The way he paces the varying styles in the album's end section was great this brief cluster of tracks is exactly why I love Tech N9ne. There was the high-octane, face-melting stuff, but the slower, more atmospheric and poignant tunes like "A Certain Comfort" and "Worldly Angel" really stood out. Normally, it wears off after a few tracks - that's how you identify the groove - but it didn't subside until the album ended with a robot Tech N9ne telling me "Thank you for listening to Special Effects." In that small, nine track sequence, I got everything I needed and everyhting I love from Tech. If you've felt it you know just what I'm talking about. My heart started to beat faster, my head was nodding more emphatically than ever before, I got goosebumps and I felt that rush. When "Give It All" came on, I really felt that groove. I was looking for a few track sequences to really grab me, a three or four track "groove" that would stand out when the dust settled. I mentioned it above, but, holy hell.24 songs?! That's a long album. That's my favorite feature on the whole shebangabang. Also, I'm so super in love with Kate Rose. Even if you don't like Yo Gotti or Slipknot, you have to respect Tech's versatility. How many artists from any genre could boast features from Yo Gotti and Slipknot and still create a cohesive, logical sound? Hip-hop and rock tracks like these are usually on opposite ends of the spectrum, but Tech is able to change his sound to make both seem natural. To continue with the football metaphors, Tech is like Peyton Manning, he makes everyone else around him better. I respect them and how passionate their fan base is, but, as a hip-hop blogger and fanatic, it's so far outside of my comfort zone what would I do with a Slipknot? I was blown away at how well they fit together. This may be an unpopular opinion - Strange and the hardcore rock set have always been Strange bedfellows - but never in a million years would I willingly listen to a Slipknot song. That might be the best 2 Chainz verse ever and Yo Gotti didn't make my ears bleed. What the hell are they doing on this album? When I finally listened though, I was amazed at how well they fit into the scheme. I look to Tech N9ne to get away from those guys. The Guest Spots Are Surprising Yet Amazing!ī.o.B? 2 Chainz?! YO GOTTI?! I have to admit, I was skeptical I am still a backpacker after all. I know it's Tech N9ne's album, but Krizz shines just as much as Aaron. He adds so much to the cascading, epic feel of the album. The one constant is that it's often Krizz Kaliko that makes the transitions seamless. The album moves a mile a minute and changes pace, tone, atmosphere and energy at the drop of hat. On this album, everything he touches turns to gold. I knew he could rap, but I simply had no idea he was that good of a singer he's the complete package. I saw him live a year or so ago and my respect for him grew ten-fold. He has been there since day one, but he doesn't receive nearly enough credit. Krizz Kaliko is Strange Music's offensive line. Quarterbacks and receivers get the endorsements and the jersey sales, but it's the guys in the trenches who make the team go. In football nobody is more unappreciated than the offensive line. Krizz Kaliko is Strange Music's Offensive Line I'm going to need a lot more listens to come up with some coherent analysis, but off the top, here are some of my biggest takeaways so far. I spent the last day scrambling my brain with the album equivalent of bath salts that is Special Effects.