Aaron Dontez Yates (born November 8, 1971), better known by his stage name Tech N9ne (pronounced “tech nine”), is an American rapper and singer. In 1999, he and business partner Travis O’Guin founded the record label Strange Music. He has sold over two million albums and his music has been featured in film, television, and interactive media.
In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the mtvU Woodie Awards. His stage name originates from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun and represents the complete technique of rhyme.
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Tech N9ne Net Worth
Tech N9ne has an estimated net worth of around $20 million. The musician is most famous for his incredible hip-hop tracks and has become an influential figure in the industry.
Not only has he made his mark in music, but he has also appeared in several movies and television shows, such as Vengeance, Hip Hop Squares, and Wild ‘n Out. His versatility has expanded beyond music, cementing his status in both entertainment and hip-hop culture.
Early life
Yates was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He began rapping at a very early age, often rapping the letters of his name to remember how to spell it.
His father, Carlton Cook, was estranged from the family, and his mother suffered from epilepsy and lupus during his childhood, which emotionally affected him and inspired him to “search for God.” He would explore abandoned buildings with his best friend, hoping to catch a ghost on film. He attended Southwest High School in Kansas City.
Career
On May 7, 2024, Yates was unveiled as a featured artist on the Falling in Reverse track “Ronald” from their 2024 album Popular Monster. He stars in the official music video, portraying a God-like entity, contrasting against the demonic final boss portrayed by Alex Terrible, lead singer of the Russian heavy metal group Slaughter to Prevail.
Yates will also be supporting the group on their Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination tour in Europe and North America. On July 12, 2024, he released a music collaboration album, COSM.
Personal life
Yates was married in 1995, but separated in 2005. He filed for divorce in 2015, and it was finalized in November 2017, 12 years after their separation. On October 23, 2024, he married his longtime girlfriend Kristen, with whom he has two daughters, as seen from their social media accounts.
Yates is an avid supporter of Kansas City culture and the metro area’s pro sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Sporting Kansas City. Before the Chiefs played in the 2019 AFC Championship game, he released the song “Red Kingdom.” In 2025, he was announced as one of the remixers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup theme, representing Kansas City.
How fast can Tech N9ne rap per second?
Tech N9ne is a Kansas City-born musician who has been in the hip-hop industry since 1991. He got his stage name from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun due to his fast rhyming chopper style. Tech N9ne has more than 23 music albums. His fastest speed is in Takin Online Orders at 15.2 syllables per second.
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Conclusion
Tech N9ne’s journey in the music industry is a remarkable tale of talent, perseverance, and business acumen. His ability to maintain independence while achieving commercial success is an inspiration to artists in the hip-hop world and beyond.
FAQs about Tech N9ne Net Worth
- What is the source of Tech N9ne’s wealth?
- Tech N9ne’s wealth primarily comes from his music sales, merchandise, tours, and his record label, Strange Music.
- What makes Tech N9ne’s rap style unique?
- His rapid, “chopper” style of rapping, characterized by fast-paced and rhythmic delivery, sets him apart in the hip-hop genre.
- Has Tech N9ne won any significant awards in his career?
- Tech N9ne won the Left Field Woodie award at the mtvU Woodie Awards in 2009, among other accolades.
- How has Tech N9ne influenced the hip-hop industry?
- As a pioneer of the chopper rap style and a successful independent artist, Tech N9ne has influenced both the artistic and business sides of the hip-hop industry.
- What are some of Tech N9ne’s most notable collaborations?
- He has collaborated with several mainstream artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg, showcasing his wide appeal and respect in the industry.
