by Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) June 18th, 2014 | AllHipHop 

When a lot of rappers are named to Forbes annual Hip Hop Cash Kings List they are usually quick to spread that accomplishment through raps, social media, and interviews. Tech N9ne is usually not one to follow trends, so it is not surprising Forbes’ number 18 ranked rapper in 2013 did not want his income shared with the entire world.

“I wanted to keep it a secret. When people feel like you won the lottery, they call you. Cancel your Facebook and everything,” Tech told Radio.com. “When you make that much money, I guess they have to report it. Forbes wants to say, ‘Look what this guy did. $7.5 million this year,’ and I was like, ‘Don’t say that’.”

The creator of 2014′s Strangeulation album came in just behind Swizz Beatz ($8.5 million, #17) and above 50 Cent ($7 million, #19) on last year’s Cash Kings list. Tech N9ne was one of the few independent artists to make the top 20.

“I’m proud of it. That was bigger than the year before,” added Tech. “We’re steadily on the incline, and it’s a blessing to be able to do it independent. Our own money, without major radio or video – still on the Forbes list.”

[ALSO CHECK OUT: Tech N9ne – Hard (ft. MURS)]

Watch Tech N9ne’s interview below.