Page 54 - ION Indie Magazine JulyAugust 2019

Here’s my short review and my thoughts of the Tech N9ne show experience: I cut in line and got groped at
the security checkpoint. My media bag was completely emptied on the table. Security was squeaky tight that
night, more than usual at the theater. I walked in the Rialto Theatre and got initiated with the essence of
something strong in the air -- definitely, not oregano! While setting up and going through the opening acts
(MayDay, UBI of CES CRU, DAX), I got stomped, poked, jabbed, kicked, and beer spilled on me.

At one point, Rialto security tried to remove me from the theater, questioning why I brought my camera,
although they were stern but respectful to me. A stoned female kept kicking my tripod, nearly knocking it
over. A drunk guy was explaining to me that he is a professional photographer, sharing that he wished that
he had continued with his photography aspirations. A huge African American man (I’m thinking he was Tech
N9ne’s personal security), came up and yelled in my ear, "Hey! Why you taking all my photographs away?"
And like Pee Wee, I yelled, "What?!" I just showed him my Tech N9ne pass. He said go ahead…and I
continued. My experience with people in the business is to show respect, smile, and not burn bridges in
everything I do. Works every time for me.

The theater was packed from the top of the balcony to the inside of the theater. People were watching from
the lobby area. The lights went out and the Tech N9ne video intro “Like I Ain’t” was displayed in the back on
the digital screen. Then it happened…the level of energy went up from hyped to nuclear hype. Tech N9ne
had hit the stage!

Tech N9ne started off with his brand-new song, “N9NA,” and followed with “Stamina” and “E.M.A.H.” Just
those three songs had me sold! There was palpable energy between him and Krizz Kaliko. They both used up
every inch of that stage. Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko had such great charisma together that they stoked the
audience into a frenzied state. The intense connection with the audience was readily apparent. After each
song, the audience responded with enthusiasm and growing excitement.