Tech N9ne Feat. Krizz Kaliko: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Aug. 29, 2018 | Rodney Carmichael -- During a career nearly three decades in the making, Tech N9ne has dodged the fickle rap industry while surfing his own wave, stylistically and professionally. The Kansas City native has been a beast for years now, a musical misfit who laid a track record of underground success and struggle before building his own independent empire with Strange Music.
"This is how we laugh at all the other rappers," Strange Music comrade Krizz Kaliko says, letting out a belly laugh near the end of duo's Tiny Desk set. Kaliko is another K.C. native and kindred spirit of Tech N9ne's. Together, they've carved out an unorthodox niche: chopper-style speed rap that often plumbs dark, emotional depths.
Their playful banter between songs personifies that creative connection, as Krizz delivers backing vocals and guest verses from the soul. Backed by a guitar, drums and bass for their Tiny Desk, the trio brought out the rock-tinged hues of such definitive Tech N9ne songs as "Dysfunctional," "Aw Yeah? (interVENTion)" - dedicated to his mother who died from lupus in 2014 - and "Fragile," originally assisted by Kendrick Lamar, Mayday and Kendall Morgan.
To close the set, Tech and Krizz performed "Speedom (Worldwide Choppers 2)," a song inspired by folk rocker Richie Havens' original classic "Freedom." After years traveling his own path, it's a fitting way to define Tech N9ne's wildly independent approach.
Set List
"Dysfunctional"
"Aw Yeah? (interVENTion)"
"Fragile"
"Speedom (Worldwide Choppers 2)"
Credits
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Bronson Arcuri, CJ Riculan, Maia Stern; Production Assistants: Catherine Zhang, Téa Mottolese; Photo: Eric Lee/NPR.

[@nprmusic]

How do you love rap when rap doesn’t love you back? From Rico Nasty’s harassment from toxic Carti fans, to Saucy Santana's unapologetically femme aesthetics in a queerphobic industry, to the assault case that put Megan Thee Stallion’s entire image on trial, each episode of Louder Than A Riot - the second season of our investigative hip-hop podcast - unpacks the unspoken rules of rap that hold the entire culture back. Tap in to our first episode at n.pr/louder-season-2.

[@hollylungu3030]

These people especially rappers are so spiritually evolved… vessels of the Holy Spirit (or whatever you wanna call it) maybe they’re just lucky? Those that criticize and hate on the vessel are people who are inferior and jealous. Don’t be like them. Enjoy the music and try to find something in it

[@complexend4133]

Saucy Santana at Diddy's.. lul

[@jordie1892]

Krizz Kaliko is unbelievably talented. His ability to transition between technical rap verses to singing powerful hooks is crazy.

[@luisleon7111]

STRANGE!!!!

[@CS-xn6vb]

@@luisleon7111 MUSIC

[@RyanJones4444]

jordie1892 he's the mad. I firmly believe tech wouldn't be where he is if krizz wasn't with him

[@abercrombiemisfitsiknew6106]

jordie1892 that’s really a great way to describe it

[@mikedeperrio794]

@@RyanJones4444 tech would be where he is regardless but the style and the sound would be much different. Tech lyrically and musically has always been killer. Where krizz comes in big is with the rest of the label. If you listen through the discography's of all the strange artists krizz features all over the place. I think the label would be much different without krizz, but tech would be tech irregardless of if krizz was there or not. The sound would just be different.

[@Primophobic]

you can see how much they genuinely enjoy performing together lol

[@yodabey5368]

@Margaret Thomas you thirsty.!!! Don't nobody want that shit. Whatever it is that you may have, and all the above

[@megamixa]

They've been performing together for over 20 years. Of course they enjoy performing together.

[@goky772]

That happiness is what music is all about

[@hiphop-puregenuine6787]

definition of a dream team!

[@bee4590]

Chops there’s plenty of examples of bands/duos working together for a long time and not getting along or enjoying it

[@mon0theist_tv]

I like how tech's natural internal rhythm is double-time lol

[@joshuaha7661]

I once saw him explain the lyrics to "He's a Mental Giant." So he was spitting it slow, and kind of messed up. Then proceeded to spit it quicker than the original and didn't miss a single syllable lol,

[@brandino561]

do you remember the video title?

