Celebrity

Also paying tribute to the late rapper are Philadelphia rapper G-Unit's Lloyd Banks as well as hip-hop veteran Tech N9ne, who assures friends, family and fans that he is alive and well after earlier confusion.

• Mar 26, 2019

AceShowbiz - Kendrick Lamar and Lupe Fiasco have paid tribute to famed battle rapper Tech 9 following his unexpected death.

Few details have been released about the circumstances surrounding his weekend, March 23-24, passing, but the loss of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native, real name Akeem Mickens, has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans online.

One of the first stars to salute Tech 9's memory was Kendrick, who took to Twitter to quote a line from one Lionz Den rap battle with challenger Arsonal.

"THEY SAY MY FACE DONT (sic) LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK- Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well," he wrote.

THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK-

Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well.

— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) 25 March 2019

Lupe was also saddened by the news, tweeting, "Rip Tech 9...one of the most entertaining battle rappers. Condolences to his family and friends. May God have mercy on his soul," while G-Unit's Lloyd Banks posted: "Rest In Peace to the Philadelphia legend Tech 9".

Rip Tech 9...one of the most entertaining battle rappers.

Condolences to his family and friends.

May God have mercy on his soul.

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— “DROGAS WAVE” NOW PLAYING (@LupeFiasco) 25 March 2019

Rest In Peace to the Philadelphia legend Tech 9

— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) 25 March 2019

The late MC's namesake, hip-hop veteran Tech N9ne, also took to Twitter to share his sympathies with the tragic star's family, while also assuring friends, family, and fans that he was alive and well.

In a black-and-white video posted on Monday morning, March 25, he said, "Condolences to the battle rapper Tech 9. He's been battling for years. I've observed many a battle of his. Condolences to the family."

He then addressed his own status, revealing he was filming the clip at a U.S. airport: "This Tech N9ne is going through customs back in the U.S., coming from Canada, coming from Europe."

Condolences to the great Tech 9. #Phillypic.twitter.com/RGj3NNJEvZ

— Tech N9ne (@TechN9ne) 25 March 2019

"My family is calling my phone wondering if I'm OK. I'm OK," he added. "My condolences go out to the battle rapper, Tech 9. Philly, stand up."