About this episodeTech 9 and E40 discuss the logistics and success of their independent rap tours, highlighting the 'Zar Bomba' …AI summary
Tech 9 and E40 discuss the logistics and success of their independent rap tours, highlighting the 'Zar Bomba' sound design and the importance of organic fan connections. They provide advice for emerging artists on maintaining creative integrity, selecting beats, and navigating the challenges of independence without major label support.
Key takeaways 5
Tour logistics are handled by a professional team (booking agents like Mark Rice) who manage routing and city selection, allowing artists to focus on performance.
The 'Zar Bomba' is a specific audio engineering technique developed by Tech 9 and his engineer Benjeneer, involving stacking multiple bomb sounds with lower frequencies to create a unique rumbling effect.
Kansas City has a deep historical connection to Bay Area rap, starting with M.C. Hammer's 'Mr. Flamboyant' in 1989, which opened the floodgates for artists like E40 and Tech 9.
Music serves as therapy and healing for both the artists and the audience, with Tech 9 noting that his mother's illness provided the emotional canvas for his music.
Independent artists must be selective about beat selection; Tech 9 emphasizes that having the 'ear' for beats is a critical skill that separates successful artists from those who fail.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“We was in the hood by force, not by choice. We was in the rap game by force. Not by choice.”
▶ 6:00Tech 9 explaining how economic necessity drove him into the rap industry in the late 80s/early 90s.
“Don't change nothing because without all your fuckups and all your wins and losses... you wouldn't have the stories that you have to tell your fans about.”
▶ 15:10Tech 9's advice to his younger self, emphasizing that past struggles are essential for authentic storytelling.
“It's very rare. It's rare like a steak. Some of the songs we did early on, man, we didn't even know... That's crazy. That's crazy.”
▶ 17:39Tech 9 discussing how hits like 'Psycho' were not always predicted to be massive successes upon creation.
“Change the way you live it. Change the way you let [__] get in your ear. Change the way the internet try to [__] you.”
▶ 16:05E40 advising younger artists on protecting their mental space and focus from external negativity and internet noise.
Chapters & Sections (12)▼
0:00Tour Logistics, Zar Bomba Sound, and Independent Advicechapter2
1:57Tour Routing and Reno Tragedy
3:44Sustaining High Energy On Stage
5:53Independent Rap Career and Kansas City Influencechapter1
8:30Acknowledging Mutual Respect and Independence
10:07Music as Therapy and Beat Selectionchapter1
12:04Lil Jon's Creative Impact and Early Career
14:28Advice To Younger Self And Family Legacychapter4
16:09Focus On Craft Over Internet Drama
17:28Rare Hit Creation And Family Legacy
18:32Family Legacy And Tour Bond
20:07Bay Area Rap History and Detroit Jewelry Origins
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