Tech N9ne, Meek Mill Among Rappers Remembering Late Philadelphia Battle Rapper Tech 9

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Rapper Tech N9ne offered condolences Monday to the family of longtime Philadelphia battle rapper Tech 9 in a video posted to Twitter. Buttah From Da Block, also a Philly battle rapper, announced Monday on Facebook Tech 9 died. Tech 9, who's real name is Akeem Mickens, was 32 years old.

"Condolences to the battle rapper Tech 9. Been battling for years. I've observed many a battle of his," Tech N9ne, 47, said on Twitter. "Condolences to the family. This Tech N9ne is going through customs back in the U.S., coming from Canada, coming from Europe."

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

Tech N9Ne – real name Aaron Dontez Yates – said he's been confused with Tech 9 because of their similar pseudonyms.

Buttah From Da Block wrote on Facebook:

"Aw man it hurts me to be saying this right now and After speaking to your dad this is even harder to process ???? .... PHILADELPHIA AND THE BATTLE RAP CULTURE ALL TOOK A LOSS WITH THIS ONE. HE WAS A LEGEND AND A PIONEER, GENTLEMAN, GREAT FATHER ENTREPRENEUR, ENTHUSIAST AND PHILANTHROPIST. With Deep Hurt And sorrow i say we will miss u and love u bro... Tell Spittage We gon hold it down bro."

Mickens' father has created a GoFundMe that is awaiting approval, according to Buttah From Da Block.

Rappers from Philadelphia and all over offered their sent condolences through social media.

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• Philadelphia