Email
Touring seems to get in the way of rapper Tech N9ne’s production of his upcoming album. The rapper plans to release his album on June 26.
Tech N9ne could never have imagined his life today.
The rapper – who was born Aaron Dontez Yates – has been in the music industry for more than a decade and his empire is growing.
Not only does Yates write his own music, he co-founded a record label, Strange Music Inc., and has a roster of hip-hop musicians.
“It’s tough,” he says during a recent interview from Kansas City, Mo. “I try to balance everything and sometimes it works out and other times not so much.”
Yates has been feverishly working on his upcoming solo album in the past couple of months, but recently ran out of time in the studio. Now, he must finish the album on the road.
“This is what makes it difficult,” he explains. “I’ve got to get all my studio stuff on the bus and be able to produce at the same level and quality. It’s a challenge but I’m going to try my best.”
Yates ran out of time because he was busy laying down guest spots on some of his labelmates’ singles.
 |
||
|
Tech N9ne With Brotha Lynch Hung, Kutt Calhoun, Rittz, Ces Cru WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday, March 24 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 25 WHERE: Sunshine Theater, 120 W. Central HOW MUCH: $32.50 at www.holdmyticket.com or 886-1251 |
|
|
The label consists of Brotha Lynch Hung, Krizz Kaliko and Kutt Calhoun, along with newcomers Rittz and Ces Cru. The group is currently on a small monthlong tour. Yates also will perform at the 2013 Paid Dues Festival in San Bernardino, Calif., on March 30. Others performing are musicians such as De La Soul, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Immortal Technique and Hopsin Black Hippy.
“When I’m in Kansas City, I’m constantly working,” he says. “I actually have to leave my home to get a rest. I’m excited that I get the opportunities that I do but in recent weeks, I’ve been having to push my stuff back.”
Yates does have a deadline though. It’s June 26.
“I’ve got 26 songs and that’s way more than enough to make an album,” he says. “I just need to tweak them and get them all album-ready. It’s difficult for me to concentrate on the road, but I’m going to have to (do) the best that I can.”
Yates feels he’s grown by leaps and bounds in the 15 years of his career. He says when he first started writing lyrics, it would take him a month to write a track.
“Working at the craft for such a long time, I’m able to get three or more songs a day if I’m really focused,” he says. “I’ve become more prolific and confident in what I do and I’m able to help out my crew with their music.”
Reprint story -- Email the reporter at agomez@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-823-3921
