Tech N9ne Explains Executive VP Role At Strange Music With Ballerstatus (Interview)

In the past few years, Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne has emerged as one of biggest hip-hop acts in the biz, despite doing everything independently through his Strange Music label. He's done well. So well, in fact, that in his nearly 20-year career, he's has sold over 1 million units collectively.

While it's his solo career that generates the majority of the Strange Music's profits -- via CD sales, a rigorous touring schedule, and merchandising -- the rapper is becoming quite the businessman, helping the label generate revenue elsewhere through their growing roster of artists.

At Strange Music, Tech holds the title of Executive Vice President, where he works hand-in-hand with CEO Travis O'Guin in making the big decisions.

While in L.A. for a show earlier this month, we caught up with Tech to find out exactly what his duties as a label executive entails.

"I'm the n**** that brings in all the acts. A lot of clothing you see, Travis will run it through me: 'What do you think?'" Tech explained to BallerStatus.com. "As vice president, I sit beside Travis ... when I'm there. We put things together ... together, whether it be merchandise, whether it be the tours. We do everything 50/50 man. Whenever I come back from a tour, he runs it all down to me. If I say 'Yah', we go.

As an exec, Tech has helped sign several artists to Strange Music. Their most recent signee is veteran horrorcore rapper Brotha Lynch Hung, who dropped his label debut Dinner and a Movie in late March.

As a fan of Lynch since his 1993 debut 24 Deep, Tech brought the Sacramento rapper to the label, but it was important, he says, to make sure felt at home. As an artist himself, who's been through ups and downs in his own career, Tech says the treatment of his artists are one of his top priorities ... and so far, so good.

"When people weren't being true [in my career], it let me learn what not to do when it come to my artists. Or to be 100 with my artists and not be shady ... hide money, do all kind of stupid sh**," Tech N9ne explained. "To have Brotha Lynch Hung over here, happy; to have Krizz Kaliko over here, happy; Kutt Calhoun over here, happy; Cognito over here, happy; Big Scoob over here, happy. That's a big thing. Means we're doing it right.

"It lets me sit back and say 'Yes, I did something correct'. "

Even with the "vice president" label on his resume, Tech N9ne says he's still 100% focused on the music side of things, entrusting O'Guin to handle everything, business-wise, day-to-day.

"I don't balance it," the rapper admitted. "Travis handles everything else at home, because I do too much on the artist side. I'm touring, I'm in the studio 24/7. That's why I keep a Blackberry, because it's the business phone. Travis keeps me up to speed on everything."

With all Tech's success, we asked if he plans to retire from music sometime in the future to focus more on label duties. To sum up his answer: "never."

"Music is in my veins ... in my bones. I don't think I'm ever gonna be able to stop until I die man," the rapper said. "I tried to stop around Killer time. I'm 38 years old, and move up there like I'm 19. I'm getting stronger. My hair's getting longer and I'm stronger. I'mma keep moving until my ankles don't work no more."

Strange Music are not resting on its laurels. They have a full schedule of projects set to drop throughout 2010.

Tech N9ne just dropped a five-song EP called the Lost Scripts of K.O.D. weeks ago, but is planning the release of a K.O.D. DVD, a third collabos album called The Ollie Gates Mixed Plate in July, a new solo project from Krizz Kaliko called Shock Treatment, the June release of Kutt Calhoun's Raw And Un-Kut, Cognito's Automatic, and another solo album from Big Scoob. (June 8) (source)

Hip Hop Producer Groove Chambers Tells The Storys Behind The Hits From The Studio

After producing and writing 10 joints from the Nappy Roots debut album, Watermelon, Chicken & Grits; the Lip Gloss (Lil Mama) producer Groove Chambers has blessed the mic with "In The Bag". Now he lets you into his world and tells his story via this interview..... enjoy!!!!

(video courtesy of Tree Leaf Music)

Janelle Monae 'The ArchAndroid' Arrives May 18; First Single "Tightrope" (ft. Big Boi)

via the press release

NEW YORK, NY--(February 11, 2010) - Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy recording artist Janelle Monáe has announced the release of her eagerly awaited debut album. "The ArchAndroid" will arrive in stores and at all DSPs on May 18th.

The album will be heralded by the first single, "Tightrope (ft. Big Boi)." The track will premiere on Thursday, February 11th on Pitchfork.com, with a companion song from "The ArchAndroid," entitled "Cold War," debuting the following day via Monáe's official website, janellemonae.com. Both songs will be available for purchase exclusively at the site beginning February 12th, and then at all DSPs on February 23rd. In addition, a music video for "Tightrope" is currently in pre-production.

"The ArchAndroid" is an "EMOTION PICTURE" brought to you by Janelle Monáe and the Mad Minds of the Wondaland Arts Society. The star-studded featured cast includes the legendary Big Boi of OutKast, renowned poet Saul Williams, psychedelic dance-punk troupe Of Montreal, punk prophets Deep Cotton, and the Wondaland Arch Orchestra.