[@joshuaha7661]

@@brandino561 i think it was crooked I interviewing him but not sure.

[@tonydegregorio4895]

It's crazy, the inflections in his voice are even in double time lol. Breakin beats down into 32nds and stuff.

[@Jeffreenl]

And the effort he put in to get the outcome it's admirable

[@ahniicha]

Ok I’ve never listened to Tech N9ne or Krizz Kalico before but this is might be the best live performance I’ve ever seen

[@jtxo9305]

For real though? I saw them both live at the shobox In sodo Seattle like 15 years ago and I’ve never quite recovered

[@thicknpuffy6764]

If you ever get a chance to see tech and krizz live do it. Some of the best concerts I've been too, seen them like 4 times. 🤘 STRANGE

[@potawatomimko6108]

Imagine a full concert. It's an insane experience hard to replicate

[@StrictlyStrange67]

If they come to your town go to a show!! I've been to 5 and every time it's a blast.. they have so many classic songs.. I'd recommend going thru all of Tech and Kalis albums as well.. Techs first came out in 99 and he has like almost 20 CDs out hahaha I've listened to every album over 10 times and they never get old.. truly timeless

[@sluggy1739]

@@StrictlyStrange67 I’m about to see tech in two weeks it’ll be the third time! Sad kali won’t be there but still TECH N9NE!!!

[@itslit7540]

Its a crime how much Tech and Kali are slept on

[@DaTechn9cian]

Ikr :(my family thinks it's all trash I'm like nah

[@nickolust5330]

Slept on? They are ontop of the underground. They don't want mainstream. They are in no way slept on

[@quinttenhawkins5350]

FACTS, @ Its Lit

[@bryunmsimango2632]

They deserve way better recognition I have every single one of his albums.

[@techkilla2463]

@@nickolust5330 there is no such thing as a underground no more maan. In this age

[@benjaminbird6166]

What a great version of Dysfunctional...

[@BigKahuna0275]

TRUTH

[@charlesmaclellan8124]

That's the first sing I ever heard from Tech back in 2011. Since then he's become my favorite artist, along with Kaliko, and everyone else under Strange!

[@rams81rule]

Probably my favorite version

[@emelianemone777]

Trev agreed. i almost don't wanna say it but fuck it, it's better than the original (which i don't care for much, tbh). tech has been one of my heroes since 2003, but that song was never high up on my favorites list... this version is fucking sick af though.

[@stephenmcbride1697]

Every breath is planned so perfectly. These two should do an acoustic album together.

[@arthurdurham]

I'd buy it in a second

[@laz001]

@@arthurdurham Me too. So many rappers sound more like wrappers live. These two sound amazing.

[@dev4746]

Kabosh - little pills

[@stevieray7829]

can’t wait to see tech in. the rock and roll hof

[@phillyrockz]

This is because Tech writes his songs to be performed live. So there's perfectly placed spots to breath in the tracks.

[@WEEMZ1746]

Props to Kaliko for letting the people know how much Tech’s mom meant to him when he needed a break- that’s a friend right there

[@Omnicronnn]

Holy shit; that Speedom performance was something else. Krizz & Tech have some great synergy.

[@DJShade707]

No it was Special Effects :P

[@japanrocksgousa]

@@DJShade707 this was a funny exchange.

[@Charlieskapmelaas]

Straight Goosebumps

[@snowelley]

ARE YOU KIDDINGGGGGGGG ME NPR!!!! You’ve been killinggggg it

[@Yoshi92]

ikr and the songs they chose wooooooh

[@dirtmcgirt9420]

Damn libtards 😂

[@armando1is1great]

DIRT McGIRT what are you on about

[@brainfragrances]

Kaliko on Fragile is magnificent

[@emmshelley]

Prefer him to the original!!

[@Sparks2490]

I wish he would've been on the original too, he would fit so well.

[@adamdanielgibson]

Tiny Desk did these dude's justice. They always make the songs sound so great live.

[@abeining]

I think Tiny Desk brings out the best. Many times I prefer Tiny to the album versions

[@TheBarnzilla]

KC represent!! I used to do security for Tech. Such a good dude. Honestly. He’s a genuine guy. I was going to Vegas for my 25th bday. He gave me daps and handed me 800 bucks and told me to have fun. He didn’t have to do that. He did. I’ll forever be grateful.

