New York rapper Immortal Technique takes independent music to a new, revolutionary, level. Techs regard for major Record Labels can be best described as one of contempt. Echoing the move of many artists who wish to exercise control over the content and production of their music, he did not sign with a record label that would alter his  music and fillter his message. This gives him the freedom to say whatever he wants about whoever he wants. His gritty and sober reflection on the realities of Harlem life, social injustice, racism, corporate America, the hypocrisy of western governemnts, religion,  and the manufacturing of consent reflects his belief that Hip-Hop is an emacipatory and critical movement which should question existing power structures, not perpetuate them.

It is interesting the homogenising effects that major labels have on artists with an outspoken anti establishment message, and Immortal Technique is all too aware of this. He has reputedly turned down at least one major record offer. After the initial underground success of Revolutionary vol. 1 (which got him unsigned hype in Source), he released Revolutionary vol. 2 with Viper Records, for which he is executive VP. To date, he has moved over 135,000 units without a major label. Immortal Technique embodies the spirit of the independent music, the reality of his expression is rooted in his experience of the world, and the deliverance of this vision will not be compromised by anything. A profoundly accomplished lyricist and musician, his music is both provocative and engaging. Tech is a prolific activist, and his tireless work ethic is well known.

“I live and breathe Revolution, Rebellion is in my blood and HipHop is the heart that pumps it”

- Immortal technique

Tags: homogenization, immortal technique, independent, politics, revolutionary vol 1, viper records

This entry was posted on Friday, January 9th, 2009 at 10:15 am and is filed under Inspiring. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.