Chris Webby and Tech N9ne
Tech N9ne is photographed alongside Chris Webby, the up-and-coming rapper he thinks is here to stay. Homegrown Music Group/Jonathan Hay Celebrity

In the world of music, rappers are a dime a dozen. Quality rappers, however, are much more rare. This is something Tech N9ne, who has been in the industry for more than 15 years, knows all too well. That’s why when his partner Travis O’Guin introduced him to young talented artist Chris Webby, he felt he had to take action.

After O’Guin mentioned Webby several times, the “Hood Go Crazy” rapper decided to give his music a listen. The 43-year-old thought his rhymes were “really good” and began doing a little research of his own. The pair met on several occasions at various shows and eventually formed a friendly relationship. When it came time to tour, Tech N9ne felt “it was only right” that he get in touch with Webby’s people and discuss bringing him along. After more than 20 albums, countless tours, and even more collaborations with industry heavyweights, Tech N9ne knows a thing or two about what it takes to make it in music. It seems that whatever “it” is, Webby’s got it.

“Chris Webby is a talented artist and also about his business,” he said. “Which means to me he will be here for a long while in this iffy industry.”

The award-winning rapper notes that, for an up-and-coming artist, Webby seems to know what he’s doing. At just 26 years old, the Connecticut native understands the business aspects of the industry as well as the performance aspect. Tech N9ne noted that while touring together, Webby “worked the stage like a pro,” which both he and the audiences appreciated.

“Webby’s show was very entertaining to see because of his ability to say all his rhymes and hit melodies perfectly while working the stage like a pro,” he said.

So who is this talented young artist taking the hip-hop world by storm? Chris Webby, born Christian Webster, got his start rapping in frat houses at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. After being kicked out his sophomore year, he decided to shift his focus to his music and started taking things more seriously. In 2009 he released his first mixtape, “The White Noise LP,” which garnered some buzz and earned him a few gigs throughout his home state of Connecticut. It wasn’t until 2010, when he began collaborating with big names like Mac Miller and Big K.R.I.T., that things really started heating up for Webby. Four years later, he released “Chemically Imbalanced,” which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Rap Charts.

All of Webby’s musical accomplishments have been achieved independently through Homegrown Music Group, which he says he “started from scratch.” While many independent labels struggle to find their home in the music biz, Webby and Homegrown “have been fortunate to continue to experience constant growth.” The “Lettin’ It Rain” rapper has several other artists signed to his label, which he says aims to allow them “full creative control.”

“We provide the platform to give the fans what they want, including free music,” he said. “Where major labels are concerned with sucking their consumer dry for every last penny in order to get a return on their investment; we focus on creating fan loyalty by providing a bigger bang for the buck.”

At present, Webby is gearing up for the release of his next big album, “JAMO-NEAT.” The EP will be available for purchase on July 17.