Aaron Dontez Yates (born November 8, 1971), better known as Tech N9ne (pronounced "tech nine"), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. In 1999, he and business partner Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. He has sold over two million albums and has had his music featured in film, television, and video games. In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the mtvU Woodie Awards.
His stage name originated from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun, a name given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast-rhyming Chopper style. Yates later applied a deeper meaning to the name, claiming that it stands for the complete technique of rhyme, with "tech" meaning technique and "nine" representing the number of completion.
Kung Fu Vampire is an American rapper from San Jose, California and the vocalist of the musical group of the same name. He has nationally toured with Twiztid, Tech N9ne, Locksmith, ICP, Brotha Lynch Hung, Wrekonize and more. In addition, KFV has collaborated with musicians such as Blue Note Records Jazz legend, Trumpeter Eddie Gale, Hopsin, Brother J of X Clan, Cougnut, Whitney Peyton and Spice 1. Kung Fu Vampire began breakdancing at the age of six, and taught himself how to rap and sing while playing Drums and Bass as a hobby. At the age of twelve, his aunt began taking him to see concert performances, and introduced him to a Gothic style of dress.
