Tech N9ne Delivers Eclectic Effort with ‘Special Effects’

Tech N9ne is one of a kind; he ranks among the most eclectic rappers in the game. Most of his eclecticism comes from being underground  as opposed to commercial. As of late, Tech N9ne has built a more faithful fan base, hence why his albums have consistently debuted soundly. Latest effort Special Effects is no different, landing at no. 4 on the Billboard 200.

Special Effects is a big album – ambitious in scope 80 minutes in duration. Even at 80-minutes,   Tech N9ne offers an album strong from start to finish. Given his stylistic restlessness, Tech N9ne incorporates “a little bit of everything,” including classical music!

On “Aw Yeah? (Intervention)” Tech N9ne ‘goes off,’ literally. He says it best himself: “I’mma yell while I’m walking through this hell cause I’m furious.” The sentiment of “Aw Yeah? (Intervention)” is anger, finding the rapper struggling with the loss of his mother. This is confirmed on the exceptional “Lacrimosa,” which like the Mozart requiem movement that fuels it, is a memorial of sorts (“Zoned out cause my mother is gone…my duty go if I’m moody yo, get up and get the song out…”).

The classical influence of “Lacrimosa” is completely worn off by the ‘Sunday Evening’ portion of Special Effects led by “On The Bible,” which is unquestionable hardcore, street-based rap. “Bible” is used as a source of morality within the title and contextually, but ultimately, there is little sanctified about “On The Bible.” “Shroud,” another winner (featuring Krizz Kaliko), is eerily dark, as N9ne raps, “This is darkness accumulated / over the years and heartless buffoons that made it.” Things grow their most disturbed on

Things grow their most disturbed on “Psycho B*tch III” featuring Hopsin. Honestly, no explanation is needed: “You’re just a shady b*tch, on the daily on some crazy shit / you don’t f*ck around with a lady, it’ll be a blaze where your Mercedes sit.”

“Wither” is nothing short of epic. Featuring Corey Taylor of Slipknot, has rap dude ever rocked out harder? This is one of the better metal/rap combinations you will ever here as both artists feed off of each other’s energy. “Wither” is the final full-length closing out ‘Sunday Evening’ before “Hood Go Crazy” dominates the ‘Monday’ portion of Special Effects. The production work of “Hood Go Crazy” allures and hypnotizes the listener before N9ne further ‘blesses’ the standout with his blunt rhymes. He gets some help from B.o.B. and 2 Chainz. How does N9ne follow it up? – With a joint featuring Lil Wayne, Yo Gotti, and Big Scoop (“Bass Ackward”).

‘Tuesday’ features just one song, “No K” featuring E-40 and mainstay Krizz Kaliko. Arguably Wednesday’s joints stand out more, including the Eminem guest spot on “Speedom (WWC2)” and the malicious, haunting groove of “Yates” featuring Marcus Yates. Of course, N9ne eats up the production and the competition, proclaiming, “Lately I’ve been like f*ck rap… cause all these tough cats really don’t have no nutsacks / trust that ‘nough scratch does back much wackness / flush that shit…” On ‘Thursday,’ one of the more ‘pop-oriented’ records appears via “A Certain Comfort” featuring Kate Rose.

The remainder of Special Effects is consistent without outperforming the very best. For example, “Life Sentences” is another solid showing, but could never supplant “Psycho B*tch III.” Similarly, the classical touches of “Dyin’ Flyin” are stunning, but not quite enough to usurp the valedictory “Lacrimosa.” Still, that choir at the end though coupled with those strings – gorgeous and chilling!

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Strange Effects is another superb album from Tech N9ne. Is it perfect? – No, but its pros (including ambition) easily outweigh its cons (mostly length). Yes it’s too long, but at least Tech N9ne knows how to do an album up right and keeps his audience engaged. Truly, there is something for everybody to spin over and over. For yours truly, its “Lacrimosa” and “Hood Go Crazy.”

Gems: “Aw Yeah? (Intervention),” “Lacrimosa,” “Shroud,” “Psycho B*tch III,” “Wither,” “Hood Go Crazy,” “Yates” & “A Certain Comfort”

Tech N9ne • Special Effects • Strange Music • US Release: 5.4.15

Photo Credit: Strange Music