Kansas City Embraces the Holiday Spirit with Tech N9ne’s Community Celebration

Kansas City Celebrates the Holiday Spirit with Local Legend Tech N9ne

Kansas City is buzzing with holiday cheer as local hip-hop icon Tech N9ne shares his deep love for the season. Known for his intense beats and captivating lyrics, Tech, whose real name is Aaron Yates, is doing more than just performing this holiday season; he’s giving back in significant ways that resonate with his community.

From the Streets to Santa’s Wonderland

On November 27, hundreds gathered for the Twelfth Street Development Corporation’s 33rd annual Santa’s Wonderland lighting event near Gates Plaza. The air was filled with excitement and a chill that could barely dampen the spirits of those who came to see Tech N9ne as the guest of honor. “I was raised right down this street at 904 Michigan at Wayne Minor Projects,” Tech revealed warmly to the crowd, expressing gratitude for their support. “Thank you all for coming out in the cold to see Tech N9ne; I will never let y’all down.”

He performed three of his popular tracks and made sure to connect with fans, many of whom hailed from his childhood neighborhood. It’s clear that for Tech, the mission goes beyond music; it’s about inspiring younger generations. “The fact that my town loves me like this is such a blessing, and if the young see us doing big things like this, then they’ll strive to be even better,” he said, echoing sentiments of community and responsibility.

The True Meaning of the Holidays

As a child, Tech faced financial hardships, which shaped how he sees the holiday season. Instead of focusing on material gifts, it was the moments shared with family that mattered most. “The earliest memories of the holidays I have are my grandma, my mom and them making sweet potato pie,” he fondly recalled, emphasizing that the smell of the pie brings him back to his roots. “So I always have to have that during the holidays because the smell takes me right back to my grandma’s house right down the street where I was born.”

This year is particularly special for Tech as he celebrates Christmas with his one-year-old daughter. “I got five kids and the youngest is this one-year-old daughter,” he said proudly. “She loves Halloween like me, and every day she just wants me to turn on The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice.” This holiday season is about creating lasting memories for his daughter, and Tech is determined to create the same sense of joy his family instilled in him growing up.

Giving Back in Style

Though Tech may have made a name for himself with his music, it’s evident that the spirit of giving is never far from his heart. He plans to give his youngest daughter a drum set this year — a gift he longed for as a child but never received. “We are going to get her a drum set,” he shared. “That was something I couldn’t afford when I was young.”

He also believes in creating holiday joy for others. Tech highlighted the impressive community support through programs like the Twelfth Street Development toy drive, acknowledging the effort people make to support families in need, saying, “We got to do what we can to give back and to show them that we love them no matter how big we get.”

A Future of Festivities

Looking ahead, Tech N9ne is considering a grand festive idea to merge his love for music and food. He dreams of a Strange Festival called The Dark Barbecue, aiming to pull local barbecue places together for a celebration that embodies the essence of the holiday spirit: good food and togetherness. “The holidays are about bringing people together and food, so I want all the barbecue places to pull up and bring in everyone from KC to come eat and celebrate together,” he said with genuine enthusiasm.

With Christmas music already running through his holiday soundtrack, including a special fondness for Run DMC’s “Christmas Time in Hollis” and his own festive creation, “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” it’s clear that Tech N9ne is ready to spread joy and excitement this festive season.

Kansas City is lucky to have a local treasure like Tech N9ne, who not only fills the air with music but also fills hearts with love and hope. This Christmas, as he gives back to his community and creates cherished memories, he reminds us all that the true spirit of the holidays lies in connection and generosity.