Celcius cover

Celcius

Tech N9ne · 2002

61 min · 14 tracks · gangsta rap

A frenetic blend of chopper rhythms and gritty narratives that showcase a unique Midwest hip-hop sound.

Top tracks — play these first

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    He Wanna Be Paid Start here — This track opens the album with an infectious beat and clever wordplay, setting the tone for Tech N9ne's lyrical prowess throughout Celcius.
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    Nasty Girl — With its catchy hook and club-ready vibe, this song showcases Tech's ability to merge storytelling with mainstream appeal while maintaining his signature style.
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    Mizery — The haunting production and introspective lyrics on this track reveal a darker side of Tech N9ne's artistry, adding depth to the overall album narrative.
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    Celcius (Cold as Ice) — As the title track, it encapsulates the themes of resilience and ambition that run throughout the album, showcasing Tech's unique flow and lyrical dexterity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Tech N9ne's unique flow and production style create a distinct sound, though some tracks feel less cohesive.

What we noticed

  • The album features rapid-fire verses with complex internal rhymes, particularly evident in tracks like 'He Wanna Be Paid' and 'Nasty Girl'.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response elements, creating a dynamic interaction between the artist and the listener.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo engagement
  • gritty narratives with energy
  • focused listening for details
  • late-night drive soundtrack

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Celcius solidified Tech N9ne's status in independent hip-hop, enhancing his recognition.
Themes
Midwest hustle· gritty ambition· underground bravado
Career context
Released in 2002, Celcius was Tech N9ne's sixth studio album and marked his growing prominence within the independent hip-hop scene. At this point, he had already established himself with albums like Anghellic and was beginning to cultivate a dedicated fanbase through relentless touring and his distinctive rapid-fire lyrical style.
Stylistic neighbors
Krizz Kaliko· E-40· Twista

Tracklist

  • 1 He Wanna Be Paid Start here 4:55
  • 2 Call Girlz 4:35
  • 3 Be Warned 2:04
  • 4 Boss Doggs 4:42
  • 5 Sprung 4:21
  • 6 All I Want 5:12
  • 7 Nasty Girl 6:04
  • 8 Pop That Thang 3:33
  • 9 Shoot tha Shit 5:14
  • 10 Ride Wit Me 3:52
  • 11 Blue Streak 4:09
  • 12 We Dem Boyz 3:40
  • 13 Mizery 4:44
  • 14 Celcius (Cold as Ice) 4:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata