Immortal Technique infuses issues of poverty, injustice and corruption in his intense lyrics.

Peruvian rapper draws on political angst

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Posted: 8/21/08

Born in Peru during a civil war, Immortal Technique immigrated to the projects of Harlem with his family in the early 1980s. However, upon arrival, he found himself in the middle of another war zone: life on the streets.

Very political and politically incorrect, Immortal Technique considers himself the voice of all the people who are victims of "the government's lies and carnage," according to his Web site. Because of this, his tracks are nothing like the rap that is played on the radio or in clubs.

Based upon discrepancies between what people would like to believe about the world and what it really is like, his raps most likely will disgust and anger every person who hears them.

RECOMMENDED TRACKS

"Dance With The Devil"
"You Never Know"
"The Poverty of Philosophy"
"The 4th Branch"

Pulling from his knowledge of the projects, gang life, drug trade, American history and international relations, he portrays reality without glorifying it or making excuses, putting everything from rape and racial conflict to the Iraq war within its cultural and historical context.

His records are intelligent and educated, saturated with lyrics that make comparisons such as Condoleezza Rice to Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson's slave mistress. He proposes that the government makes the projects look like prisons to prepare residents for becoming prisoners.

His lyrics won't make anyone feel happy about the world, but they are meant to open listeners' minds and make them look deeper into what they hear on the news or in politicians' speeches.

- Courtney Smith