Tech 9, the Philadelphia battle rapper, has died, according to friends. One of the rapper’s close friends, Buttah Madison, made multiple posts on Facebook regarding Tech 9’s passing. In one of those tributes, Madison referred to Tech 9 as “a legend and a pioneer, gentleman, great father entrepreneur, enthusiast and philanthropist.” Tech 9’s cause of death has not been made public, nor have the circumstances of the rapper’s death. Madison said that he confirmed Tech 9’s passing through speaking to the rapper’s father. Tech 9, real name Akhiym Mickens, is survived by two daughters. He was 32 years old. Throughout his rap career, Tech 9 was renowned for his battles with Arsenal and T-Rex. Arsenal wrote in tribute to Tech 9, “REST EASY MY BOY WE WILL ALL MISS U….. ? LONG LIVE @therealtech9 DAM MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YA FAMILY AND FRIENDS….. SAD DAY FOR BATTLE RAP.” Here’s what you need to know: 1. Lloyd Banks & Lupe Fiasco Have Both Paid Tribute to Tech 9 VideoVideo related to tech 9 dead: 5 fast facts you need to know 2019-03-25T09:54:52-04:00 Despite his status as an underground rapper, some of hip-hop’s elite have been paying tribute to Tech 9. Among the rappers paying tribute was New York rapper Lloyd Banks who said on Twitter, “Rest In Peace to the Philadelphia legend Tech 9.” While Chicago’s Lupe Fiasco tweeted, “Rip Tech 9…one of the most entertaining battle rappers. Condolences to his family and friends. May God have mercy on his soul.” Rap mogul Joe Budden added, “Not the news i wanted to wake up to…. smmfh.” Kendrick Lamar tweeted, “THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK- Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well.” 2. Tech 9’s Death Has Led to Confusion With Many Believing Strange Music’s Tech N9ne Has Passed As news of Tech 9’s death spread across social media, confusion arose with many thinking that Strange Music founder Tech N9ne had passed. To help to clear up the confusion, Vibe deputy editor, William Ketchum III, said, “There’s gonna be a lot of confusion this morning. Tech 9 (@Therealtech9), a respected battle rapper, passed away. Tech N9ne, founder of Strange Music, is still with us. Hip-hop definitely lost someone dear today. Just want to be clear on who it was.” Tech N9ne later took to Twitter to pay tribute to Tech 9: https://twitter.com/TechN9ne/status/1110192699888545793/video/1 3. Tech 9’s Final Instagram Post Paid Tribute to His Late Sister Tech 9’s final Instagram post paid tribute to his late sister. The rapper wrote, “9 years to this date my sister passed away leaving us with many questions however Allah makes absolutely no mistakes! We love you ❤? rest up Queen.” That last update came in December 2018. In 2017, Tech wrote on Twitter that his sister had been murdered in 2009. Haala Mickens was killed in a shooting in December 2009 in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. You can find your way around almost anything in life except death — Tech 9 ?Twitacapitol (@Therealtech9) May 21, 2013 On his Instagram bio, Tech 9 wrote, “Public Figure. Billed from Philadelphia, PA #CHAMPION.” He went on to describe himself as “THE ESPN OF BATTLE RAP #STOPTHEMICROWAVE.” “Stopthemicrowave” is a reference to Tech 9’s catchphrase, “Microwave Stopper,” which was part of his critique of fellow battle rappers, according to hip-hop bible The Source’s tribute to Tech 9. That report makes reference to Tech 9 being “very generous teaching others about this art form he so loved.” 4. Tech 9’s Last Recorded Battle Was in July 2018 VideoVideo related to tech 9 dead: 5 fast facts you need to know 2019-03-25T09:54:52-04:00 Tech 9’s last recorded battle was against Geechi Gotti in July 2018, according to Genius.com. A month earlier, he had battled Jimz. That marked his first rap battle since August 2016 and the first time he had been recorded battling twice in a year since 2015. Tech 9 was only recorded once in 2014 and not at all in 2013. Tech 9 had become as famous for his color commentary on battle raps on the online series, “Champion,” along side Jay Blac. Tech 9 wrote on his Twitter bio, “MC Battle Analyst as seen on ?CHAMPION ? Part-Time MC with Full-Time benefits.” 5. In 2014, Tech 9 Was Accused of Trying to Run Over His Girlfriend In His Car In May 2014, Tech was accused of simple assault, theft, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property and harassment. A report from the time said that police responded to a home in Philadelphia after hearing a domestic incident was reported. The rapper was accused of attempting to run his girlfriend over in a car after he was accused of stealing her purse, that had a large amount of money in it. The report says that in the past, Tech had been accused of vandalizing his girlfriend’s car. The incident was referenced by battle rapper DNA during a battle with Tech 9 in 2015. READ NEXT: Michigan School Teachers Admit to Making Adult Movies on the Side<doc-sep>Seasoned battle rapper Tech 9 has died at the age of 32 years. A cause of death was not immediately revealed. The rapper, whose real name is Akeem Mickens, was a notable figure in the rap battle scene for upward of ten years. Mickens's friend, rapper Buttah From-Da Block, announced his passing on Facebook in a series of emotional posts. "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 in a Facebook status with a photo of Tech 9. "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." Buttah said there were no signs of physical harm on Mickens's body when he was found, in a comment to Newsweek. "Sadly its true," Buttah explained. "We lost a Philadelphia and battle rap legend and pioneer. He's a friend of mine and I work with his family." As for how Mickens died, it's still unclear. "Unfortunately we haven't fully figured the cause of death we are still waiting on the autopsy. We are praying that it was natural causes. He had no signs of harm done to his body." Buttah also said Mickens was "rushed to the hospital with the help of his neighbors." Tech 9 was known for his skillful rap battles in which he faced big names like T-Rex and Arsenal, according to XXL. He did not cross over into radio hip-hop but did gain the respect of notable artists throughout his time as a battle rapper. Some of those artists expressed their grief for his passing on Monday. Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar was one of the first to pay his condolences on Twitter. "THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK- Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well," Lamar wrote on Monday morning. Lupe Fiasco also contributed to the sorrowful conversation. "Rip Tech 9...one of the most entertaining battle rappers," he shared on Twitter. "Condolences to his family and friends. May God have mercy on his soul." Some Twitter users were confused about Tech 9's death, as he shares a similar name to another respected music community member. It's important to note Tech 9 is not Tech N9ne, who founded Strange Music, as there has been some confusion online as to which of the musicians has passed. This article has been updated to include a comment from Buttah From-Da Block.<doc-sep>Legendary battle rapper Tech 9 has died, according to reports. While the cause of his death is not yet known, battle rapper Buttah From The Block announced the news of his friend’s death in a post on Facebook after speaking to the Tech 9’s father. Providing more info to XXL, Buttah said of Tech 9’s death: “Sadly it’s true. We lost a Philadelphia and battle rap legend and pioneer. “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.” Born Akeem Mickens, Tech 9, not to be confused with Strange Music’s Tech N9ne, has been a staple in the battle rap community for well over 10 years. A co-host of Champion, he’s battled some of the sport’s elite MCs, including T-Rex, Arsenal and Rich Dolarz as part of Smack’s Ultimate Rap League https://youtu.be/qHmuqTe0hTo Details about Tech 9’s reported passing have not currently been made public. NME will provide updates when more information is released. Paying tribute on Twitter, Kendrick Lamar referenced one of Tech 9’s battle rap bars, writing: “THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK – Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well.” 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 Fellow Philly rapper Meek Mill wrote: “Rip dawg!!! I’m tired of saying rip.” Rip dawg!!! I’m tired of saying rip ?????? https://t.co/zocx0pyUhL — Meek Mill (@MeekMill) March 25, 2019 G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks tweeted: “Rest In Peace to the Philadelphia legend Tech 9,” while Joe Budden wrote: “Not the news i wanted to wake up to…. smmfh.” Lupe Fiasco also meanwhile, posted: “Rip Tech 9…one of the most entertaining battle rappers. Condolences to his family and friends. May God have mercy on his soul.” https://twitter.com/Lloydbanks/status/1110124369781669888 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” & “BeatNPath” NOW PLAYING (@LupeFiasco) March 25, 2019 With heavy hearts we send our love & Condolences Out to friends and family of our friend, brother & Battle rap Icon Anthony “Tech 9” Mickens.. We Love You Brother!! You Will Be Missed Tremendously REST IN POWER.. #Legend #Icon pic.twitter.com/BOPbbjiokb — Ultimate Rap League (@urltv) March 25, 2019 Nah not tech 9. Nope nope nope. — IG: Mickey.Factz (@MickeyFactz) March 25, 2019 Not tech 9 …. please !!!! Somebody tell me something good ?? — King Los (@iamKingLos) March 25, 2019 Not the news i wanted to wake up to…. smmfh — Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) March 25, 2019 Rest In Peace Tech 9 one of the funniest and illest battle rappers I’ve seen — Denzel Curry (@denzelcurry) 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 Battle rap legend Murda Mook paid tribute, writing: “What the fuck is going on out here. Damn. I’m lost. Ever since day 1 nothing but genuine laughs and love. My sincerest condolences to your family and all loved ones. You were an amazing man. You will be unimaginably missed brother. I know Spittage about to tell you how super proud he was to be watching what you did and what legacy you left on this earth! Gone but never forgotten. Thank you legend. Back to the essence. RIP Tech 9 #Philly.” Hitman Holla tweeted: “Opened this app to this ?? Wtf?? Damn this hurt to tweet .. RiP @Therealtech9 .. we lost a good nigga man .. this hurt fr.. damn man!,” with fellow battle rapper John John Da Don writing: “I didn’t cry when MJ, biggie or PAC died… but TECH?” I didn’t cry when MJ, biggie or PAC died… but TECH? ????? — #TopBull November 30 @bullpenbattles (@JohnJohnDaDon) March 25, 2019 Opened this app to this ?? Wtf?? Damn this hurt to tweet .. RiP @Therealtech9 .. we lost a good nigga man .. this hurt fr.. damn man! — #BallGame✌ (@HitmanHolla) March 25, 2019 Premier Battles posted on Twitter: “We’re very sad to hear Philly and battle rap legend Tech 9 has passed away. His work both in the pit and as a co-host on Champion, pushed this strange little scene we’re all apart of forward everyday. Battle rap has lost a good one! Thoughts and prayers are with his family.” We're very sad to hear Philly and battle rap legend Tech 9 has passed away. His work both in the pit and as a co-host on Champion, pushed this strange little scene we're all apart of forward everyday. Battle rap has lost a good one! Thoughts and prayers are with his family ?? pic.twitter.com/jJ50f7RjcW — Premier Battles | Allstar Game 2019 (@PremierBattle) March 25, 2019 https://twitter.com/ShottyHorroh/status/1110072431207682048 When I first started watchin battles I came up off the “Philly movement” and watched my boy shine, he didn’t have to be the most lyrical or the toughest but his skills were unmatched ? this a tough one R.I.P king T wit a capital ?????? — THE ? (@TOPBIZZY) March 25, 2019 Th3 Saga paid tribute by writing: “I’m writing this with tears in my eyes & in total disbelief in my heart….. – RIP @therealtech9 Not just a Legendary Battler & Colorful Analyst, but a loving father to his daughters, a son, and overall great man – YOU WILL FOREVER BE A CHAMPION TO US.” I’m writing this with tears in my eyes & in total disbelief in my heart…..????? ? – RIP @therealtech9 ? ? Not just a Legendary Battler & Colorful Analyst, but a loving father to his daughters, a son, and overall great man – YOU WILL FOREVER BE A CHAMPION TO US ?? pic.twitter.com/3opUxlCg46 — Sensei Saga ??? ?⛩ (@Th3Saga) March 25, 2019 This is a developing story.<doc-sep>
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhZLkloATxP/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet Tech 9, born Akeem Mickens, and most famously known for being one of battle rap’s modern greats passed away this morning. Tech 9 was very widely appreciated across the culture for his contributions and skill. Not only could he take you out in a battle but he transitioned into being a legendary commentator, too. Many fans were confused initially confusing him for the similarly-named rapper Tech N9ne. Tech N9ne had nothing but appreciation for the Philly-born emcee. He took to social media to say a few words after news of his passing broke amid calls from his own family asking if he was healthy. “Sadly it’s true. We lost a Philadelphia and battle rap legend and pioneer,” battle rapper Buttah From The Block told XXL. “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.” Well-known rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, Denzel Curry, and Lloyd Banks have also hopped onto Twitter to show some love for Tech 9 and wish his family the best. 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 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 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 With heavy hearts we send our love & Condolences Out to friends and family of our friend, brother & Battle rap Icon Anthony “Tech 9” Mickens.. We Love You Brother!! You Will Be Missed Tremendously REST IN POWER.. #Legend #Icon pic.twitter.com/BOPbbjiokb — Ultimate Rap League (@urltv) March 25, 2019 Tech 9 most famously made his impact in the Ultimate Rap League (URL). People would tune in just to see him rhyme. He used his gift of turning a phrase and top-of-the-dome thinking to give you the most colorful commentary during other battles. Rest in peace to a rap legend.