Immortal Technique, born Felipe Coronel, is a renowned rapper and activist whose powerful lyrics have left an indelible mark on the hip-hop world. Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in Harlem, New York, his music reflects his gritty upbringing and the socio-political issues he’s deeply passionate about. Known for his razor-sharp rhymes, he fearlessly tackles topics like systemic oppression, poverty, and political corruption, offering an unfiltered perspective that challenges the status quo.
Immortal Technique’s discography, including albums like Revolutionary Vol. 1 and The 3rd World, has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Beyond music, he’s engaged in activism and philanthropy, making him an influential figure who continues to inspire change. While hip-hop certainly possesses such inspirational figures, it was a man from the world of reggae who inspired Rechnique’s attitude to living the life of a musician.
Bob Marley, a legendary Jamaican musician and cultural icon, is celebrated for his reggae music that transcends borders and generations, and his influence can be found in everything Technique does. His timeless classics, such as ‘No Woman, No Cry’ and ‘One Love,’ promote unity and social consciousness. Marley’s enduring legacy reflects his message of love, peace, and the fight for justice.
When picking out his favourite Bob Marley song, the rapper shared his admiration for Marley, noting: “When I listen to an artist that has already passed away and yet left an immense impact on the world, and obviously on my own music, I like to go back to the beginning of their career. I want to see the transformative steps that they have taken in their music and philosophy and life.”
“I think seeing the evolution of the human being’s perspective on life is best understood seeing the person as a whole,” he continued. “Not just through the window of their career where they found the most commercial success. Not just the music but the hardships they endured in their life are important.”
Technique showed his deep love for the artist by picking a little-known tune: “I remember discovering this small gem of Bob Marley called ‘Judge Not.’ (1962) It’s not as famous as his other songs that are played at school dances and it isn’t on commercials to vacation in Jamaica. Yet when I found it, I saw that it was from his first album and yet the message that he held in his career was relatively consistent.”
For Technique, the song was “an exploration of the human condition to point out what was really valuable about our lives. In the later years, it became more complex as he tackled larger issues, but the simplicity and sincerity of the song, coming from a man just opening his musical talent to the world, spoke volumes to me.”
Listen to Immortal Technique’s favourite Bob Marley song below.
