Aw Yeah? (interVENTion)” does not have a catchy beat at all. The song does not have a high concept, a catchy chorus, or a broad purpose. Instead, the Strange Music Technician simply just vents.

The record, set up like a lunch-table beat, finds the Missouri MC looking at police brutality, mass shootings, Bring Back Our Girls, political uprising, and more, and channeling the frustrations he feels—on behalf of the world—into a song. The visual arguably could apply to any Tech song. However the sincerity and somberness of the moment cannot. These issues matter to the King Of Darkness, and he even mentions how another Forbes wealth list causes “mo’ money, mo’ problems” for him too, while still mourning his mother.

This is from Special Effects (May 4).

In Ambrosia For Heads’ “Finding The GOAT…,” is Tech N9ne’s early loss one of the great surprises for an MC who truly embodies the tenants of the title?

Related: Finding the GOAT: Who is Your Wildcard Pick for Round 2?