The death of Tech 9, aka Akeem Mickens, caused much sadness for those who knew him and also much confusion after some music fans confused him for fellow rapper Tech N9ne this week.
On Monday, many mistakenly mourned the Strange Music founder, whose real name is Aaron Dontez Yates, before he spoke out on social media to squash the rumors circulating about his death and express his condolences to the family of the Philadelphia battle rapper with a similar stage name who had passed away over the weekend, per People.
“Condolences to the battle rapper Tech 9,” Tech N9ne, 47, somberly said in a monochrome video. “He’s been battling for years. I’ve observed many a battle of his. Condolences to the family.”
“This Tech N9ne is going through customs back in the U.S., coming from Canada, coming from Europe,” the rapper continued while standing in the customs line at the airport.
“My family is calling my phone wondering if I’m OK. I’m OK. My condolences go out to the battle rapper, Tech 9. Philly, stand up,” he concluded the video.
On Sunday, rapper Buttah From Da Block announced Tech 9’s death on social media. While a cause of death has yet to be determined, Buttah From Da Block confirmed to XXL that “he had no signs of harm done to his body.”
Tech 9 competed in dozens of rap battles for over a decade, facing legends like T-Rex and Arsenal, according to XXL.
Glad to see Tech N9ne alive and well and condolences to the family of Tech 9.
Flip the page for Tech N9ne offering condolences and Twitter reactions.
