Tech N9ne (born Aaron Dontez Yates on November 8, 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri) is an American rapper. Yates adopted the name "Tech N9ne" in 1988. In 1985, Aaron "Tech N9ne" Yates found his calling. On a dare, he picked up a pen and wrote a rhyme. The next day he went to school and performed that rhyme. His life has never been the same. In the 17 years since that day, this motor-mouthed rapper has performed sold out shows from L.A. to New York.