'More Fear': Tech N9ne's incendiary album is an ambitious, cutthroat and concise LP
Aaron Dontez Yates, commonly known by his stage name Tech N9ne, has dropped his album, 'More Fear', on August 14. Adding another entry to his impressive musical résumé, 'More Fear' follows his earlier album, 'EnterFear', which also arrived in 2020.
Tech N9ne (pronounced tech nine) is Yates' stage name, which originated from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun. The moniker was given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his rapid-fire vocal style. Later Yates shared its deeper meaning, saying that it stands for the complete technique of rhyme, with "tech" meaning technique and "nine" representing the number of completion.
A proven entrepreneur, Yates co-founded and established the independent hip-hop record label Strange Music in 2000 with business partner Travis O'Guin. His musical career has seen him selling over two million albums and has had his songs featured in film, television, and video games.
'EnterFear' has already impacted the charts since its release in April, peaking at No. 92 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and at No. 11 on Billboard's US Independent Albums chart. The album features guest appearances from Krizz Kaliko, King Iso, Landxn Fyre, Flatbush Zombies, and more.
When it comes to his music, Tech N9ne fires off on all cylinders and his latest LP is no different. 'More Fear' presents itself as neat, clean-cut and concise yet its fire is found in the content of its seven tracks, two of which are skits and not songs.
With tracks combining recorded dialogue, sound effects and more, 'More Fear' is theatrical at its core. In 'Enterfearance (Intro 3)' Yates' ability to switch up vocal rhythm and accentuation with ease is nothing short of mind-blowing. Every bar or two, Tech N9ne alternates between lyrics on beat, to vocal triplets, to one-crotchet pauses, to trigger-happy spitting all within the space of a few bars.
Then in steps 'Bitch Slap'. What starts out like cocky old-school with a fattened beat (we hear a trace of Busta Rhymes) quickly turns into a screamfest. With distortion guitar and featured guests, Corey Taylor (frontman for Slipknot and Stone Sour), Hopsin and Great Daeg yelling "Bitch slap. Quick cap," it is clear Yates' intentions on the LP are cutthroat and uninhibited.
On 'More Fear' there are also psychedelic elements to get listeners racking their brains to its meanings.
In 'I Don't Give a Pho' featuring Krizz Kaliko, over a ghostly hum, Tech N9ne raps lyrics like "I don't know why people try to play the fucking role. Acting like they rocking with you but they really foes. They gon’ let you know just how they really feel in post. I gave ‘em a hell of a living on the road. Now they acting hoe and everybody knows (What they do?) Showing all 32s when you see the girly dudes. Turn around and spit they dirty views. All despite the dough and all the early food."
In the following Krizz Kaliko collaboration, 'Inside', a Las Vegas show tune takes the sonic theme. Instrumentally, think somewhere between elevator music or a casino anthem pinched and distorted by a haunting, alternate hip-hop universe.
Carrying on with the eery theatrics for 'Specter', Tech N9ne challenges the music Press for not giving him sufficient love and never rating him as GOAT. "Mission child he knew it that I'm a boss laughter. 'Cause they don't know the story behind the chop master. Who they give the credit to got a lot faster. They say they popping rosé and think I pop chaste. Looking through me like I'm a ghost that shot past ya. Like when you ever seen my name in the top rappers?" spits the rapper.
Overall, 'More Fear' showcases Yates ability to hit poetical lyricism that is prominent and captivating but certain moments in the music call for better polishing that would do the vocals more justice. Listening to the album for the rapping, you won't regret it, but listening to it for a catchy melody and you may feel a little shorthanded. Nevertheless, Tech N9ne has proven to have a lot of tricks up his sleeve on 'More Fear' and we highly recommend it.