[@danielh1081]

When he came to Wichita Ks, he showed up at a house party I was at and he brought all kinds of fun with him. He just hung out like he wasn't a music God and just a normal guy like all of us. It was an unforgettable night.

[@dodierules3102]

One time he came to my house and brought some fucked up potatoe salad.. Cool dude , but i dont trust whatever he put in that bowl... Not enough flavor ...shit taste like hes never had potatoe salad before

[@quatreryukami]

I ran into him out on the town in KC one night. He wasn't out with a crew or nothing, just a homie. Came around a corner, bumped fists and gave that look like he knew what was about to happen, because I didn't recognize him immediately. Then I lost my shit. Such a cool dude.

[@quatreryukami]

@@danielh1081 Ayy, Wichita represent! 18 years in that town, love it. I'm up in KC now but miss that town.

[@ryanweifze3237]

Lived in Kansas City my whole life ran into a few times never really geek out when I ran into him or anyone else I met I ran into some of the Chiefs and Royals out and about as well they are all just normal everyday guys in their everyday lifes.

[@tkyusko]

Far too many people sleep on N9ne. This was great

[@mev0759]

I'm guilty of it..... And Blown Away!!!

[@Redant23]

and Krizz

[@shynelester4443]

tkyusko on some real!🔥💯

[@techkilla2463]

@@mev0759 glad you woke up

[@mev0759]

@@techkilla2463 ME TOO!!! :-)

[@parker6614]

This is the first time I've actually listened to Tech N9ne and I have to say. I've been sleeping!

[@JackXombi]

Hope you've checked out and enjoyed more since.

[@SyDiko]

Glad you finally woke up. :)

[@the-engneer]

You should see him at a show with his face painted! He's a monster haha

[@martinkamcev8131]

Just listen This is Me from Tech

[@brandonfranz1317]

My first album was All 6's and 7's and it was amazing, saw them both live once.. incredible.

[@dabadc]

"Spend all night long, scared of tomorrow." Somebody is familiar with anxiety; that lyric is spot on.

[@belovedwoman3398]

We deal with panic disorder with agoraphobia and we repeat these quotes regularly - "Sufficent unto the day are the worries therein." "Yesterday is the past and cannot be changed Tomorrow is the future and it is a mystery Today is the present because it is a gift." I hope this helps anyone out there who is struggling with anxiety to be present within the moment. 🎁💐

[@LA25A]

That was Wrekonize's line he has a song called anxiety attacks

[@dabadc]

@@belovedwoman3398 Absolutely! Seems impossible to right the ship sometimes.

[@dabadc]

@@LA25A Strange Music is deep with deep artists!

[@daboiofbois1453]

I love how this drummer is always looking like "daaamn thats awesome" :D

[@ashinggkusherr3480]

Da BOI of BOIS for real. Haha that shit was killin me

[@ambervanko]

This version of fragile is killer. So is the original, but god damn

[@nipper8000]

I mean, removing Wrek has never made any song better, not to mention Kendrick, but Krizz was the best surrogate

[@MrSam3689]

*DonT sWeaR ... -_-''

[@wynnjamesgoodwin5128]

When tech did his clown laugh made it 10 times better

[@RevSteezeMusic]

@@nipper8000 krizz did better than wreck and chopping rap voice of wreck is trash sorry not sorry🤷🏾‍♂️

[@kantallive]

Dwamn

[@mohandasg7698]

07:46 communication between krizz and the drummer is incredible, he tells him when to hit. first time he missed but how he adapted the situation so quick is just another level.

[@dankyfrankfresco9811]

That scream at the end of "Aw Yeah?" gives me chills every time.

[@martinkamcev8131]

Aw Yrahhh?

[@dazz5094]

How STRANGE to see tech and krizz on NPR

[@KRLS-Anknown]

I see what you did there.

[@stuart911us]

The industry has gone tech

[@harrisond8674]

this is their second time lol... do your homwork.

[@afronasty2000]

@@harrisond8674 link to the first time they appeared? Hopefully you aren't lying.

