The (R)evolution of Immortal Technique

I met Immortal Technique years ago shortly after he got out of jail and threw himself into the battle game with a fury like no other. Technique’s battle’s are legendary. Sorry, Youtube-ing them now wont do it justice. You had to be there. But that was just the opening act. Tech had some important stuff to say and he was going to use his dominance on the mic to get those messages heard. Over the years I have seen him develop his ideas, musically, lyrically, politically and socially.  I always respected him for that.

You see, when I was a boy, listening to groups like Public Enemy, Poor Righteous Teachers and BDP taught me something about Hip Hop that I hadn’t realized before those groups came along: you don’t have to say things in a rhyme because they sound cool and just go where the rhyme takes you. You can say what’s on your mind – even have an agenda – a MAKE the rhyme sound cool. Words submit to your will. It’s up to you to make them do what you want, say what you want. Immortal Technique is one of THOSE type of rappers (sorry, MC’s). He is not trying to be “fly”. He is trying to bring knowledge to light, wake people up and inspire them to make changes in their lives and in the world.

To that end, Technique also put his money where his mouth is, when he traveled to Afghanistan and helped build an orphanage/school, for needy children. This is not a millionaire movie star or Platinum selling artist (yet), who writes a check like its nothing and goes about his day. This is a 100% independent artist, who makes his money touring and selling his CD’s (VIPER RECORDS).

Read more and hear Immortal Technique’s speech “We Can’t Back Down Now”, after the jump!

Up until now, Immortal Technique has been a known to fans of battling, conscious rap and to those that live and breathe Hip Hop. His fan base will buy up a show at S.O.B’s or BBKings in an hour, but his name is not a household word in the mainstream (yet). Now, the new documentary “The (R)evolution of Immortal Technique” has the potential to change that. Throughout the film, Hip Hop luminaries such as Chuck D (Public Enemy), Ice T and RZA (Wu Tang Clan) as well as movie star Woody Harrelson and Dr. Cornell West espouse praise on Technique for fighting the good fight, bringing politics back into rap music and being an ambassador for meaningful hip hop.

For more info on Technique and his new film, check out these article’s on B.E.T and AllHipHop.com to learn how the Afro-Peruvian immigrant came to Harlem and transformed himself from a battle MC into a true agent of change. And if you get a chance, go see the film. It’s an incredible story of 10 years of his journey. You wont be disappointed. According to ViperRecords website, the film “will be available to the public by the end of the year”.

I wanted to let everyone know that “The (R)evolution of Immortal Technique” won the Spotlight Award at the Harlem Film Festival. This is a blessing and an honor, and I appreciate everyone who came out to see the film…” – Immortal Technique on FaceBook

Follow: @ImmortalTech | ViperRecords

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