From the Kansas City rap group Black Mafia, artist Tech N9ne is a longtime rapper and the co-founder of music label Strange Music Inc. Fans of underground music are more familiar with Tech N9ne than the mainstream listener. His blend of hip-hop and metal have spoken to a specific audience over the last few decades. In fact, he’s released an album for each year that he’s been in the music business, amounting to 41 albums, and is regarded by and compared to some of rap’s more well-known artists like Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z. Like his Snake & Bat logo, there’s an element of grim to Tech N9ne’s music, a peculiarity that he attributes to “searching for God.” Still considered one of hip-hop’s best-kept secrets, here’s what we know about Tech N9ne’s net worth.
Who Is Tech N9ne?
Born Aaron Dontez Yates, Tech N9ne embarked on a journey with the eccentric at an early age. His mother, diagnosed with lupus, epilepsy and diabetes, sparked the Kansas City native’s search for God and a cure for her illness. From there, he began searching for ghosts in abandoned buildings.
While on this search, he also developed a passion for rapping. Tech N9ne landed his first deal with Quincy Jones and Warner Brothers’ Qwest Records in 1997. It would be years before he sustained the backing that would catapult him into his success. What he’s now achieved required several business moves away from labels and the creation of his own in 2000. The Strange Music co-founder began to see the fruits of his labor, earning his way to a net worth of over $20 million.
What Has Contributed to Tech N9ne’s Net Worth?
Though related to successful artists E-40 and Nelly, it’s not family connections that’s allowed the rapper to attain a multi-million dollar net worth. It was the development of his own label alongside fan and businessman Travis O’Guin. Tech N9ne has sold over 2 million albums, been featured on television, in movies, video games and made $30 million between 2012 and 2016. These accomplishments made Tech N9ne one of the 10 highest-paid rappers of that time. Heavily invested in merch, N9ne developed an additional sector of his enterprise that continues pouring into his wealth.
Tech N9ne also secured an endorsement with Boulevard Brewing Company. Based in his hometown of Kansas City, he worked with the company to create Bou Lou a wheat-based, pineapple and coconut-flavored beer, with a name reference to his song “Caribou Lou.” It was released in Kansas City, Wichita, Denver, Oklahoma City and St. Louis.
Where Is the Horrorcore Hero Now?
In 2019, he mourned the loss of 32-year-old Philadelphia rapper Tech 9. With all the confusion between both rappers’ names, the Missourian had to assure his fans and family that he is alive and touring. Confirming several upcoming shows in Australia and New Zealand, Tech N9ne continues to make his name known around the world.
He’s also gained a brand partnership with the Monster energy brand, according to his social media posts on Instagram. Tech N9ne continues to influence and drive the success of the horrorcore genre, which he was instrumental in developing. He’s collaborated with a wide variety of artists, including Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Boyz II Men and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. His appeal, though specific, has garnered him a significant net worth that has the potential to keep growing as he continues to host concerts and make music.
