kc strange noize roll call!!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter michampin
- Start date
he is the review from the kc star
Review: Tech N9ne
Photo courtesy of Tech N9ne/MySpace
The Kottonmouth Kings led an audience of about 3,000 in a chant of "Fa-mi-ly ... fa-mi-ly..." Saturday night at Sandstone.
If the six performers on the bill and their fans are indeed a family, it's a classic dysfunctional relationship. And the family member who suffers most is Kansas City's Tech N9ne.
The other acts on the Strange Noize tour are defined by their anti-societal rage and bacchanal impulses. The artistic links between Tech N9ne and his tour mates- drugs and decadence- highlight the least attractive and dullest elements of Tech N9ne's personality. Tech N9ne is at his best when he exposes his insecurities and darkest fears. Such compelling introspection was unwelcome Saturday.
Although he's an astonishing commercial success, Tech N9ne does not garner the critical acclaim he deserves as one of the boldest, most creative artists working today. It's guilt by association. The company Tech N9ne keeps isn't doing him any favors.
The Dirtball began Saturday's festivities with a question: "Who wants to get f****ed up?" the rapper hollered.
Prozak, the self-proclaimed "Hitchcock of hip hop," maintained the theme in his set: "Who's getting high tonight?" he asked. "Who's getting drunk after the show? Who got drunk before the show?"
Brother J, formerly of '90s hip hop group X-Clan, opened his performance by chanting "F**k the world."
He provided a refreshing burst of old school style. Even the seemingly mandatory freestyle over Lil Wayne's "A Milli" (the worst trend of 2008) was fresh.
The bluster of Brother J paled in comparison to (hed) p.e.'s confused screeds. "The Bible is bulls***t," Taxman railed. "The Koran is a lie."
Members of the thrash/reggae/metal band also extolled marijuana, discussed oral sex, mocked homosexuality and offered political insights about "a shadow government."
The audience adored (hed) p.e. They loved the Kottonmouth Kings even more.
Almost every sonically vacant song by the metallic rap band concerned drugs. Unwittingly, the Kottonmouth Kings made a convincing argument against the legalization of marijuana.
"Last time I was here with T.I. and bitch-ass Keyshia Cole," Tech N9ne said of a drama-filled show at Sandstone in June. He also sold out the Uptown Theater in April during his tour with Paul Wall.
Having already proven he's capable of besting those superstars, outclassing his current tour mates was child's play. The risk of overexposure was a greater concern. Yet the choreography, visual elements and music were altered enough to keep loyal fans riveted Saturday. Marveling at Tech N9ne's startling flow never gets old. And the solo turns by Krizz Kaliko and Kutt Calhoun are considerably improved.
"Thank you for making me the No. 1 independent rap artist in the world," Tech N9ne said. "For the last few days we've been celebrating. We just sold our 1 millionth album."
Having achieved that pinnacle, Tech N9ne ought to consider expanding his horizons. If he believes that associating himself with rock artists is the appropriate strategy, then he'd do well to work with more compelling acts. Gym Class Heroes, Red Hot Chili Peppers or Prince, for example, would be worthy collaborators.
"I'm doing elite sh*t," Tech N9ne said in an odd monologue. He indicated that he was frustrated because many listeners don't appreciate the complexities of his brilliant new album Killer. Even so, it's almost incomprehensible that he failed to perform a single song from the groundbreaking release.
It's as if he didn't believe Saturday's audience was up to the challenge. Breaking up may be hard to do, but it's time for Tech N9ne to find new dance partners.
Review: Tech N9ne
The Kottonmouth Kings led an audience of about 3,000 in a chant of "Fa-mi-ly ... fa-mi-ly..." Saturday night at Sandstone.
If the six performers on the bill and their fans are indeed a family, it's a classic dysfunctional relationship. And the family member who suffers most is Kansas City's Tech N9ne.
The other acts on the Strange Noize tour are defined by their anti-societal rage and bacchanal impulses. The artistic links between Tech N9ne and his tour mates- drugs and decadence- highlight the least attractive and dullest elements of Tech N9ne's personality. Tech N9ne is at his best when he exposes his insecurities and darkest fears. Such compelling introspection was unwelcome Saturday.
Although he's an astonishing commercial success, Tech N9ne does not garner the critical acclaim he deserves as one of the boldest, most creative artists working today. It's guilt by association. The company Tech N9ne keeps isn't doing him any favors.
The Dirtball began Saturday's festivities with a question: "Who wants to get f****ed up?" the rapper hollered.
Prozak, the self-proclaimed "Hitchcock of hip hop," maintained the theme in his set: "Who's getting high tonight?" he asked. "Who's getting drunk after the show? Who got drunk before the show?"
Brother J, formerly of '90s hip hop group X-Clan, opened his performance by chanting "F**k the world."
He provided a refreshing burst of old school style. Even the seemingly mandatory freestyle over Lil Wayne's "A Milli" (the worst trend of 2008) was fresh.
The bluster of Brother J paled in comparison to (hed) p.e.'s confused screeds. "The Bible is bulls***t," Taxman railed. "The Koran is a lie."
Members of the thrash/reggae/metal band also extolled marijuana, discussed oral sex, mocked homosexuality and offered political insights about "a shadow government."
The audience adored (hed) p.e. They loved the Kottonmouth Kings even more.
Almost every sonically vacant song by the metallic rap band concerned drugs. Unwittingly, the Kottonmouth Kings made a convincing argument against the legalization of marijuana.
"Last time I was here with T.I. and bitch-ass Keyshia Cole," Tech N9ne said of a drama-filled show at Sandstone in June. He also sold out the Uptown Theater in April during his tour with Paul Wall.
Having already proven he's capable of besting those superstars, outclassing his current tour mates was child's play. The risk of overexposure was a greater concern. Yet the choreography, visual elements and music were altered enough to keep loyal fans riveted Saturday. Marveling at Tech N9ne's startling flow never gets old. And the solo turns by Krizz Kaliko and Kutt Calhoun are considerably improved.
"Thank you for making me the No. 1 independent rap artist in the world," Tech N9ne said. "For the last few days we've been celebrating. We just sold our 1 millionth album."
Having achieved that pinnacle, Tech N9ne ought to consider expanding his horizons. If he believes that associating himself with rock artists is the appropriate strategy, then he'd do well to work with more compelling acts. Gym Class Heroes, Red Hot Chili Peppers or Prince, for example, would be worthy collaborators.
"I'm doing elite sh*t," Tech N9ne said in an odd monologue. He indicated that he was frustrated because many listeners don't appreciate the complexities of his brilliant new album Killer. Even so, it's almost incomprehensible that he failed to perform a single song from the groundbreaking release.
It's as if he didn't believe Saturday's audience was up to the challenge. Breaking up may be hard to do, but it's time for Tech N9ne to find new dance partners.
