Tech N9ne Interview with Allindstrom.com

Being indie is cool. With new technology, it's so easy for artists to be successful on their independent grind. In fact, fans want to see you grind independently before they sign to that major machine. Major record labels are going as far as to keep their signings quiet in order to give their artist that indie back story. The idea is simple: independent artists get a fan base that grows organically, most major artists don't. If majors are trying to learn how to build a fan base organically, or how to mimic that "indie feel" for an artist, they should be paying attention to hip-hop's greatest indie artist of all time. His name? Tech N9ne.

Tech N9ne has been on the indie grind for over a decade. In 1999, he partnered up with Kansas City businessman Travis O'Guinn to create Strange Music. Through the label, Tech has sold over 1 million albums collectively, and toured around the world. He sells out every single venue he performs at, and credits it all the effort he gives on stage for his fans every single night. Tech is serious about his craft, and serious about his fans. It's safe to say that his fans feel the exact same way. Tech is now on the verge of mainstream stardom. With a huge fan base, and a Lil' Wayne co-sign (remember how that formula fared for Drake?), Tech could very well end up as one of hip-hop's biggest artists before it's all said and done. This without and radio spins, or any video on MTV.

In part 1 of our interview with Tech, we talk about the early days of his career. We discuss the time he spent chasing the major labels. The biggest lessons he learned in those situations. We even hear stories about him hanging out with the late, great Tupac Shakur. Finally, we discuss his eventual move to the independent scene. Tech N9ne has worked his ass off for over a decade to get to this point. He's been the definition of the artist that was slept on, but he doesn't let it faze him. He remains as strong, and as focused as he was when he first left the majors to do it himself. For this, Tech N9ne is indie's mental giant.