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 N9n