Aaron Dontez Yates, known as Tech N9ne, is an American rapper and singer born in 1971. He co-founded the independent label Strange Music in 1999 with Travis O'Guin. Tech N9ne is known for his rapid-fire flow and innovative style, which has earned him a dedicated fan base and over two million albums sold. His stage name, inspired by both the TEC-9 firearm and his mastery of lyrical technique, reflects his reputation in hip hop. Tech N9ne’s music frequently appears in films, TV, and games, and he received the Left Field Woodie award at the 2009 mtvU Woodie Awards.