Blame market saturation or a weak economy. Or maybe it was both. But for some reason, attendance was down at Tech N9ne's show at the Uptown Theater on Friday, his fourth Kansas City show of 2008.
Tech provided just enough new choreography and set list surprises to keep his performance compelling. However, the smaller crowd translated into a less electrifying experience. Ripples of restlessness ran through the audience during parts of Tech's 100-minute headlining performance. That's a first for the wildly innovative and endlessly creative artist. Still, even a slightly subparTech N9ne show is superior to the best efforts of most hip-hop artists.
He debuted several songs from "Killer," his sprawling, wildly ambitiousnew album. The psychedelic rock of "One Good Time" provided the night's highlight. Although they'd never seen him perform it, Tech's loyal hometown audience instinctively raised their lighters and sang along with the emotional anthem.
Another strong new song, "Crybaby," addressed Tech N9ne's ability to defy a recent downturn in hip hop's fortunes.
"I like my fans spending grands 'cause we got the fire," Tech N9ne rapped. "Our merchandise like five G's every half an hour."
He may not be exaggerating. Warren Buffett would have been impressed by the night's frenzied spending spree on Tech N9ne-related clothing and music. Most fans sported at least one piece of Tech gear. And even without any meaningful mainstream radio or video airplay, Tech N9ne recently passed the 1 million mark in career sales.
"Thank you for making me the No. 1independent rap artist in the world," Tech N9ne said.
That remarkable milestone was achieved by relentless touring, impressive music savvy and, yes, great music.
The "K-C-MO" chant during "Einstein" remains one of Kansas City's most unique, exhilarating and powerful traditions.
"This Ring," long the emotional centerpiece of TechN9ne's shows, was absent; the night's looser feel was reflected in a fun sing-along of "Bohemian Rhapsody" and stage diving by Tech N9ne and Kutt Calhoun. "Big" Krizz Kalico sensibly declined to make the leap into the audience.
It was also nice to see Kansas City hip-hop staples the Popper and Paul Mussan join the Strange crew onstage for "Get Tha F***Outta Here."
Three artists affiliated with Tech's Strange Music empire opened the show. Skatterman & Snug Brim demonstrated dramatic improvement over their previous appearance at the Uptown Theater. The Kansas City duo claimed that they're "Strange Music's very own version of Kanye" on "I'm That N***a." While they lack Kanye West's original vision, they inject plenty of satisfying hooks and convincing swagger into their self-described "street sh*t." Strange Music artists Grave Plott and Prozak also performed. Both acts specialize in horrific, Juggalo-friendly rap.
Many in the audience seemed to enjoy their dark world views, they didn't begin to challenge the definitive authority of Tech N9ne, who remains "The King of Kansas City."
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
The Hip Hop show to see in KC on Firday night was MURS at The Record Bar.
Posted by: GONZO | November 24, 2008 at 01:12 PM
True, I was thoroughly impressed with all of the acts (wish Little Brother was in full effect, but 1/2 ain't bad). Murs puts on a GREAT show.
Posted by: 9th Wonder Fan | November 24, 2008 at 04:21 PM
This show ruled! Great review, Bill.
Probably my favorite hip-hop show in a long time. Tech N9ne is the real deal.
I would blame lack of sales on playing KC way too much this year.
I would gladly pay over 200.00 to see a Tech N9ne show. They give so much energy that there is no reason, Strange Music shouldn't be a 150 million dollar label.
Posted by: KCMUSICFAN | December 03, 2008 at 10:32 AM
The crowd was a little smaller from what I've seen at Tech's Sandstone Concerts, however, he STILL rocked the house at the Uptown Theater. I did notice that people were a little restless during the other acts, but whenever he took the stage, the fans went bananas.
I think lack of advertisement caused the turn out rate to be so low. I heard everybody discussing both Sandstone Concerts before the show dates, but not too many people new about this one.
The promotions team at Strange Music need to do a better job at exposing Tech N9nes concert
events, especially local shows. This is his home and he should be shown more love than all the other fans in the country.
Posted by: KCTechN9neFan | December 03, 2008 at 04:11 PM
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