[@nickthequick2011]

Mainstream went tech

[@thirtyonefifty3133]

Tech should come out with a live session of all his albums. this is soul, real rock, and rnb.

[@kornsin]

I swear this is one of the best "play off and against each other" duos ever. Thoroughly just enjoy their dynamics and have for years. If ya have not check their live shows. Godlike.

[@HighItsBubba]

Tech doesn't bring krizz with him on tour anymore :(

[@karljans4807]

@@HighItsBubba why

[@artofabdoumo]

The guitarist on the left so focused and on it the whole experience, then humbly cracks a smile at the last second; this is special

[@Flyingdingii]

That's Lucas Parker. He's got 7 of his own projects, well worth a listen.

[@artofabdoumo]

@@Flyingdingii thanks!! Will do!

[@daft1235]

White boy gots skillz

[@tmoney1331]

⁠@@FlyingdingiiI used to love watching him play every bar in LFK back when I used to live there. Straight shredding.

[@johnleaver3938]

These are elite performers. Your favorite rapper never could..

[@KimJongUnSubscribe]

Tech n9ne is my favorite rapper son

[@Olori-Ogun]

@Fehifhe ..including him..

[@benldw6781]

@Fehifhe His Speedom verse isn't as fast as a lot of Tech's verses. Tech also performs Midwest + Worldwide Choppers live flawlessly, not to mention Krizz and Tech always nailing Speedom when it's just them. You probably think Em beat MGK with Killshot hey?

[@benldw6781]

@Fehifhe check Techs verse in Takin Online Orders, So Dope, and a number of others. Eminem is old fake news.

[@benldw6781]

@Fehifhe one line over 12 syllables. The verse in Takin Online Orders works out to be closer to 15 syllables per second.

[@brotherpabl0]

Ouff, them goosebumps when Kaliko started singing fragile 💥🔥🔥👑

[@techkilla2463]

Yes it gave me chills

[@devintran9884]

same

[@sbunge912]

0:04 Dysfuctional 3:10 Aw Yeah? 6:13 Fragile 9:32 Speedom 진짜 개좋다

[@ravenbridges6078]

thank you was just looking for the second song

[@Dazed8nconfused]

Thank You

[@cuznryan]

Krizz Kaliko is so talented. Literally gives me chills when he sings.

[@grownmangamer942]

Been bumping Tech9 since highschool and im 36 now. Kind of lets you know how long this dude has been killing it.

[@morgoth2425]

He's a legend

[@SuperMateoWorld1988]

More like the undisputed GOAT. 🐏

[@garrettbauman7596]

If you been bumping tech for 20+ years, I want to hang out with you. You must be a cool guy. Lol

[@jaredlanway4933]

I have been listening to tech n9ne since I started my first year of high school and I am 33 now!! It never gets old to me and hes got something to touch your soul no matter what you might be going through. Seen him 5 times VIP to get everyone's autograph on the flag up to when Ritz got signed and the only ones I missed were a couple mayday signatures. I did plug some bud to nonamis for wrecks b-day though.

[@d1andonlyantman]

That just let's me know how out of touch with the history I am. BUT dya know what, that means that hopefully there are more absolute bangers for me to realise. Feel free to post links below. 90s rap 4 life

[@parkercade244]

"Do it like Richie" *Krizz hold my beer. The chemistry is truly what makes this duo...unreal!

[@justinparks4171]

So sad to hear the news today 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@MegaKronnik]

@@justinparks4171 what news?

[@Random_manniska]

Its insane that to every tech song there's a second version feat. Krizz that is done at concerts and other performances, the talent and work that goes into doing that is insane

[@lucrative6477]

seen this shit 20+ times but damn it was such a good fucking set.

[@sh1tlips4]

This vid is always in the rotation

[@lavenderrain8357]

Damn. This is what I love about Tiny Desk. No matter how many times you hear an artist or how familiar you may feel with them or their music, Tiny Desk always seems to show something new. I love the personal, intimate moments these shows bring! Thank you all!!

[@jasonrobinson9242]

So true

[@rams81rule]

That drummer is nuts

[@FiRese7eN]

came here too look for some praise on the drummer. That guy is indeed insane

[@Wavemaninawe]

Nah... he is merely a bit Strange.

