Veteran Kansas City Rapper Tech N9ne remains captivating and incredibly consistent on his 20^th album, ‘Planet.’

He’s back! The ever-prolific, Kansas City Rapper Tech N9ne returns with Planet, the follow-up to his December 2016 album, The Storm.  While the gap between ‘studio’ albums is slightly more than a year, in between The Storm and Planet, Nino released Dominion in 2017 (Tech N9ne Collabos).  Always consistent, Planet is another terrific album.

“Habanero”

In its standard edition, Tech N9ne keeps things relatively tight at 53 minutes.  The beginning of the album is incredibly engaging, starting with “Habanero,” featuring Mackenzie Nicole. While the heat doesn’t quite match that of the stellar “Sriracha” (The Storm), it’s still a hot start. “Fresh Out,” featuring Swisher Sleep, is even better, thanks to agile, confident rhymes, and incredibly malicious, sleek production work. Nino may be nearing 47, but he doesn’t sound like it on this gem.

“Drink Up”

“Kick it With Myself” benefits from a unique, rock-influenced, rap backdrop. He continues to flex, never missing a beat.  Two advance singles follow, retaining their glory.  The first is the rebellious “Drink Up,” where Tech N9ne asserts, “I ain’t never giving drink up.” Notably, this is a fresh-sounding, modern rap joint, in the hands of a skilled vet.

On the other hand, “Don’t Nobody Want None” is classic hip-hop with some modern flare.  On the intro, Nino states, “Dedicated to all the DJs and dance crews all around the world.” The intro is significant because it sets up danceable, groovy vibes in regards to the production.  The key piece of “Don’t Nobody Want None” – interpolating the Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force classic, “Planet Rock.”

“Boo you, screw you too / Fool, you through / This how we do at the ‘ZZou / Mizzou-zzou-zzou-zzou-zzou / ‘Zzou-zzou-zzou…”

“Bad JuJu”, featuring King Iso, follows, giving Tech N9ne another certified hit.  Speed rap is in full force, and its nothing short of a blessing.  “Comfortable” and “No Reason” have tough acts to follow.  Both are easily above average.  Once more, on “No Reason,” the modern hip-hop sound is in full effect. Machine Gun Kelly and Y2 are featured.  Naturally, a Machine Gun Kelly and Tech N9ne collaboration just feels right.  Cleveland and Kansas City for the win!

“Brightfall”

While there’s magic on “No Reason,” there’s more on “Brightfall”.  Preceded by “Brightfall Confession,” “Brightfall” finds Tech N9ne in more progressive, cinematic mode.   There always seems to be this style of song on his albums, and this is one of the best.  As hellish as it may sound, it has ample heavenly sounding moments.  The choral vocals and strings – all products of classical music – are superb musical touches.

Krizz Kaliko joins Tech N9ne for the groovy “Red Byers (Say Som’n Do Some’n),” a quick-paced, in-your-face record.  Following “Never Stray,” featuring Navé Monjo, depending on how much money you spent, the track list varies.  On the expanded deluxe edition, “Sho Nuff” and “How I’m Feelin’” appear.  On the standard edition, it’s onto “Not a Damn Thing.” Can you guess what Nino wants to do? If you guessed “not a damn thing,” you’d be damn correct. “My Fault” comes next, enlisting the services of Navé Monjo.  The cheapskates miss out on “Tappin’ In,” closing things out with “Levitation” and the uplifting, thoughtfully-penned “We Won’t Go Quietly,” featuring Jordan Omley. 

Final Thoughts

All in all, Planet is “another one” from Tech N9ne, to quote DJ Khaled.  Regardless of being middle-aged and a whopping 20 albums in, he still proves he has some tricks up his sleeve. The entire album is superbly performed and superbly produced.  There’s a mix of old and new school, which keeps Nino among the crème de la crème. Good stuff. 

Gems: “Habanero,” “Fresh Out,” “Drink Up,” “Don’t Nobody Want None,” “Bad Juju,” “Brightfall” & “We Won’t Go Quietly”

Tech N9ne • Planet • Strange Music • Release: 3.2.18

Photo Credit: Strange Music