Credit: Inkwell

Harlem rapper Immortal Technique is an underground hip-hop legend, activist, and humanitarian. The 47-year-old rapper, born in Lima, Peru, is best known for his haunting 2001 song ‘Dance with the Devil’, which appeared on his debut album, Revolutionary, Vol. 1. But his success might not have been possible without inspiration from some icons.

Technique once revealed his top five rappers, dead or alive. Instead of picking artists from the newer generation, his list included MCs primarily active in the ’80s and ’90s.

“I think though, for me, it comes down to the people who taught me the fundamentals,” he told AllHipHop. “So, that’s who I would go off of. I would say obviously Rakim, [Big Daddy] Kane, KRS [One], [Kool] G Rap, and to close out, although I could interchange it, I would say Slick Rick.”

Technique once revealed that most of his influences came from people outside rap, including human rights activists and boxers. However, he expanded on some of his other favourite rappers, such as NWA and Public Enemy members.

“Most of my lyrical influences came from people who didn’t really do hip-hop,” he told The Guardian. “Like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali – people who I thought were incredible speakers. But in terms of rap, I’m talking KRS-One, Ice Cube, Chuck D, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Big Punisher, Lord Finesse, DITC.”

The knowledge he gained from those artists no doubt translated into his music, which has always gone hand in hand with a message. History and politics are a key part of his lyrics as a mirror of his own life and the things he has gone through.

“The music I make is very personal, passionate and tells a story of sacrifice,” he said. “There are a lot of historical and political references. People ask me: ‘Why do you rap about politics?‘ I’ve always tried to reflect real life in my music and go beyond the experience of the inner-city ghetto of America. I like to have multiple dimensions in my music.”

He added, “I don’t shy away from anything. As human beings, we’re all works in progress. If I can get some constructive criticism, you’re helping me grow as a human being. Sometimes, I realise I need to grow. It happened with me trying to take the word bitch more out of my music.”

Technique’s music also has a lot of anger, but he admits he isn’t bothered by small things. He says he’s triggered by issues like war in Afghanistan or people using Christianity, Islam and Judaism as a way to justify murder.

“I think it’s righteous fury,” he said. “If someone shot your mother you’d be angry, right? But would you be wrong for being angry? No. I’ve heard people criticise me for the most ridiculous things, calling my music abrasive. If you’re troubled by the words I speak, then you should probably hang yourself because the world is going to tear you apart or is too real for you to accept. I’m not offended by fuck, shit, pussy, dick, motherfucker.”