Make it Matter

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Immortal Technique – Young Lords 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 assassinations

AIDS epidemic crack era fractured a nation

The interpretation of American democracy

Is best exemplified in its foreign policy dichotomy

I live a double-life of political philosophy

But 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.

     "I came to my senses, un esclavo no soy, that is not my past, I came to know me and my people, red brown and black, helped me paint the future"

                                                              - Immortal Technique
                                                   (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