Tech N9ne Clarifies He Is Alive After Fellow Rapper Tech 9's Death Sparks Confusion
The death of Tech 9, aka Akeem Mickens, caused much sadness for those who knew him and also led to confusion after some music fans misidentified him as fellow rapper Tech N9ne this week.
On Monday, many mistakenly mourned the Strange Music founder, whose real name is Aaron Dontez Yates, before he spoke out on social media to squash the rumors circulating about his death and express his condolences to the family of the Philadelphia battle rapper with a similar stage name who had died over the weekend.
“Condolences to the battle rapper Tech 9,” Tech N9ne, 47, somberly said in a monochrome video. “He’s been battling for years. I’ve observed many a battle of his. Condolences to the family.”
Condolences to the great Tech 9. #Philly pic.twitter.com/RGj3NNJEvZ
— Tech N9ne (@TechN9ne) March 25, 2019
“This Tech N9ne is going through customs back in the U.S., coming from Canada, coming from Europe,” the rapper continued while standing in the customs line at the airport.
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“My family is calling my phone wondering if I’m OK. I’m OK. My condolences go out to the battle rapper, Tech 9. Philly, stand up,” he concluded the video.
On Sunday, rapper Buttah From Da Block announced Tech 9’s death on social media.