[@brandino561]

@@Wavemaninawe ....... music

[@thegamingbros9877]

@Trev thx ive been trying😂😂

[@novianady4820]

Kriz kaliko’s voice was amazing

[@austinmorrow1567]

This live version is my favorite. Can't count on how many times I've listened to this.

[@tyronebowannie4488]

R.I.P. to Mama Yates, She up there smiling upon her talented son

[@elcheleloco]

Rip

[@patrickorourke5791]

RIP

[@BrotherWulfe]

Rip

[@carterribbible]

That Speedom take is FILTHY. THANK YOU!!

[@Dannywiththeshot]

I love how Tech and Krizz bounce off each other so perfectly!

[@joshuagumpert8910]

They are the best duo in hip hop of all time… there’s no argument. 😂

[@ozgunzeki]

why did no one mention tech's harmonic vocals? that's one of the fkin' big surprises in this one.

[@justinwatson6932]

Heaps of people have...

[@deezooliveros2978]

Krizz is always being slept on. This man is so damn talented!

[@mev0759]

FACTS.....

[@funkunderground2663]

lowkey

[@justind2728]

The only ones that contest that are resting, dig them up!

[@Redant23]

Krizzz is beeeeeeaaaast

[@pablohill6688]

He Kind of remind me of Ed Sheeran

[@davidlodico6367]

I've been a longtime fan of Tech N9ne, but this must be one of my favorite performances of him. I'm getting some serious poetic vibes from this performance, which to me enhances his lyrics even more!

[@forgetfulfunctor1]

It's so counterintuitive right? Lol

[@emelianemone777]

exactly! truly awesome performance, esp knowing what tech is capable of & how he usually chooses to present his stuff...i was super into this as well.

[@Triosmind]

Very true

[@ottobot1234]

Ya man this was fun I wouldn't be disappointed if the did a full show Like this

[@RoarTheRapper]

9:33 I keep coming back to this version of “speedom” because these guys are such masters, and not just when there’s a crazy beat behind them.

[@lizd6396]

This is a masterclass I cannot get over how great this is. The definition of Rap.

[@xedgeforeverx]

Anyone wanna talk about how awesome the harmonies Tech is throwing in there with Krizz? I wasn't expecting that. He's been learning how to sing well it seems.

[@coltonsnider7848]

They both honestly bring out the best talent outta each other. Krizz has some amazing pipes and tech has def been taking notes, same goes for krizz on his bars. He has absolutely been inspired by techs ability.

[@thelostpawn]

I want an extended cut!!! 8 more songs! 8 more songs!!!

[@b-sideplank]

Fuck 8 songs, they should make this set up permanent and tour with it.

[@YamahaR12015]

@@b-sideplank this comment right here!!!

[@ssccoottiinnoo]

Just do all of the songs. and then some more. and then repeat it all... just fucking keep going, it's just too good.

[@tasnifrahman2486]

You mean N9ne more songs

[@colinsmith4408]

This is like a cool version of a talent show.

[@ehrenreichmanuel6298]

Best version of fragile I've ever heard

[@crzxm]

Imagine them live at your party?! They'd tear down the roof.

[@kalebnolan8343]

But you know they are nice enough to help put the roof back together afterwards

[@TheBarnzilla]

What’s funny is if you live in KC there’s prolly a good 40% chance he has rocked you’re party. Dude is so down to earth, tea and loyal to his city. I see him out and about 3-4 times a year. Never have seen him in a mood or be standoffish. Tech is a legend around here. A living one that is amazing and humble. I got so much love for Aaron Gates it ain’t even funny.

[@j.r.stringer5852]

They did FRAGILE. I will die happy 😋

[@jeremiahlopez6708]

Feel the same way bruh

[@MickayG]

Yep... although it wasn't going to happen, I was kinda hoping K-Dot would suddenly step in :)

[@TheSlushy]

Tech is hinting at NPR on behalf of us fans to get Kendrick :P :P

[@jordansailors6510]

Krizz put a beautiful twist on it!

[@honeybaby6123]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏!

