If you want to keep up with the prolific Tech N9ne (and you’re quite behind already), know that his regular albums are like tell-all memoirs from Hades while his Collabos releases (and his mixtapes, EPs, and whatnots) are more like everyday horror novels, more exciting without leaving such a lasting impression. They’re generally less biographical too, which is no surprise as so many outside voices are butting in, but Welcome to Strangeland looks to blend the two worlds as Tech’s fourth Collabos release takes on the extra burden of being conceptual. Still, this journey through the man’s past is mostly about the friends he’s made and then signed to his Strange Music label. Names like Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Jay Rock, and others familiar to those who venture into Strange’s sliver of the underground fill the guest list, while production comes from Seven, Jomeezius the Genius, ¡Mayday!, and other house favorites. The mood is like a demon dance party with aggression, hedonism, and shock value all turned up to 11, and while the concept might seem a ball and chain to newcomers, returning fans will enjoy the clever way some of their favorite Strange artists are introduced. This one screams “fans only” like it was bloody murder, and you can take that as a recommendation if a good portion of your CD collection -- especially around the “T”s -- is colored blood red.
© David Jeffries /TiVo