“Why not have all these links to all these different genres? Why can’t I be the epicenter of all types of music?”
Fifteen albums deep, Tech N9ne has gone on record saying that his latest is his best work. That can be debatable, since Tech has released some amazing albums in previous years, but Special Effects may be his most ambitious yet. This album has arguably the most diverse set of guest collaborators on a Tech N9ne album so far, as it includes RnB singers, choir singers, rock/heavy metal singers, MCs, pop-rappers, trap-rappers, and even a dubstep DJ. At this point in his career, fans already know what Tech brings to the table, but he’s able to keep people coming back for each album by continuing to diversify his sound and branch out with new collaborations.
Tech N9ne has rapped about religion many times in the past, and he starts the album off with the lead single “Aw Yeah (interVENTion),” which has him venting to God about all the problems he currently sees with the world, barely mentioning his mother’s recent passing at the end of it. The first section of the album continues on this note, as Tech questions religion by exploring his mother’s passing on “Lacrimosa” before taking a turn into darkness for the next few songs. There are notable guest features on each of the songs in this aggressive, violent segment of the album. T.I. holds his own ground next to Tech on “On The Bible,” Krizz Kaliko shines with his wide-ranging vocals on “Shroud,” and Hopsin brings his signature vocals on a straightforward verse that complements Tech well on “Psycho Bitch III.” Tech N9ne wraps up the first third of the album with a straight heavy metal song, a collaboration with Slipknot’s frontman Corey Taylor, that has them both delivering rapid-fire raps and scream-o vocals.
The next segment of the album caters to various types of rap fans, as the single “Hood Go Crazy” is a stereotypical club track that intentionally sounds as generic as most club songs. This is followed up by “Bass Ackwards,” a fun track where Lil’ Wayne and Tech especially shine with their wordplay, and “No K,” a bouncier track that suits the collaboration with E-40 well. Next is a ten second countdown leading to the historical event that is the big highlight of the album for most fans: Tech N9ne, Eminem and Krizz Kaliko collaborating on the rapid-firing “Speedom (WWC2).” This reinterpretation of Richie Havens’ “Freedom” is a good look on the hook too. “Speedom” sets off a short segment that has Tech focused on more braggadocios raps, as he spits with a lesser-known group, Audio Push on “Give It All,” and his cousin Marcus Yates on “Yates.”
The final segment of the album is more emotional, as it features various singers including Kate Rose, Ryan Bradley and Krizz Kaliko. Some of them are lesser known than others, but they’re vocals all shine on these songs as Tech spits some more personal raps about his relationships with friends, family, business associates, and fans. These last few songs see Tech reflect on how people around him have reacted to the success he’s seen in recent years (consistently appearing on Forbes’ annual Hip-Hop Cash Kings list), and yes he’s fully aware that not all of his fans appreciated his collaborations with more mainstream artists on his past few albums. He also has a heartfelt tribute to his mother on “Worldly Angel,” before turning up one last time on the Excision-produced “Roadkill.”
Overall, this album has some songs that certain fans will love, and songs that certain fans will hate, but Tech’s ability to branch out and appeal to all these different audiences should be applauded. Fans of technically proficient hip-hop lyricism, emotional songs, club/dance tracks, heavy metal, and dubstep are all going to be able to find at least a handful of songs they’ll enjoy on this album. I personally didn’t enjoy the club tracks in the middle of the album, but I can see how they will allow Tech to reach more basic rap fans. With Special Effects, Tech N9ne is able to channel his emotions from his personal tragedies to create some more of the hard-hitting music he’s known for, and he also made some dream collaborations happen. Whether or not this is his best work is yet to be decided, but it’s definitely another excellent addition to Tech N9ne’s great discography.
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