[@hgr.7857]

Tech & Krizz have such awesome chemistry performing together. You can tell they have 💛 for each other & have been doing it (better than most BTW) for decades, having fun w/ it. KC treasures 👍💯👍

[@drsavage3262]

I'm a music head period, I love all of it. I have to say though, that this performance by Tech and Krizz, especially live with legit instrumentals, makes this the best Tiny Desk 💯 Keep it strange!

[@WildLionGames]

I can't listen to the studio version of Speedom anymore. This is so good

[@dropkickmolotov]

Straight up! this is gold.

[@iwatchtoomuchyt9281]

Same for me with Dysfunctional. Krizz's vocals are way better now lol

[@xavv]

Truth!! I Honestly don’t like Eminem’s part he goes to Fast Good lyrics and shit but too fast

[@ianbishop1814]

WildLion Games I was waiting for Eminem to come out...

[@japanrocksgousa]

This but eminem gotta come out

[@frankakwetey2354]

He's been dropping gems since 3 decades ..... #StrangeMusic

[@LydiaIndica]

This radiates best friend energy and I love it so much ❤️❤️❤️ My two faves

[@alissasalas7524]

My dad introduced me to techn9ne. Now I'm obsessed with this video because it's one of my favorites of tech and Kali. Fly high dad. 🕊🙏

[@6ix0h4orte]

Tech N9ne is one of the all time showmen and stage performers just because of his energy. Him and Kaliko have been doing it for years and it shows.

[@rams81rule]

Easily puts on the best shows ij hip hop. Nobody I've seen comes close in my opinion

[@funkunderground2663]

always appreciate good energy!

[@Unclejamsarmy]

Drae Azak not just his energy tho I agree but they both kill it technically too it’s insane

[@SKULLKR3W]

they preform so well together its insane

[@jeromereynolds13]

they energy is dope and they never over do it

[@Shneim]

N9ne is the goat 🐐

[@jvela6937]

Still don't understand why Kaliko wasn't on the original Fragile song. No disrespect to the young lady on the original version, but Kaliko just adds that stamp on it.

[@morris9973]

not to take anything away from the original version, but this one speaks more to me.

[@gontseledwaba8624]

Honestly👌

[@spotisindabldg5563]

It reminds me of Bad by Wale. Original with a young lady whos name I forgot and a remix with Rihanna. I enjoy both but rihanna put "that stamp on it" lol

[@laz001]

I guess Tech is constantly trying to give new artists a chance

[@craze647]

One of my favourite TinyDesks def. These two deserve to be called artists

[@ObliqueVisualsNz]

Tech and Krizz are the best live hip hop act I've ever seen in the flesh . hands down

[@whotfdis]

Definitely. This here sounds kinda better than originals

[@amendes6410]

Same, them and jurassic 5 (saw them same day) were just perfect! Id say better than their recordings.

[@sepium662don]

Kali and Nina sound as good as EPMD (PMD and Eric Sermon), Bad Meets Evil (Royce 5-9 and Eminem), NaS and AZ, Mobb Deep (Prodigy and Havoc)

[@doctordrizzay]

Tech N9ne is the only rapper that sounds just as good live...if not better. Krizz too, his singing and rapping are on point.

[@rakanr5776]

Yep, the rappers I enjoy listening to live are tech and flatbush zombies, they're amazing live

[@MmmmGoodBoy]

Slug of Atmosphere sounds really good live as well, Snoop Dogg also has been playing with a live band for years now and it sounds great as well. It’s sad that most rap shows are a bunch of dudes and the rapper on stage rapping over the original track.

[@dfthemanppp]

@@MmmmGoodBoy Aesop Rock, Brother Ali, Tonedeff, Cunninlyguists all put on fantastic shows too

[@acm2973]

Tech, krizz nd hop!

[@chrisdelinquent3577]

Did you not watch Mac Miller's Tiny Desk Concert?

[@hipgnostic560]

This is a legendary performance for real....just incredible art and talent and so raw

[@kwamedanso38]

Still here for tech n kaliko..

[@illputketchuponyourlaptop7129]

NPR always chooses interesting artists I love them

[@smithshift386]

I couldnt help but smile the whole time they did Speedom. Theyre so genuine. Best one yet!

[@davidwilburn9568]

Ha 2dope shaggs

[@thestonedhippo]

I love how their songs just bounce off eachother and adlib each other

[@jessec4032]

This is my fav tiny desk. Been coming back for 5 years now.

