![]() ![]() In “The 4th Branch,” an accusatory finger is pointed at news media for manipulating public opinion. In a stinging criticism of European colonialism, Technique claims Hispanic culture is due to the Spanish “raping Black and Indian women, creating Latinos.” Heatedly informing his listeners our understanding of the past is no more than bigoted fiction, he launches into the rest of the album, fully aware that everyone who just listened to the opening track is uncomfortable with the in-your-face accusations, yet undeniably curious as to what else this irate rapper has to say. Within three minutes, he references Nat Turner, Malcolm X, Auschwitz, and the Patriot Act. The curtain opens on “Point of No Return,” where strings ominously loop over stuttering percussion, and Technique bursts onto the track, frantically spitting out an alternative history lesson to his audience. In short, nobody gets a free ride on Technique’s master polemic, Revolutionary Vol. In 2003 this Peruvian born New Yorker, who is quite possibly the angriest guy in music, issued an urgent call to arms against the hypocrisy of the establishment, coloring it with Andean and Latin folk samples, character portraits, and fiery yet clever lyrical diatribes against the ignorance of the Bush administration, the white middle class, corporate America, and poor minorities. ![]() ![]() ![]() While these critics have a point, one doubts they have ever listened to Immortal Technique. Those from earlier times lament that our musicians only reinforce this lazy and irresponsible sentiment once a tool for artists to voice discontent and raw ideals, music has devolved into a medium where entertainers espouse the virtues of sex, cars, drugs…and bling. In the face of war, inequality, and questionable leadership, we have grown complacent in lives characterized by materialism, caring little about the notion of affecting change. One of the loudest critiques of our generation is that a general apathy has infected our entire world-view. ![]()
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