Legendary battle rapper Tech 9 has died, according to reports.
While the cause of his death is not yet known, Premier Battles posted on Twitter: “We’re very sad to hear Philly and battle rap legend Tech 9 has passed away.
“His work both in the pit and as a co-host on Champion, pushed this strange little scene we’re all apart of forward everyday. Battle rap has lost a good one! Thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
We're very sad to hear Philly and battle rap legend Tech 9 has passed away. His work both in the pit and as a co-host on Champion, pushed this strange little scene we're all apart of forward everyday. Battle rap has lost a good one! Thoughts and prayers are with his family 🥀🙏 pic.twitter.com/jJ50f7RjcW
— Premier Battles (@PremierBattle) March 25, 2019
Born Akeem Mickens, Tech 9 has been a staple in the battle rap community for well over 10 years. A co-host of Champion, he’s battled some of the sport’s elite MCs, including T-Rex, Arsenal and Rich Dolarz as part of Smack’s Ultimate Rap League
Details about Tech 9’s reported passing have not currently been made public. NME will provide updates when more information is released.
Paying tribute on Twitter, G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks wrote: “Rest In Peace to the Philadelphia legend Tech 9,” while Joe Budden tweeted: “Not the news i wanted to wake up to…. smmfh.”
Lupe Fiasco also meanwhile, posted: “Rip Tech 9…one of the most entertaining battle rappers. Condolences to his family and friends. May God have mercy on his soul.”
Battle rap icon Hitman Holla tweeted: “Opened this app to this ?? Wtf?? Damn this hurt to tweet .. RiP @Therealtech9 .. we lost a good nigga man .. this hurt fr.. damn man!”
John John Da Don wrote: “I didn’t cry when MJ, biggie or PAC died… but TECH?”
— THE GRIM REAPER (@NUJERZEYTWORK) March 25, 2019
Th3 Saga paid tribute by writing: “I’m writing this with tears in my eyes & in total disbelief in my heart….. – RIP @therealtech9 Not just a Legendary Battler & Colorful Analyst, but a loving father to his daughters, a son, and overall great man – YOU WILL FOREVER BE A CHAMPION TO US.”
I’m writing this with tears in my eyes & in total disbelief in my heart.....😔😔😭😭😭💔
— RIP TECH 9 🙏🏽💔😔 (@Th3Saga) March 25, 2019
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RIP @therealtech9 🙏🏽
Not just a Legendary Battler & Colorful Analyst, but a loving father to his daughters, a son, and overall great man
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YOU WILL FOREVER BE A CHAMPION TO US 🏆💔 pic.twitter.com/3opUxlCg46
This is a developing story.