[@nosnbot2984]

Any artist on strange music would come correct like this and hold their own. Let's have a strange music npr tiny desk session.

[@nikkid2105]

NPR Tiny Desk has to be the absolute best place to work on Earth!

[@anthonyritter5507]

Tech is so slept on it’s ridiculous. He’s got so much talent and people just don’t know. Come gangsta will forever be one of my favorite songs in general.

[@purgatorybeatz1991]

That boi on the guitar killin it

[@SkoutiBeats]

Their chemistry was insanse especially in speedom, the band killed it too 🔥🔥

[@funkunderground2663]

shouts to the band yes!!

[@mmafox1018]

I was working at Church's Chicken in the north kansas city. I met Krizz Kaliko's mom... such a wonderful woman

[@fdcdrifter]

They preform so damn good together!!!!! Magic!!

[@pacidraws3563]

didn't know until now that Tech's mom passed from lupus, my mom's got lupus and it's always a struggle, i feel u man.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

Same here... mom's been dealing with it for almost 30 years. All of us with autoimmune diseases suffer mostly in silence.

[@ThatTattooGuyOfficial]

Tech really loves the music he makes and it shows... so dope.

[@mermaidflying1297]

Seventh Trumpet Tattoos ~ He’s very portentous !

[@princedandy3980]

So dope they wanna... 😂

[@mas5949]

This is awesome. These guys aren’t just rappers there singers, artists. It’s one thing to hear a voice on a cd then be disappointed with a live performance, but these guys are pure gold talent.

[@Redant23]

These two, Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone

[@martyjehovah]

It's like you know they can do these verses because you hear it on the track, but still when you see them actually do it for real it's mindblowing. Some people don't feel it because it focuses so heavily on technicality, and that's fine, everyone has their own tastes, but still you've got to respect the skill involved regardless of how much you like it.

[@1974spr]

It's crazy, but the one's I feel are really talented are the ones that I prefer their live stuff over their studio stuff.

[@jesusthedestroyer2028]

Probaboly the most solid tiny desk ever

[@tyrestrong4806]

That first performance for their track “Dysfunctional” is crazy. Krizz is very underrated.. man can SING & Rap. Then you got N9ne over here just.. you really appreciate what he does when he does his stuff live. Dynamic duo.

[@daniellanemusic928]

6:15 to 9:05 is literally some of the greatest music I've ever heard!

[@vincemwenyewe4569]

I keep replaying

[@danamuller554]

Me too

[@danamuller554]

This is pure talent right here

[@krizz3818]

Hit me hard man. Absolute masterpiece. I wish that people who really deserve the credit would get it. We sleeping on these guys right here!!

[@alexandercanella4479]

@@krizz3818 go to their website. Buy Strange albums. Buy their merchandise. Do everything you can to keep them growing!

[@lawlmakii]

Been waiting for this one! Tech and Krizz are just too good live to not have them do a mini concert!

[@jared0801]

Still one of the best rap performances on Tiny Desk!

[@ArizonaHeat602]

It takes incredible talent to be Tech N9ne's hype man.

[@BigKahuna0275]

So much respect for Tech and Krizz. I never listened to modern rap until I stumbled upon an older interview with these two guys. They are super passionate about their craft and are so down to Earth, not all up in their own hype, it's an awesome dynamic. Soulful, intelligent, witty, articulate, and humorous are the only words I'd use to describe these guys.

[@techkilla2463]

Tech has been in the game for years maan

[@_Michael_.]

This is most definitely not modern rap

[@ottobot1234]

This is not modern rap the rap that makes you want to rip your ears off is what is considered modern techs in a league all his own

[@cls8796]

tech killa24 decades

[@funkunderground2663]

awesome

[@papillonm9041]

Dude, I am a metalhead and I can realate to everything in here. Holy shit, this is music

[@wikidclowne6891]

FYI Tech did songs with Corey Taylor, Jonathan Davis, and Serj Tankian. He also covered LL Cool J's Mama Said Knock You Out with Five Finger Death Punch

[@fixorfling7032]

@@wikidclowne6891 that was wicked songs, serj and N9ne was the best, still on my playlist. I want them and david dramon from disturbed to make a song

[@dandurrer2674]

Not many rappers that sound exactly like their wax..... especially at this tempo. Tech and Krizz are both legends.

