In the summer of 2009, I was the stage manager at one of the stages at the Peace & Love Festival in Borlänge, where I had an encounter I will never forget. That encounter was with none other than Felipe Andres Coronel, better known as Immortal Technique, the legendary underground rapper and activist. It became a conversation about everything from prison and shootings to showing off scarred body parts – a raw yet authentic moment reflecting his music and message.
Immortal Technique and His Message
Immortal Technique is no ordinary musician. His songs delve into the major social injustices in the world: poverty, colonialism, the dark side of capitalism, and racism. His music is a slap in the face to all systems that oppress people. He is also known for speaking plainly and directly, and this turned out to be exactly the kind of person he was in real life.
The First Meeting
I remember his crew arriving at the stage. His demeanor was as sharp as his lyrics – intense, focused, and uncompromising. He greeted us stage personnel briefly but respectfully and made no grand requests, only that his sound and lighting were perfect. Despite his reputation as a tough and unsentimental figure, one could sense an aura of respect and authenticity.
During the soundcheck, his expectations were high. His voice carried a power that was not just audible but palpable. Afterward, as we talked backstage, he began sharing stories that left a deep impression.
A Conversation About Prison and Life in Harlem
Immortal Technique spoke about his time in prison and how it shaped him. He described it not only as a place of loss but also as a school of life. He said, “Prison isn’t a place where you just disappear. It’s a place where you learn about the system – and yourself. Many come out stronger, not weaker.”
His stories about Harlem, his upbringing, and how he constantly navigated through violence and poverty gave a clear picture of where his lyrics drew their strength. The technique he used in his music – telling the truth, no matter how uncomfortable – now felt like a direct mirror of his own experiences.
Shootings and Physical Scars
During our conversation, he showed physical scars from his life in New York. One of them was from a shooting. He talked about it with a sort of philosophical distance, as if it was part of a larger, deeper story about survival and resistance.
“It’s not just getting shot that shapes you,” he said. “It’s what you do afterward. Do you give up, or do you use it as fuel?”
His stories were not only tragic but also inspiring in their focus on personal strength and resilience.
The Audience and His Performance
The evening’s performance was as electric as his personality. He stepped onto the stage and opened with “Point of No Return” – a song filled with anger and power. The audience, consisting of everyone from hip-hop fans to curious festivalgoers, was captivated from the first moment.
His lyrics filled the air with an intensity that left no one unaffected. Between songs, he spoke about the importance of educating oneself and taking responsibility for one’s community. “The revolution starts here,” he said, pointing to his heart.
Aftermath: A Lasting Inspiration
After the performance, he personally thanked the stage crew – a gesture that felt unexpected from someone who seemed so tough. But beneath his hard exterior was a man who understood the value of relationships and collaboration. For me personally, the encounter left a deep impression.
Immortal Technique represents something so rare today – an authentic voice that dares to speak the truth, no matter the consequences. He uses his experiences, his scars, and his story to inspire others not just to survive but to fight for a better world.
Reflections and Lessons
As a stage manager, I have met many artists, but few have had the same effect on me as Felipe Andres Coronel. He is more than a musician – he is a revolutionary, a storyteller, and an inspiration. His passion and stance are a reminder that courage doesn’t always mean standing against enemies but sometimes daring to stand for the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
That night at Peace & Love 2009 was not just a performance. It was a testament to struggle, strength, and what is possible when you never stop believing in your voice. Felipe Andres Coronel left the stage with the same force as he arrived – and with a message that still resonates today.
By Chris...
Immortal Technique - Insight into a Revolutionary Voice
In this powerful video, Felipe Andres Coronel, aka Immortal Technique, delves into the essence of his music and activism. A voice for the voiceless, he fearlessly addresses social injustice, systemic oppression, and personal resilience, delivering a raw and unfiltered perspective that resonates with audiences worldwide.
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Speechless. That someone like this was made. That cares this much. Imagine a world with more people that feel this deeply on things that really matter.