Battle rapper and media personality Tech 9 has died at age 32.
His friend Buttah From-Da Block announced his passing on Facebook.
“Aw man it hurts me to be saying this right now and After speaking to your dad this is even harder to process,” he wrote in a Facebook status with a photo of Tech 9. “PHILADELPHIA AND THE BATTLE RAP CULTURE ALL TOOK A LOSS WITH THIS ONE. HE WAS A PIONEER, GENTLEMAN, GREAT FATHER ENTREPRENEUR, ENTHUSIAST AND PHILANTHROPIST. With Deep Hurt And sorrow i say we will miss u and love u bro. Tell Spittage We gon hold it down bro.”
The details of his death haven't been made public.
Tech 9 was a legend on the Philly battle rap scene and was also well known for his commentary on the battle rap platform, Champion.
Rappers from Kendrick Lamar to Lloyd Banks mourned the death of the man born Akeem Mickens. (Not to be confused with Tech N9ne.)
THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK-
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) March 25, 2019
Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well.
Rip Tech 9...one of the most entertaining battle rappers.
— “DROGAS WAVE” NOW PLAYING (@LupeFiasco) March 25, 2019
Condolences to his family and friends.
May God have mercy on his soul.
Rest In Peace to the Philadelphia legend Tech 9
— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) March 25, 2019
Nah not tech 9. Nope nope nope.
— IG: Mickey.Factz (@MickeyFactz) March 25, 2019
Not tech 9 .... please !!!! Somebody tell me something good 🙏🏾
— King Los (@iamKingLos) March 25, 2019
Condolences to the great Tech 9. #Philly pic.twitter.com/RGj3NNJEvZ
— Tech N9ne (@TechN9ne) March 25, 2019