Entertainment
Taking a Stand through Music and Activism – Immortal Technique
In the world of socially conscious hip-hop, few are as revered and respected as much as Peruvian-born and Harlem-raised MC, Immortal Technique. Ever since unleashing his first album, Revolutionary Vol. 1, in 2001, Tech has proved himself to be a force of nature within the underground hip-hop community. Known for his aggressive and eviscerating, yet, intelligent flows and fearless music and performance, Tech has established himself as one of the most brilliant and charismatic storytellers of the genre. In addition to his musical contributions, Immortal Technique has made great efforts over the course of his nearly 15-year professional career to practice exactly what he preaches. He is highly involved in activism and charity work, including local, national and international efforts, and encourages his fans to do the same. CULTURE was able to catch up with Immortal Technique and hear about his plans for new music and activism, as well as hear his opinions on drug policy, hip-hop and world events.
In May, you’ll be taking part in the United We Stand Fest. The festival is promoting awareness about privacy rights, the anti-war movement and drug prohibition, among other things. Why do you think these issues are so important, especially to young people?
Throughout the years, hip-hop has changed. Many say for the worst, but I do not believe that. Yes, perhaps the conditions under which the music is made now is a lot more efficient and comfortable, but there are hurdles just the same. I believe that when the people coming out to the festival leave that night, they will be reminded of the power of hip-hop. Not the caricature of our culture shown on cable T.V., but the real-time impact fullness of being a voice for change.
Do you have any feelings one way or the other about the medical cannabis movement that seems to be rapidly gaining steam in the United States?
I feel like the proof is there. People’s lives have been changed, and for the better. Some people have even been saved. It’s just not credible to view the medical marijuana movement as an “elaborate excuse for stoners to get high” as I heard one critic have the bottomless ignorance to utter. Obviously, it needs to be regulated, and there need to be some guidelines, but the point is clear. Demonization solves nothing.
You’ve been involved in a lot of prisoner out reach over the years. Has being so intimately involved with the incarcerated helped shape your views on things like drug policy?
Once upon a time, I served time in a prison cell. That doesn’t give me the right to brag about it, or to talk tough. However, it does give the responsibility to educate young brothers and sisters of every walk of life, that there is no rite of passage here, just slavery. That during the prison experience people divide themselves by “race,” however, when they look around they will realize that they are all united by class. Prison is becoming a joke, children now call it the place where poor people go. Why? Because they constantly see the stark difference of the consequences that befall the rich and the poor for the same exact crime.
You’ve also done a lot of charity/activist work internationally including helping to establish an orphanage in Kabul, Afghanistan. How did you get involved with that particular project? How is the orphanage doing now?
The orphanage is great, thank you. The children can read, write, they are healthier than ever and many of them are preparing to continue their schooling. That was a major achievement of mine and omeid.org, to whom I must give an extraordinary amount of credit. They may be a small human rights organization but they have great follow through.
See Immortal Technique at United We Stand Festival on May 10!
