Tech N9ne

A sequel to 2007's Misery Loves Kompany, Sickology 101 is underground rapper Tech N9ne's second album of collaborations, but the concept is entirely secondary. The driving force behind the album is still the Kansas City madman's love of ill behavior, be at the club, on the weekend, with the ladies, or hanging with his goon squad. Names like Krayzie Bone, Crooked I, and Chino XL represent the outside world of hip-hop while Big Scoob, Kutt Calhoun, and Krizz Kaliko are family, all signed to Tech's Strange Music and all sounding perfectly in tune with their label boss. From the regional horror sound of "Midwest Choppers" to the strings and Bad Boy-flavored riffs of the very pop-rap "In the Air," Tech is the anchor, adding his sleazy wit and rebellious punch lines to all tracks. Production comes primarily from the creative crew of Jonah "Matic Lee" Appleby, Rob Rebeck, plus Tramaine "Youngfyre" Winfrey, and the hooks are both numerous and grand with about a third of cuts qualifying as lunatic anthems. This well-rounded effort could also serve as an introduction to Strange's odd corner of the underground, but the curious should be warned that Tech is as fond of shock tactics as ever and takes fetishes to a whole new level with his obsessing on women's areolas. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide