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CONCERT REVIEW: TECH N9NE @ HOUSE OF BLUES, SAN DIEGO, CA (05.11.18)

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Tech N9ne is arguably one of the most prolific artists on the planet today.   Known for his signature chopper style of rap combined with insanely intelligent lyrics, Tech has clearly set himself apart from others in the rap scene today.  On top of all of his individual successes (including a record setting 19 top-ten albums on Billboards Top Rap Albums Chart) , Tech N9ne has also developed legions of talent which he showcases on his independent record label, Strange Music, Inc.  Artists like the King ISO, Joey Cool, Mackenzie Nicole, Just Juice and Krizz Kaliko have seen their popularity skyrocket as a direct result of their collaboration with Tech N9ne. 

On Friday May 11th, hundreds of fans (known affectionately as Technicians) lined up early at the House of Blues – San Diego to participate in a one-of-a-kind Meet and Greet opportunity with Tech N9ne and other artists on the Planet Tour – 2018.  At the ridiculously low price of $175, attendees received a show ticket, a ton of Strange Music swag, and one-hour artist meet and greet.  Few artists allow the type of VIP access that Tech does, and it showcases the incredible relationship he has with his legions of followers all around the world.  And when you consider the thousands of additional fans that were also lined up (and ready to rush the barrier), there was no doubt in one’s mind that this show was going to be something special.

The first Strange Music act to take the stage on Friday evening was none other than King ISO.  To say these guys weren’t solid rappers would be an understatement.  This dynamic-duo from Omaha, Nebraska whipped the pit area into a frenzy that would set the stage for the rest of the evening's acts.  After a raucous 20-minute set, Kansas City native Joey Cool took the stage.  As if King Iso didn’t set the bar high enough, this guy literally took it up a notch with smooth songs from his 2018 self-titled release.  This was a super fun set from the Swagmaster General and laid additional groundwork for what was about to come over the next few hours.  Whether you like rap or not, Joey Cool is the real deal.  Smooth, personable, and humble coupled with an amazing stage presence that easily takes over a room.   Watch out for this guy in the years to come.

As fans were just beginning to catch their breath, Strange Music’s own Baby Girl, Mackenzie Nicole, took the stage and amazed the sold-out crowd with a powerful set that that literally rocked the venue to its core.  Definitely a different sound that the previous two artists, but one that had the near-capacity crowd mesmerized from her very first note. Then when you think it could not get any better, Boston native Just Juice strutted on to the stage.  As he saluted the crowd, Juice dug deep into his bag of tricks and captured the crowd almost instantaneously.    He carried himself with a certain 80’s type of swag, and he brought it to life in each song he performed Friday evening.  I think a fan I spoke with summarized his set best, “Juice brought the flavor to beautiful San Diego on Friday night.  He’s making old-school new all over again!”  Truer words could not have been said.

As the clock approached 9:00pm, the now capacity crowd seemed primed and ready to go. Chants of "Tech N9ne, Tech N9ne, Tech N9ne" echoed through a now packed house.  Most in attendance were brimming with a childlike excitement rarely seen at concerts these days.  As house lights dimmed, a fog began to fill the stage and as strobe lights began to flash.  Then, a large reflective ball (donning the iconic Strange Music logo) swung around and Tech N9ne appeared in what seemed to be a Strange Music throne.  Flanked by two full sized video twins, Tech N9ne launched into Planet’s 2018 smash, “Fresh Out!”  and the fans went ballistic.  

Over the next hour and a half, Tech N9ne put on a near-flawless show that seemingly blew the roof off San Diego’s House of Blues.  Technicians were treated to a massive set consisting of 25 mind-blowing tracks such as “Einstein”, “Worldwide Choppers”, and “Caribou Lou”.   And if that wasn't enough, the mind-blowing Krizz Kaliko joined Tech on stage for a handful of songs that took it to a whole new level in the Gas Lamp District.  From the first note of "Anxiety", energy in the house jumped to a whole new level.  It's like someone hit the accelerator and didn't tell anyone it was going to happen.  That type of energy is a testament to Krizz Kaliko and his talent as a rapper and entertainer extraordinaire.   Definitely a highlight of Friday nights show.

Tech N9ne’s monster set finally ended around 11:00pm with an all-out lyrical assault courtesy of fan-favorite “Stamina” and “Hood Go Crazy” - off 2015’s Special Effects.  Fans of all ages were out of their seat, off their feet, and rocking to the beat as the show’s encore came crashing to a screeching halt.  The show started just as it ended - with passion, energy, and heart.  What an incredible way to end what many said was Tech’s “best show of the 2018 tour so far”.   

To paraphrase legendary football coach Lou Holtz, “For those who have seen Tech N9ne perform live, no explanation is necessary.  For those who have not, no explanation will suffice”.   Tech N9ne slayed the San Diego crowd with a near-flawless performance that transcended time and space for those in attendance.  And if you take a moment and really listen to the substance of Tech’s lyrics, you’d understand just how talented this man is.  He’s not just a rapper, but an incredible storyteller that shares his personal autobiography every time his pen hits the paper. Tech N9ne shows are a culmination of this work and will probably be some of the most real performances you will ever see live.

If you have an opportunity to see Tech N9ne on his Planet Tour - 2018, make the call now and grab your tickets today – you will not be disappointed.  Tech N9ne is an absolute genius – combining flawless vocals, relevant lyrics, and non-stop energy to every show he headlines.  On top of that, he plays with a reckless abandon that takes what would already have been a solid performance to incredible new levels each and every show.   Tech N9ne brought it on Friday evening and showed America’s Greatest City why he is one of the most incredible artists on the planet today.   No brag, just fact.

For more information on Tech N9ne’s 2018 Planet tour, go to https://www.strangemusicinc.com/tours for all the latest information on upcoming tour dates, VIP Packages, and all your favorite Strange artists.  

In addition, stay tuned to www.hunnypotunlimited.com for upcoming interviews with Tech N9ne and Joey Cool.   You’ll definitely want to hear what these two have to say regarding the Planet Tour - 2018, their current releases, and their thoughts on the best BBQ in Kansas City!

Stay Frosty and Rock On!

Matthew Belter

Executive Editor - Long Beach

Website: iceboxphoto.com Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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