Best Local Musician

For a glimpse at what makes Tech N9ne Kansas City's most explosive performer, think back to closing night of this year's Spirit Fest. A languid affair that exhumed unlamented '80s casualties, Spirit Fest lucked into scoring Tech N9ne at his hottest, only a few days after his album AngHellic hit stores nationwide. Taking the stage in front of thousands of people, a good number of whom had bought their tickets just to see his set, Tech bounced around the stage, inspiring the audience to sing along with his choruses and keeping all eyes on his constant motion. But in addition to being a visually dynamic force and flowing at NASCAR speed without wrecking a single line, Tech played several important roles: cheerleader (his pro-Kansas City rhymes provide a substantial boost to the area's self-esteem), babysitter (for the second straight year, he cleaned up his rhymes significantly for the benefit of the kids in the crowd), and mentor (his between-song banter contained plenty of positive, keep-your-head-up messages for his young fans). Working within a 45-minute window, Tech made the whole festival his. And by releasing a sterling 75-minute album, he's seized control of the local music scene as well.