Hi-Tek facts for kids

Tony Louis Cottrell, born on May 5, 1976, is a talented American rapper and music producer. He is widely known by his stage name, Hi-Tek. He comes from Cincinnati, Ohio. Hi-Tek is famous for his amazing work with the rapper Talib Kweli. His father, Willie Cottrell, was also a singer in the Willie Cottrell Band. Hi-Tek even featured his father on his second album, Hi-Teknology 2.

Hi-Tek's Music Journey

Early Career and Collaborations

Hi-Tek began his music career in 1996 with a hip hop group called Mood. They had a popular song called "Hustle on the Side." This song was part of Mood's album Doom. The album also featured a rapper from Brooklyn named Talib Kweli.

Hi-Tek then became the main producer for most of the songs on the Black Star album in 1998. This album featured Talib Kweli and Mos Def.

In 2000, Hi-Tek and Talib Kweli formed a group called Reflection Eternal. They released an album called Train of Thought. On this album, Kweli did the rapping, and Hi-Tek created all the beats. Songs like "The Blast" and "Move Somethin'" became quite popular on the radio. Reflection Eternal later released another album called Revolutions Per Minute in 2010.

Solo Albums and More Production Work

After signing with Rawkus Records, Hi-Tek produced music for many of their projects. This included the well-known Soundbombing series. These were compilation albums featuring many artists from the Rawkus label.

In 2001, Hi-Tek released his first solo album, Hi-Teknology. This album featured many famous artists like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Common. Hi-Tek produced every song on the album. It was praised by critics and had a small hit song called "Round and Round" with singer Jonell.

Hi-Tek also works as a producer for Aftermath Entertainment. He has continued to work with his old friends like Kweli and Mos Def. He released his second solo album, Hi-Teknology 2, in 2006. His third album, Hi-Teknology 3: Underground, came out in 2007.

In 2015, another producer named 9th Wonder announced that Hi-Tek had joined The Soul Council. This is the production team for 9th Wonder's record label.

Hi-Tek's Albums

Hi-Tek has released several albums, both as a solo artist and with Reflection Eternal. Here are some of his main albums:

• Train of Thought (with Reflection Eternal)
  • Released: October 17, 2000
• Hi-Teknology
  • Released: May 8, 2001
• Hi-Teknology²: The Chip
  • Released: October 17, 2006
• Hi-Teknology 3
  • Released: December 11, 2007
• Revolutions Per Minute (with Reflection Eternal)
  • Released: May 18, 2010

Music He Produced

Hi-Tek has produced songs for many well-known artists. He has helped create music for:

• 50 Cent
• Anderson .Paak
• Black Star
• Busta Rhymes
• Common
• D12
• The Game
• G-Unit
• Ghostface Killah
• Lloyd Banks
• Mary J. Blige
• Mos Def
• Talib Kweli
• Xzibit
• And many more!