The album was recorded at Wondaland Studios in Atlanta, but written all over the world, including but not limited to Moscow, Prague, Istanbul, Berlin, Amsterdam, New York, and the Palace of the Dogs. "The ArchAndroid" was inspired not only by the energy of these places, but by such revolutionary musicians and artistic visionaries as Salvador Dalí, Walt Disney, OutKast, Stevie Wonder, Octavia Butler, David Bowie, Andy Warhol, and John Williams. The album was Executive Produced by Nate Wonder, Chuck Lightning, Janelle Monáe, and Sean "Diddy" Combs, with Co-Executive Production from Big Boi of OutKast.

A ground-breaking, genre-blurring singer, songwriter, producer, and performer, Monáe's inventive style melds a refined pop sensibility with an extraordinary postmodern mash-up of soul, funk, and rock 'n' roll. Like Sly Stone, Prince, and OutKast, Monáe proves that innovative music can jam, while simultaneously inventing new concepts and sounds. "The ArchAndroid" follows the Grammy Award-nominated artist's two acclaimed EPs, 2008's "METROPOLIS: THE CHASE SUITE (SPECIAL EDITION)" and "METROPOLIS: SUITE I OF IV," both of which received extensive critical praise upon their initial releases.

Monáe is slated for a variety of live dates and TV appearances surrounding the release of "The ArchAndroid." A charismatic and unique live performer who has previously toured with No Doubt, Paramore, Erykah Badu, and Raphael Saadiq, she will also be doing a series of exclusive residencies in a number of cities across North America -- full details will be announced shortly via janellemonae.com.

What's more, Monáe is set to join this summer's much anticipated 2010 Lilith Tour, joining a star-studded array of female artists including Sarah MacLachlan, Norah Jones, Mary J. Blige, Loretta Lynn, Tegan & Sara, Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, and many others. Full tour details will be unveiled shortly.

Janelle Monáe is a true 21st Century musical phenomenon, earning widespread acclamation for her compelling cybersoul sound. The Atlanta-based artist -- who first garnered national attention for her collaborations with Big Boi on OutKast's "IDLEWILD" -- has been profiled in a wide range of national publications, including Vogue, GQ, SPIN, Nylon, PAPER, Essence, and the New York Times.

"A very different kind of diva," declared Vogue. "Monáe creates this futuristic world of hers by synthesizing past inspirations: the operatic pop and hornlike sharpness of Shirley Bassey, the energetic funk of James Brown, and the breezy rock and soul of OutKast," said Creative Loafing. "'It's been awhile since I felt so fully enraptured and bemused and awed as I did when she was on stage," proclaimed Paste, while Vibe noted, "Monáe's upcoming album is poised to bring an eclectic, urbane feel to today's R&B." "Janelle Monáe is honing her completely individual skills as a very exciting solo artist," said the UK's Blag, "not only in sound but very much in style."

Monáe has also drawn accolades from fellow artists across the musical spectrum. "What I love about Janelle is that she has a magical ability to bring folks together," says Big Boi, while his partner in OutKast, Andre "3000" Benjamin declares, "Ms. Monáe has one of the most enchanting voices of our generation. She's a living, singing babydoll. Darling... just darling. Ha."

Legendary artist Prince hails Janelle, saying, "She is so smart." "Janelle Monáe is one of the most important signings of my career," proclaims Sean "Diddy" Combs. "She is a true visionary, with an original sound and a mesmerizing presence. I can't wait to watch the future unfold for Janelle."

Tech N9ne Performance In Reno, NV On The K.O.D. Tour

Fan shot footage below.







Tech N9ne's K.O.D. Tour is currently underway. Seen here, Tech N9ne performed at the New Oasis in Reno, NV Wednesday, October 21.

10.25 - Rialto - Tucson, AZ
10.26 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
10.28 - Sunshine Theatre - Albuquerque, NM
10.29 - Aggie - Fort Collins, CO
10.30 - Fillmore - Denver, CO
10.31 - Cotillion Ballroom - Wichita, KS
11.01 - Cains - Tulsa, OK
11.04 - Austin Music Hall - Austin, TX
11.05 - The Village - Little Rock, AR
11.06 - Pops - St. Louis, IL
11.07 - Liquor Sweets, Milwaukee, WI
11.08 - Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
11.09 - Water Street Music Hall - Rochester, NY
11.10 - Palladium - Worcester, MA
11.11 - Webster Theatre - Hartford, CT
11.12 - Nor Va - Norfolk, VA
11.13 - Hammerstein Ballroom - New York City, NY
11.16 - State Theatre - St. Petersburg, FL
11.17 - Club Firestone - Orlando, FL
11.18 - Touch Nightclub - Jackson, MS
11.20 - Allen Event Center - Allen, TX
11.21 - Independence Event Center - Independence, MO

Tech N9ne - 'K.O.D.' on Strange Music in stores October 27.

(video courtesy of Anchellic)

DJ Z-Trip recaps DJ Jazzy Jeff incident in Kansas City

The event took place on Saturday June 6 at the Power & Light District in Kansas City for Barcardi B-Live.

Sounds like a venue city ordinance that shut down DJ Jazzy Jeff, which is unfortunate.

(courtesy of Fader & iExclusiveTV)