[@specificgravity-thedancing9700]

the first time I saw tech live i was blown away by how he even sounded better than the album. that show was pure energy.

[@Nooflyer]

This is my city and grew up with this music. The guitarist is my age and I’ve sat him and he’s an amazing pianist also. Tech invited me to his lady’s bday party and he’s down to earth. I’ll always be a fan and a friend. He’s a mentor and an icon. Much love

[@Rissa89]

Knowing how tech's concerts are WILD, the most tame we've ever seen Krizz & tech 😅❤

[@doggoshouse439]

For real though.

[@dillonpinkerton201]

This genuinely put a smile on my face, the energy, the rhythm, the music. Straight chills man!

[@funkunderground2663]

agreed!

[@sinistersantos8651]

😩😩 Breaks my heart to watch this because in the back of my mind, I know the odds of me seeing these two together live again is slim to none. I still go to every Tech N9ne show that I can find, but too have Kaliko back on that stage with him? Jeez…

[@TheDillonreneau]

You really don’t know these twos energy till you’ve seen them live. Much love strange.

[@soulphoenix13]

Firstly, NPR, THANK YOU!!! This was incredible, and again you never disappoint and have brought to us yet another performance to treasure. This performance. . .THIS is what I'm talking about! Tech N9ne and Kaliko are the best duo in Hip-Hop, hands down. If there was any doubt clouding your mind, then this performance epitomizes their authenticity, emotion, creativity, and skill, individually and collectively. Their melodic sensibility is off the charts, and to top it off, they love what they do. They got me clapping in my chair and smiling the whole time. I watched this at 5:50 in the morning, lol. Woke me up before my café did! What's also so fresh and cool about this is that they had fun doing it and it's got deeper meaning at the same time. Much respect to Tech for showing love and respect to Kendrick Lamar, Mayday, Kendall Morgan, and Eminem. He's all about that. I wish more rappers had his spirit and gratitude. He's just so damn likable and real. As for Kaliko, the man can sing like nobody else. His voice and style is gold. He does everything, and is an excellent rapper too. If anybody is reading this and is now curious about Tech and Kaliko, please check out Tech N9ne's diverse music catalogue as well as Krizz Kaliko's solo material. Some of the best in the game. Again, thanks NPR Music for another wonderful Tiny Desk production. What you're doing for me is replacing the emptiness of not having MTV Unplugged (I was a kid in the 90's and geeked out over them). You're filling in that void pretty damn well with so many awesome choices and performances. . .Ok, I'm done. Enough ranting. Much respect and love. -Peace

[@charlesmaclellan8124]

Pat Couldn't of said it better!

[@bethanyneal2839]

Big facts this is the best tiny desk concert i've seen

[@funkunderground2663]

never thought of this as being a dope substitute for unplugged. that's such a good point!!

[@dreamvillain8815]

If you like amazing duos listen to Earthgang

[@andrewdiaz8659]

Just popped I to give you you're 100th like

[@jvela6937]

5:01 Tech firing like a fully automatic!!!

[@Precisionforensic]

I just found Tech N9ne on a random youtube suggestion. all I can say is, "WOW". Amazing. Then this stripped down version. All I can say is I LOVE the music, energy, and true happiness in them creating their art. Guys, if ya ever come to Ohio and want to hang out, in a non-creeper way, I want to join that energy. Thanks for the joy you bring to your music!!!!

[@jacobgilchrist832]

Man there will never be a better combo than tech and big krizz kaliko.

[@ValentinoSauzer]

wow, his pigmentation is awesome! nature's tattoo and his voice... dayum

[@sv98753]

whoa so nice to read ... thanks for that

[@shawndeutsch2498]

Hence his name.

[@DastardlyDuce]

I think this is probably my favourite video on KZbin.

[@johnydoe6797]

The journey these two have been on... wow. Just happy to have been a part of if for so many years! my best friend found tech around anghellic and its been history ever since haha. went years only listening to strange because the roster was, and is just insane... thank god for mayday i just have to throw that out there too ;)