Dumb Blonde Podcast Episode: "Monday Guest" Featuring Tech N9ne
Release Date: April 21, 2025
Host: Bunnie XO
Guest: Tech N9ne (Travis Oguin)
1. Introduction and Guest Welcome
The episode kicks off with Bunnie XO enthusiastically welcoming Tech N9ne, highlighting his impressive journey in the music industry. [07:00]
Bunnie XO:
"Today, this man has built an empire, pushed the boundaries of independent rap, and outworked nearly everybody in the game. Mr. Tech Nine. Yes, ma'am in the house." [07:05]
Tech N9ne:
"Happy to be here, mama." [03:24]
2. Early Life and Upbringing
Tech N9ne delves into his childhood in Kansas City, Missouri, detailing his family's religious background and the challenges of growing up in a Christian household dominated by gospel music. [12:00]
Tech N9ne:
"My family, Christians, hardcore Christians. We live with my grandmother, my mother, her brothers and sisters lived in a house in the projects. 904 Michigan and Wayne Minor projects." [11:53]
3. Relationship with His Father and Family Influences
Tech discusses his sporadic relationship with his father, Carlton Cook, a LAPD officer who remained largely absent during his formative years. He credits his uncles and aunties for providing support and guidance.
Tech N9ne:
"I never felt a way about my dad at all. He was always tough, you know, and my uncles taught me a lot." [22:46]
4. Early Music and Dance Passion
From a young age, Tech was passionate about hip hop and dance, influenced by neighbors and the vibrant music scene adjacent to his home. His mother supported his interests, taking him to various cultural events that shaped his artistic expression. [13:35]
Tech N9ne:
"I was a dancer before I was writing rhymes, so I always wanted to do Michael Jackson." [13:07]
5. Struggles with Sexuality and Trauma
Tech candidly shares his experiences with early romantic encounters, including inappropriate relationships with a teacher during his teenage years. He reflects on how these experiences impacted his perception of relationships and personal growth.
Tech N9ne:
"I was in love, right, till she got married. We got caught by a student walking by." [36:55]
6. Meeting Travis and Starting Strange Music
The pivotal moment in the episode is the recounting of how Tech N9ne met Travis Oguin in 1998. Travis, with his business acumen, played a crucial role in helping Tech navigate the complexities of the music industry, leading to the founding of Strange Music.
Travis Oguin:
"I knew I wasn't gonna fail because I just can't accept failure. My wife never doubted me, but I couldn't stop." [93:29]
Tech N9ne:
"I love that you guys are doing this together. We built something from the ground up." [93:07]
7. Challenges in the Music Industry: Independent vs Mainstream
Tech and Travis discuss the hurdles they faced as an independent label, including financial strains and resistance from major labels. They emphasize the importance of retaining creative control and the benefits of being independent.
Travis Oguin:
"Distribution is constantly shifting and changing and how it's done. So, you just have to be smart and dissect the deals that are in front of you." [112:56]
Tech N9ne:
"If you work hard and perform, you actually get paid. There’s no middleman between us." [110:12]
8. Building the Fanbase: Juggalos and Metalheads
The conversation highlights the significance of the Juggalo community and metal fans in Tech's rise to prominence. Their unique and dedicated fanbase provided the support needed to sustain and grow Strange Music.
Travis Oguin:
"Their fan base was so intriguing to me because they were so devoted." [101:41]
Tech N9ne:
"2013 is when the Juggalos came and added a lot to our fan base." [103:38]
9. Touring and Performance Style
Tech elaborates on his intensive touring schedule, performing up to 250 shows a year. He shares insights into his high-energy performances, the physical demands of his style, and the strategies he employs to maintain vocal health and stamina.
Tech N9ne:
"We've done it so much that at the end of some tours, I've popped my gastrocnemius muscle on both sides from jumping." [127:38]
10. Struggles with Drugs and Sobriety
A deeply personal segment where Tech opens up about his past substance abuse, including heavy drinking and drug use during his early career. He discusses the turning point in 2006-2007 when he decided to embrace sobriety, influenced by concerns for his health and family.
Tech N9ne:
"Because Travis said, man, everybody's saying you're gonna die just like Jim Morrison, he said, I can't keep doing business with somebody that's gonna kill themselves." [132:57]
Bunnie XO:
"Congratulations on your sobriety." [138:49]
11. Tech N9ne's Creative Process and Upcoming Work
Tech provides an overview of his creative endeavors, including his upcoming album "5816 Forest," an audio series chronicling his life from ages 12 to 17. He emphasizes the therapeutic nature of his music and his commitment to authentic storytelling.
Tech N9ne:
"5816 Forest is an audio series with 17 episodes about my life on 5816 Forest from age 12 to 17." [153:03]
Bunnie XO:
"I can't wait for that." [153:20]
12. Closing Remarks and Future Aspirations
As the episode concludes, Tech and Travis reflect on their journey, the impact of their music on fans, and their aspirations for the future. Tech expresses no plans to retire, driven by his passion for music and the responsibility he feels towards his audience.
Tech N9ne:
"I still get excited when I hear good songs like that one I just saw Jelly do with his other guys." [55:04]
Travis Oguin:
"It's a journey to get to this point, and we're not stopping anytime soon." [95:09]
Bunnie XO:
"Thank you, Tech and Travis, for sharing your incredible story. We're excited to see your continued growth." [162:00]
Notable Quotes:
-
Tech N9ne:
"Quincy Jones told me, 'Rap what you know, and people will forever feel you.'" [39:00]
"I transformed my pain into my music; it's therapeutic for me and my listeners." [47:09] -
Travis Oguin:
"We were independent way before it was cool, way before it was sexy. We were independent out of necessity." [112:55]
"The creative accounting that goes on with streaming and the way majors handle artists is twisted." [118:14]
Conclusion
This episode of Dumb Blonde provides an intimate look into Tech N9ne's life, from his challenging upbringing and early struggles with substance abuse to his triumphant rise in the independent music scene alongside Travis Oguin. Their candid discussions shed light on the complexities of the music industry, the importance of authentic fan connections, and the transformative power of music as a form of healing and expression.
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