Philadelphia battle rapper Tech 9 reportedly has died, according to friends of the artist.
Tech 9, whose real name was Akeem Mickens, was a pioneer of the battle rap scene, making a name for himself over the last decade competing in more than two dozen battles.
The cause of death has not yet been released.
Tech N9ne took to Twitter Monday to express his condolences after the death of battle rapper Tech 9, real name Akeem Mickens, whose death caused confusion about which rap guru had passed.
“Condolences to the battle rapper Tech 9,” Tech N9ne said in the black-and-white video. “He’s been battling for years. I’ve observed many a battle of his. Condolences to the family.”
The rapper then addressed the pair’s similar names. Though spelled differently, both rappers pronounce their name “Tech Nine.”
“This Tech N9ne is going through customs back in the U.S., coming from Canada, coming from Europe,” the rapper shared in the video, which panned to a security line in an airport.
Condolences to the great Tech 9. #Philly pic.twitter.com/RGj3NNJEvZ
— Tech N9ne (@TechN9ne) March 25, 2019
