Tech N9ne has been around for a while. In that time, the "horror-core" rapper has earned a name for himself as a flamboyant performer and lover of disturbing visuals. This, according to Tech, has cost him musical collaborations with massive artists such as Jay Z and Rihanna. Tech says if major recording artists simply listened to his music, they would be reaching out far more frequently for guest spots and features. However, N9ne's signature face-paint and fear-inspiring image have, in his mind, cost him further musical success and notoriety. Tech believes if it were simply to be about the music, he would be a much more high-profile name.
Regarding his signature face paint, Tech said, "Jay Z, if he sees this, I mean, what is he going to say?" He believes if he presented himself as a more mainstream rapper, artists like Jay would be reminded of his overwhelming talent and musicality.
According to HipHopDX, Tech continued, "He's gonna say, 'That is Tech N9ne? That ain't the guy that I remember back when we went on tour. He's worse now. Man, look at that guy, man," a reference to the 2002 Sprite Liquid Mix Tour that Tech embarked on with Jay Z. "What is Jay Z going to do with that? So it has to be music-driven because - it's going to be music-driven, of course, but if you look at that, like Rihanna and them look at that, like, 'Uhhh. What the f*ck is that, dude?' Then they hear my music and are like, 'Oh, that's that guy?'"
In reference to an Instagram post of his painted face, Tech told Montreality, "That stands for 'Worldly Angel.' It just looks wicked in this wicked world. Why not? I'm a product of this f**kin' world, so this is what it looks like."
A photo posted by Tech N9ne (@therealtechn9ne) on Oct 3, 2015 at 11:01pm PDT
