Nightbeats: Tech N9ne brings rap and hip-hop to the Mystic

EINSTEIN OF STRANGE MUSIC: Last month, Tech N9ne had to assure the hip-hop and rap community that he is still alive.

The Kansas City rapper - not to be confused with beloved Philadelphia battle rapper Tech 9, who died in late March - is one of the most respected independent musicians currently active.

Not only is he still breathing, Tech N9ne is bringing his “Tech N9ne’s It Goes Up Tour 2019” to the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma on April 25.

Long before chart toppers like Migos or Travis Scott started blending elements of techno into hip-hop, like a true technician, Tech N9ne fused elements of different musical genres into his songs.

With rapid-fire rhymes and unique beats, Tech N9ne’s music generally has listeners bumping songs at full blast, even when the tunes are about mixed drinks or Sriracha.

Over the past two decades, Tech has had three albums go gold and broke the record for the most top 10 albums by any artist on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart, after releasing his 2018 album “Planet.”

“Fragile,” which showcases Tech’s more sensitive side and features Kendrick Lamar, ¡Mayday! and singer Kendall Morgan, is among his radio hits. Then there are the ultimate party anthems “Caribou Lou” and “Hood Go Crazy” with B.o.B. and 2 Chainz. Earlier songs like “Einstein Tech N9ne” off Tech N9ne’s 2001 album “Anghellic” are also cult favorites.

Tech N9ne has dozens of hits and has a proven history of working well with just about anyone. At this point, Tech has collaborated with musicians from The Doors, Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, and Eminem to Boyz II Men.

As a Strange Music label co-founder, the musician also has become known for giving other independent artists a chance to shine with his music label. Krizz Kaliko, ¡Mayday! and UBI are all Strange Music artists who will be performing with Tech N9ne and Canadian recording artist Dax at the Mystic this month.

Details: 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25. Mystic Theatre, Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma. $57.50- $63. Mystictheatre.com

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COUNTRY MEETS ROCK ’N’ ROLL: Timothy O’Neil plays songs that make people dance. Whether he plays with a full band or a solo acoustic show, each performance is a boot-stomping good time and his solo show at HopMonk Sonoma isn’t one to miss.

Best described in the song “Places” off Timothy O’Neil Band’s “All Hands on Deck” album, each song takes listeners on an adventure on a western pickup truck where money and worries are set aside to experience the best kind of sing-alongs.

Other songs, like the album’s self-titled track, offer colorful tales about traveling the seven seas and channel Johnny Cash’s country meets rock n’ roll attitude. Plus, with three other albums to draw upon, the set is sure to be full of many dance-worthy numbers.

Details: 8 p.m. Friday, April 5. Hopmonk Tavern, 691 Broadway Ave., Sonoma. Free. HopMonk.com

RUNS IN THE FAMILY: Proving talent must flow in the family, sibling act Stewart and Emily Gude formed Radiokeys in 2009 and bring a new twist to classic Americana music. Doubling in size since the band’s formation, the duo is now a four-piece powerhouse worthy of a drive to downtown Napa.

Save on the cover charge and instead treat a friend to a glass of bubbles. Blues-inspired folk tunes like the band’s “Hey Hey Charles” and “Stumblin” are a perfect pairing for a night out with friends while sipping on wine.

Details: 9 p.m. Friday, April 12. JaM Cellars, 1460 First. St., Napa. Free. Radiokeysmusic.com

Help us keep the beat. Write Estefany at nightbeats@pressdemocrat.com