Battle rapper Tech 9 has reportedly passed away. The artist, born Akeem Mickens, reportedly died Monday morning, XXL confirms.
Fellow battle rapper Buttah From The Block announced the sad news in a message on Facebook. Buttah told XXL that his family and friends were unsure of the cause of death at this time. “We are praying that it was natural causes. He had no signs of harm done to his body,” he said.
Tech 9, not be confused with Strange Music’s Tech N9ne, was a well-known battle rapper and pioneer. Since news of his passing circulated on social media, a number of hip-hop artists have offered their condolences.
“THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK- Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of Philly. Rest well,” Kendrick Lamar tweeted.
“Rip Tech 9…one of the most entertaining battle rappers. Condolences to his family and friends. May God have mercy on his soul.” Lupe Fiasco also tweeted.
Tech N9ne also released a statement, stating that he did not pass away and offering his condolences.
Check out more reactions from the hip-hop community below.
Condolences to the great Tech 9. #Philly pic.twitter.com/RGj3NNJEvZ
— Tech N9ne (@TechN9ne) March 25, 2019
With heavy hearts we send our love & Condolences Out to friends and family of our friend, brother & Battle rap Icon Anthony “Tech 9” Mickens.. We Love You Brother!! You Will Be Missed Tremendously REST IN POWER.. #Legend #Icon pic.twitter.com/BOPbbjiokb
— Ultimate Rap League (@urltv) March 25, 2019
THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK-
Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well.
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) March 25, 2019
Rip Tech 9…one of the most entertaining battle rappers.
Condolences to his family and friends.
May God have mercy on his soul.
— TAPE TAPE & HOUSE EP NOW PLAYING (@LupeFiasco) March 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/Lloydbanks/status/1110124369781669888
Rest In Peace Tech 9 one of the funniest and illest battle rappers I’ve seen
— Denzel Curry (@denzelcurry) March 25, 2019
You know how you say “Nah, he never gon leave us.” Like how we said about Stan Lee…. Thats Tech 9. 😢
— IG: Mickey.Factz (@MickeyFactz) March 25, 2019
Rest Easy to A Philadelphia legend Tech 9 🙏🏾 love & respect to his family and friends. As a fan of the battle rap culture this is a major loss.
— Smoke DZA (@smokedza) March 25, 2019