Tech N9ne

It goes without saying that Tech N9ne is the ultimate blueprint for every indie rapper. With over two million records sold independently, roughly 250 shows performed annually and his own label, Tech N9ne has taken rap music to borders unknown and beyond. After a brief two-year hiatus, the Strange Music label head is back with his 13th studio album, Something Else. The 22-track project is the first to be laced with major label artists like Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T. and T-Pain, but it also celebrates label-mates Big Scoob and Wrekoinze. With in-house producer Seven handling the majority of the production, Something Else boasts fluidity and cohesiveness, as well as a diverse soundscape. While opening track "Straight Out The Gate" possesses a hard-hitting bass line, "Fragile" is a piano-based instrumental, and while posse-cut "So Dope (They Wanna)" epitomizes the Strange Music label, the B.o.B.- and Wiz Khalifa-featuring "See Me" is radio-friendly. With guests Big K.R.I.T., Cee Lo Green and Kutt Calhoun, "That's My Kid" is easily one of the most powerful tracks, both lyrically and content-wise. Similarly, "B.I.T.C.H.," featuring T-Pain, revels in an aggressive delivery from both artists, rapping about race and class. While 18 full tracks is a bold move, it's not the best. Songs like "Dwamn," "Strange 2013" and "Meant to Happen" fall by the wayside, and ultimately break the record's power. Nevertheless, the standout numbers are potent enough to carry this from start to finish.