Click here to follow along with lyrics!
At first, upon hearing this song, it comes off as an "all-over-the-place" style of lyricism. Immortal Technique (Felipe Andres Coronel), is infamous in the Hip Hop underworld for his activism in humanitarian rights and being an iconic figure in the underground revolution against corrupt governments, religion, poverty, and racism.
Felipe Andres Coronel, as well as those featured in this song, are perfect examples of "bad nigg*s"
Immortal Technique's style is definitely that of one that opposes the societal norms and exhibits it's own unique perspective on the world through the eyes of the oppressed in Hip-Hop's underground. The lyrics of the song below are bursting at the seams with the critique of political injustices that our government sweeps under the rug. These eye-opening revelations of injustices encourage his audience to take part in the activism of their once-submissive-but no-longer regime. Have a look at a few of the references Immortal Technique makes in this song.
"I survived the Cointelpro assassinationsAIDS epidemic crack era fractured a nationThe interpretation of American democracyIs best exemplified in its foreign policy dichotomyI live a double-life of political philosophyBut revolution follows me, the struggle for equality"
| - Immortal Technique |
And as for language, there is a prominent blend of Black English with hints of Spanish words and phrases that have assimilated into this specific subcategory of Hip Hop. Pumpkin Head (Robert Diaz) also comes from a latino background, specifically, in Park Slope area of Brooklyn NYC, not far from where Immortal Technique himself grew up. The homogenous compatibilities of Ebonics and Spanish language give way to a new hybrid lyricism of raw power (i.e Bad Nigg*s) and the integration of spanish influence appeals to a new audience, Puerto Rican Black Americans.
In this one sentence we see elements of Black English, humanitarianism, spanish influence, and the breakdown of society's unjust acceptance of racial inequality.
- Immortal Technique"I came to my senses, un esclavo no soy, that is not my past, I came to know me and my people, redbrown and black, helped me paint the future"
(Spanish Translation: I am not a slave)
The purpose of Immortal Technique's lyrics are a beckoning to his audiences for activism and social justice. While the mafioso flow of bragging is still present in most of his songs there is a distinct line drawn that distinguishes him from other Hip Hop lyricists. The acknowledgement of this barrier sets Immortal Technique apart from those conditioned to materialistic possessions defining success. This unique outlook is what has preserved his style and message allowing him to exhibit an assortment of various styles that are still within the extreme humanitarian ideals and values that form the structure of Felipe Coronel's unchanged stance toward the government and moral dilemmas of the contemporary world.
"Unidos por fin! We seize the time, free at last, learn to love, live to fight, not just for me, but for others, teach the new blood, and live for freedom!"- Immortal Technique
Song: Young Lords
Artist: Immortal Technique featuring Pumpkin Head
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOX02fpsIc4
I enjoyed the article, very well done. I just wished you touched on other artists that made an impact using hip hop.
ReplyDeleteGreat artist choice for this topic. Immortal Technique's style and lyrics portray his activism and political views. Would have liked for you to display another type of artist as well such as Lupe Fiasco but overall awesome job.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you described the fusion of Spanish language & hip hop. Immortal Technique was a great example but, as the others have said, I think another example of another artist who raps about politics/activism would've made this article stronger. Other than that, it was a great article and it was very well written.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that music, and rap music nonetheless, can create such messages is a great relief. Most outside people look at hip-hop and rap as violent, crude, and unappealing. This article proves that rap has deeper meaning, such as social injustice; it's not all about money and women.
ReplyDeleteimmortal technique is one of my favorite artists and i think he is probably the best choice for this topic. Immortal technique shows perfectly how hiphop can be used to get a point across and express important matters through stories and lyrics.
ReplyDeleteIts interesting to see how rap and hip hop music can be used as a tool to promote things like social justice. Rap has a stereotype of being only about drugs, gangs and other things of that nature.
ReplyDeleteSolid article but I would like to see some other artists input here. It's probably because I can't stand Immortal Technique.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you used an artist not everyone is familiar with that using one we all know about. I enjoyed your descriptions of their messages through their lyrics. I love that artists can use hip hop as an outlet to express their views on deeper levels.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Immortal Technique but this post makes me want to know more about them and their messages they convey though hip hop
ReplyDeleteI did not know who Immortal Technique was except for Joel Ortiz but this article really exposed and showcased how other races share the struggle as America does with equality and wanting peace
ReplyDeleteYour examples show how Immortal Technique is "making it matter" through postivity and as you say "by beckoning to his audiences for activism and social justice." For sure, they aren't the first to use hip hop a method of communication. In fact, I think that hip hop is used as a voice for many things that are counterculture by bringing forth controversial ideas. Hip hop definately has a way of taking issues that are so often ignored and "making it matter" and through this hip hop makes itself matter.
ReplyDeleteWhile I enjoyed this topic, I must say that I am not a fan of Immortal Technique. To be honest, I am not a fan of most modern activist rappers. When I listen to their music and watch interviews, I get this overly proud vibe from them. They come off as if they are the first and only rappers to rap on social justice, when this is definitely not the case. Their delivery is kind of a rant and force down your throat, rather than informing you and letting you think about the subject at hand. I think that Public Enemy would have been a better example of "Making It Matter". To me, rappers like Immortal Technique, Lupe Fiasco, and Dead Prez are like the extreme Christians that talk out by Oglesby Union
ReplyDeleteImmortal Technique made it matter in "Young Lords" through his narration. He showed us that young and wild kid from the barrio can come out alright. Through understanding other cultures ("red, brown and black") he was able to change for the better.
ReplyDeleteLike many already said, I love that hip hop can have a voice about pressing world matters. It shows that someone can make a difference because when artists make these songs, millions of people are going to listen to them and hear the messages. Immortal Technique is a great example. Other modern artists I can think of that have political/social justice references are Kendrick Lamar and Lupe Fiasco. Kendrick's album Section.80 has messages about rape/prostitution, racism & prejudice, & other social justice issues. Lupe is known to be an intellectual/political rapper with his messages about how to treat women, politics, and things like that. Another song similar to these messages is "Dear Mama" by Tupac.
ReplyDeleteI agree that you could've used Lupe Fiasco as a really good example, especially since he was escorted off stage at the Presidential Inauguration concert because of his thoughts on Obama's way of dealing with the middle east.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I've heard of Immortal Technique, and has sparked an interest for their music. Along with more songs that deal with getting a point across or a view of a situation.
ReplyDeleteI liked the use of this artist but I would have loved a list of more examples of Artist rapping about political and cultural matters. From KRS-one to Public Enemy and those more modern. Its also good to realize songs like "911 is a joke", although comical, has an impact displaying the Black cultures view of their own oppression.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Immortal Technique before reading this blog, however I was very intrigued by their music and their message conveyed through hip hop. I also like how you put specific lyrics in your article and had the important parts of each highlighted a different color from the rest. Very good article, nice work.
ReplyDeleteLoved the breakdown of who and what Immortal Technique is about. His socially conscious lyrics are always a pleasure to hear especially in this time of non-conscious rap. Some hard core rapping but about stuff that actually matters and is meaningful. I appreciate the post as you gave specific examples of his lyrics and what his whole profile is about. Definitely was also great to learn about his heritage and where he is from, since all I knew prior about Immortal was his anecdote from Dancing With the Devil (not the best way to learn about someone there) lol
ReplyDeletethanks for the awesome comments guys! See you all in class later today
ReplyDeleteI have never really listened to immortal technique, however I may start listening now. I liked the fact you included lyrics as well.
ReplyDelete