I once considered myself the ideal candidate to assist Tech N9ne with the autobiography he would inevitably write. We’re from the same town and are approximately the same age. I’m also constitutionally sympathetic with Tech N9ne’s predilection for wine, women and song.
Not only have I tracked the Kansas City rapper’s career from its inception, I attended more Tech N9ne performances and expended more words on his concerts and albums than any other music journalist during the 15 years I wrote for The Kansas City Star.
5816 Forest renders a written autobiographical account of Tech N9ne’s early years unnecessary. Most songs on the potent new album serve as candid chapters chronicling the most decisive events of his first twenty years. Included are stories about his birth, conflicted spiritual upbringing, initial sexual encounters, bouts of petty criminality, acquiring venereal disease and working at a fast food restaurant.
An artistic stumble leaves the door open for me. Tech N9ne loses the thread near the conclusion of 5816 Forest. Rather than chronicling his rise to fame, the last few tracks- as well as a deliriously absurd duet with Lil Wayne- fail to advance the autobiographical concept.
The day-one fan in me hopes for a followup album focusing on the next chapters of his remarkable story. My inner businessman hopes to get a call about helping Tech N9ne put the next phase of his life to paper. Either way, I’m eager to discover what happens next.
