Tech 9 has died, and Tech N9ne wants everyone to know he's OK

Social media is mourning the death of a rapper over the weekend, whose stage name has sparked a bit of confusion among fans.

Philadelphia-based battle rapper Tech 9 — whose real name is Akeem Mickens — died over the weekend, hip-hop magazine XXL reported.

Complex Music shared a video of the rapper on Twitter, saying “Philly battle rapper Tech 9 has passed away. Rest in peace.”

Although Tech 9 is an “underground rapper,” Heavy reported, but many mainstream rappers like Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, and others also paid tribute.

Fans — and even family members — of Kansas City, Mo.-based rapper Tech N9ne (real name Aaron Dontez Yates) were momentarily confused by the news.

Tech N9ne shared a video clarifying that he is still alive.

"This Tech N9ne is going through Customs," explained the rapper as he panned his phone camera around to show the scene at an airport following his return from Canada and Europe. "My family's calling my phone wondering if I'm OK." 

Tech N9ne’s top charting songs on Billboard are “Hood Go Crazy” (featuring 2 Chainz & B.o.B) and “Speedom” (featuring Eminem & Krizz Kaliko), both from 2015.

More social media reactions

“There’s gonna be a lot of confusion this morning. Tech 9 (@Therealtech9), a respected battle rapper, passed away. Tech N9ne, founder of Strange Music, is still with us. Hip-hop definitely lost someone dear today. Just want to be clear on who it was.” – Vibe Magazine Editor, William Ketchum III

"THEY SAY MY FACE DONT LOOK THE SAME WITH THE STOCK- Condolences to the family of the late great Tech9 of philly. Rest well." – Rapper Kendrick Lamar

“Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, Tech N9ne and more pay their respects to Tech 9. The Philly rapper, who passed away, was considered an icon in the world of battle rap: trib.al/HGamJMa” – Complex Music

“Just to try to save some unnecessary awkwardness that is already popping up in my mentions.. Tech 9 and Tech n9ne are different ppl Tech 9 was a very well respected Battle Mc / Battle analyst who has just passed away.. pls use google and be respectful” – English rapper Lunar C

Grace Pateras is a Digital Producer for the USA Today Network.