How Did Tech9 Die? Philly Rapper Dies Under Cloud Of Child Porn Charges
Tech9 died suddenly last month. Now we learn he was facing child porn charges.
Instagram Rapper Tech9 died suddenly last month at the age of 32. No details have been released about his death at this time and the coroner says it is being investigated, though a friend said at the tie that there was no sign of injury on his body when it was found.
But now fans are learning that the legendary battle-rapper was facing serious criminal charges related to possession of child pornography and sexual abuse of his girlfriend’s daughter. He was due to be arraigned on those charges on the day after his death. Could the charges have led the rapper to take his own life rather than face the consequences of his actions?
Who was Tech9? Read on for all the details.
1. Philly
Tech9 was born Akhiym Mickens was known as a battle rapper in the Philadelphia area. He had been on the scene for over a decade and had battled with T-Rex, Arsenal and Rich Dolarz as part of Smack’s Ultimate Rap League Not much is known about his death except that he was transported to Holy Redeemer Hospital and pronounced dead there. Authorities say his cause of death is being investigated at this time.
Premier Battles posted a condolence after his death saying “We’re very sad to hear Philly and battle rap legend Tech 9 has passed away. His work both in the pit and as a co-host on Champion, pushed this strange little scene we’re all apart of forward everyday. Battle rap has lost a good one! Thoughts and prayers are with his family.” They followed up with a tweet showing a video of Tech9 performing and the words “With heavy hearts we send our love & Condolences Out to friends and family of our friend, brother & Battle rap Icon Anthony “Tech 9” Mickens.. We Love You Brother!! You Will Be Missed Tremendously REST IN POWER.. #Legend #Icon.”
Tech9 was a Philly battle rapper.
2. Confusion
When his death was announced, the hip-hop world was confused, thinking the news was about a different rapper who goes by the stage name Tech9yne. That musician made a video to clarify the situation saying “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 … My family is calling my phone wondering if I’m OK. I’m OK. My condolences go out to the battle rapper, Tech 9. Philly, stand up.”
Fans on social media were confused by the simlar names.
3. Initial reaction
Once the confusion was cleared up, local fans, as well as major hip-hop personalities, extended condolences about his death. It was reported that some and wanted to declare a Tech9 Day in Philadelphia to commemorate his life and work. Meanwhile, his father was using GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses and had collected over $30,000.
Meek Mill offered condolences.
4. Charges
A grim light was cast over Tech9’s memory, however, when it was revealed that he was about to be arraigned on multiple charges related to sexual assault of a minor and possession of child pornography. He was scheduled in court on March 25 for possession of child pornography, indecent assault, indecent exposure and corruption of minors, and other offenses.
Fans were shocked by the charges.
5. Child Sex Abuse
The charges stem from claims by his girlfriend’s daughter that he had been abusing her sexually. The girl, whose age is not known, claimed that he repeatedly asked her to remove her clothing and he would watch her an masturbate. She said he once forced his way into her room with a knife and attempted to get her to touch his penis.
He was originally arrested on those charges in January. When police searched his home, they discovered that he possessed child pornography as well. The name of the girl and her mother have not been released.
He was facing multiple charges of abuse and possession of child pornography.
6. Suicide?
After the charges were filed, the rapper vanished from social media. He never made any public statements about his arrest or the accusations against him. With the relations about the legal jeopardy he faced and the many questions about the circumstances surrounding his death, fans are starting to wonder if he committed suicide rather than face the charge against him.
At the time of his death, his friend and fellow rapper Buttah from the Block posted “Unfortunately we haven’t fully figured the cause of death. We are praying that it was natural causes. He had no signs of harm done to his body.”
The charges lead to questions about his cause of death.
The investigation into Tech9's death is ongoing.
Rebekah Kuschmider has been writing about celebrities, pop culture, entertainment, and politics since 2010. Her work has been seen at Ravishly, Babble, Scary Mommy, The Mid, Redbook online, and The Broad Side. She is the creator of the blog Stay at Home Pundit and she is a cohost of the weekly podcast The More Perfect Union.